Leg Exercises Real Personal Trainers Recommend For Your Next …

Here are some leg exercises real personal trainers recommend for your next workout;

Squats: Squats are a great compound exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Personal trainer Mark Carroll recommends doing squats with a barbell, using a weight that challenges you but allows you to maintain proper form. He also suggests varying your foot position and depth to target different muscle groups.

Lunges: Lunges are another effective leg exercise that targets the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Personal trainer Bret Contreras suggests doing walking lunges to increase the difficulty and challenge your balance. He also recommends keeping your front knee in line with your ankle and not letting it go past your toes to protect your knee joint.

Deadlifts: Deadlifts are a compound exercise that primarily targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back, but also works the quads and calves. Personal trainer Tony Gentilcore recommends starting with a lighter weight and mastering the technique before increasing the weight. He also suggests using a mixed grip (one hand overhand and the other underhand) to help prevent the bar from rolling out of your hands.

Step-ups: Step-ups are a unilateral leg exercise that targets the quads, hamstrings, and glutes, as well as improve balance and stability. Personal trainer Kaisa Keranen recommends using a box or bench that is knee-height or lower, and keeping your weight on your front foot as you step up. She also suggests adding a knee drive at the top of the movement to engage your core and improve hip mobility.

Calf raises: Calf raises are a great exercise for targeting the calves. Personal trainer Mike Robertson suggests doing them with a slow eccentric (lowering) phase and a quick concentric (lifting) phase to increase the intensity. He also recommends doing both seated and standing calf raises to target different parts of the muscle.

Remember to always use proper form and start with a weight appropriate for your fitness level. As you progress, you can gradually increase the weight or difficulty to continue challenging yourself and seeing results.