Building Leg Strength
You may not realize it but your legs are the very foundation of your day – they carry you places, lift you up stairs, and provide you with a way to get around. Few people grasp the importance of leg strength until they meet with something unexpected that restricts leg power. Having strong legs means power to get around and make your day work for you, and that is why it’s important to build up strength in your legs. The good news is that leg muscles are among the fastest in the body to respond to training, so you may see results in as little as ten days!
Many people fear that by performing strengthening exercises for the legs, they will end up with tough, masculine-looking legs. It simply isn’t possible! When legs become strong they become lean and beautiful, not big and bulky, so don’t be afraid to tap into the power that lies in your legs. Cardio training is a great way to condition the legs while burning fat and calories at the same time, but cardio alone will not shape and define your legs without the assistance of exercises directed specifically at the muscles that make the legs work. Fit this easy routine into your weekly exercise schedule and soon your legs will be the talk of the town!
Strengthening Your Legs with Simple Moves
Lunges, the King of Leg Exercises
Lunges are the hands down favorite with trainers across the country and it’s not hard to see why: doing lunges works all muscles in the legs with one simple move. There’s no fancy footwork required! Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and then take one giant step forward with your right foot. Place your hands on your hips for balance and then lower your body straight down until your back leg forms a right angle at the knee. Using your leg muscles, raise yourself back up slowly and then repeat the movement for three sets of 30 repetitions for each leg. (Don’t forget working the back leg!) Remember to keep your upper body aligned over the knee that is bent and raise and lower slowly to get the maximum benefit.
If you have bad knees, modify the movement by taking a smaller step forward and only drop down as far as is comfortable. While lunges are a fantastic move for legs they can be especially challenging for people with bad knees and you may decide to abstain from lunging entirely. If so, there are plenty of other exercises that strengthen the legs without placing too much stress on the knee. Use the other moves mentioned here or talk to a trainer or knowledgeable friend. It is possible for people with sore knees to strengthen and tone the lower body.
Pages: 1 2
