Five of the Best Leg Exercises for Lower Body Strength
Exercise, nutrition, hydration , and strength training are all important elements of top performance. Leg strength is important in most sports, and many leg exercises also strengthen your core, which is crucial for optimal performance in the sport you love. Today, we’ll talk about five of the top leg strengthening exercises to consider for your workout routine.
Box Jump . For this exercise, you’re doing a quick, explosive jump up onto a box in front of you. Start from a standing position, then bend your knees and power up onto the box. You can use a 24- or 36-inch box for this exercise. Do three sets of six, and rest two minutes between sets. Variations include adding another box and jumping quickly from one to the other or going from a sitting position on the box with a dumbbell on your neck and jumping up to standing.
Trap Bar Deadlift . For this exercise you’ll need a good trap bar and weight set. You begin in a standing position with your feet apart at hip width. Bend your knees and grip the trap bar. Keep your arms and back straight and look straight ahead through the lift. Be aware of your body position and lift slowly then return to the ground. Start with six sets of eight and work up to your goal.
Bulgarian Split Squats . This exercise targets your quadriceps and glutes, focusing on one leg at a time. That way, you’ll be able to correctly assess the strength of each leg by itself. Start face forward with a bench or other elevated platform. Lay one foot behind you up on the platform with the top of the foot faced down. Place the other leg in front of you. You’ll bend to a 90-degree angle and return to standing (hold dumbbells for a stronger effect). Do five sets of five reps with each leg to start.
Walking Lunge . This version of the popular exercise targets quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, with a movement that also requires good balance and coordination. Holding dumbbells, you’ll alternate lunges with each leg, ensuring that your posture is correct and that your knee does not touch the floor during the lunge movement. When returning to standing, you’ll move your back foot forward, moving in a walking motion across the floor. Keep the front knee straight ahead without turning. For each leg, do three sets of 20 reps.
Barbell Squats . This is one of the most common and most effective leg strength-training exercises, targeting your core, quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves for a great workout. Stand firmly with feet shoulder-width apart and the barbell across your back shoulders. Use your knees and hips to bend, taking care to keep your abs tight and your head in a neutral position. You’ll bend as low as you can go and return to upright. Do ten sets of three reps.
With each of these exercises, body position is crucial, both to engage the correct muscles and to avoid injury. Always have your trainer assist you with new exercises to ensure proper positioning and, as you perform the reps, focus on maintaining proper posture.
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