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You probably know by now that while some exercises are incredible to learn, others are absolutely mandatory and must be a part of your workout schedule if you are to keep fit and stay afar from injury. And leg workouts are one of those routines that fall in the must-do category.
Why do you ask? Well, because support from your legs – which leg workouts provide in abundance – is absolutely necessary when you’re doing heavy lifting in the form of barbells and with other such pieces of equipment.
In fact, the importance of a strong lower body should be anything, but underestimated due to it being vital to not just your gym workouts but also your sports performance, running, jogging and pretty much any daily physical activity.
Besides, leg workouts don’t just enhance the performance of your quads and hamstrings but also your balance and core muscles. We are pretty sure that after taking note of all these benefits, you will want to get down to doing some leg workouts right away.
However, the question remains which leg workouts you should begin with on your path to getting the most ripped legs possible. That’s exactly what we here to tell you. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at 5 ultimate leg strengthening exercises to maximise the strength of your legs.
Front Squat
The Front Squat is truly one of the best leg strengthening exercises out there when it comes to building your quads. So, if you haven’t been practicing it already, now is a good time to start.
Step 1: Set a barbell on a power rack at about shoulder height and proceed to grab it with all your might.
Step 2: Raise your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Take the bar out of the rack and let it rest on your fingertips and make sure your elbows are all the way up throughout the movement.
Step 3: Take a step back and set your feet at shoulder width with your toes turned out slightly. Squat as low as you can while keeping your back steady before reverting to your original posture.
Important Tip: Begin with 2 sets of 8 reps.
Next Up: Bulgarian Lunge
Bulgarian Lunge
Also referred to as the split squat, the Bulgarian Lunge is a variation of the traditional lunge, with the only difference being that the tension remains on one leg rather than both while performing the exercise.
Step 1: Hold a dumbbell in each hand and place yourself in a staggered stance with one foot rested on a bench or box.
Also, read 8 Ultimate Dumbbell Workouts You Should Do To Hit Every Muscle.
Step 2: Lower yourself by bending your knee while keeping your spine straight. Keep lowering yourself until your thigh is parallel to the ground.
Step 3: Revert to your original position by pushing yourself up through your heel.
Important Tip: Begin with 2 sets of 8 reps on each leg.
Next Up: Romanian Deadlift
Romanian Deadlift
In all honesty, the Romanian Deadlift is one of the trickier exercises on this list, but is excellent when it comes to the development of your hamstrings and glute, which is why you must practice it often.
Step 1: Grab a barbell with a shoulder-width grip and position yourself with your feet hip-width apart.
Step 2: Bend your hips back as far as you can and let your knees bend smoothly while you lower the bar along your shins.
Step 3: Make sure your lower back in its natural arched position throughout the exercise.
Important Tip: Begin with 3 sets of 8 reps. ‘
Next Up: Pistol Squat
Pistol Squat
Step 1: Stand in front of a bench or box that’s perfectly at knee height and face away from it while holding one dumbbell with both hands in front of your chest. Also known as the single-leg squat, this unique leg strengthening exercise is a great test of strength and flexibility, and is excellent in strengthening both these areas in your legs.
Step 2: Extend your right leg out in front of you with your toes up and heel a few inches off the floor.
Step 3: Push your hips back and lower your butt onto the bench while keeping your chest up. Revert to your original stance without letting your foot touch the floor.
Also, read 5 Effective Squat Exercises That'll Shape Up Your Butt.
Important Tip: Begin with 3 sets of 3 reps.
Next Up: Jump Squat
Jump Squat
This incredible leg strengthening exercise charges up almost every muscle in your lower body from your quads and your glutes to your hamstrings and calves. Besides these benefits, jump squats also improve your stability.
Also, read 6 Easy & Effective Thigh Workouts To Burn Fat and Have Strong Legs.
Step 1: Hold a dumbbell in front of your chest while keeping your feet width apart and your toes pointed forward.
Step 2: Bend your knees and push your hips back until your thighs are parallel to the floor while keeping your back flat and chest up.
Step 3: Jump as high as you can, and get back into position for your next rep as soon as you hit the ground.
Important Tip: Begin with 3 sets of 5 reps.
