Most of us tend to focus on working out our upper body to the point that we forget that we also need to train our leg muscles for a balanced physique. Our leg muscles not only support us when we stand but they also propel us forward or backward. When these muscles are weak, we are prone to tripping or falling down. What’s more, our knees can easily give way too because the surrounding muscles are not strong enough to hold us up.
Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can strengthen your legs when you work out. Here are some exercises that you should try out.
Dumbbell lunge. For this exercise, you need to hold a dumbbell in each hand with the weights resting on both sides while standing. With your right foot, take a huge step forward then bend at the knees until they are 90 degrees to go into a lunge. Keep your back straight as you go into a lunge. Push down on your right foot to propel you upward then go back to your first position. Do 10 reps before switching to the other leg.
Dumbbell goblet squat. In this leg exercise, you should stand with your feet at hip-width apart. Hold one end of a dumbbell with both hands and in front of your chest. While keeping your back straight, engage your core as you push your hips back. Bend your knees to lower yourself into a squat. Make sure that your knees don’t go beyond your toes. Go back to your first position and repeat this exercise 10 times.
Dumbbell squat. Here is another example of leg workout that will give your leg muscles a nice workout. As the name suggests, you will need a pair of dumbbells only. Stand straight with your arms fully extended at your sides. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Engage your coght with your arms fully extended at your sides. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Engage your coretour core muscles as you push your hips back and bend your knees. This will help you lower yourself into a squat. Keep the weights at your sides as you go into a squat. Press down on your feet to go back to your first position. Do 10 reps for this exercise.
Dumbbell stiff leg deadlift. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and at your sides. Stand straight with your knees slightly bent. Your feet should be at shoulder-width apart. While you keep your back straight, bend at the waist to lower your weights toward the tops of your feet without altering the position of your legs or until your hamstrings will allow. Use your hamstrings to lift you back up. Make sure that you engage your glutes and hamstrings throughout the exercise.
These dumbbell workouts can help add that extra challenge to your leg exercises which in turn can tone and strengthen the muscles in your lower body. By exercising your leg muscles you will be able to make your legs sturdier and capable of carrying heavier weights for long periods of time.
