Shake Up Your Leg Day Routine With These Trainer-Approved Moves

I have a deep appreciation for the challenge of a demanding leg day workout, which includes various exercises such as deadlifts and squats. At times, however, I find myself repeating the same exercises and feel the need for a fresh addition to my leg day routine. If you, too, share my passion for leg day, I have chosen a selection of exceptional leg exercises recommended by a highly regarded trainer. These exercises are sure to elevate your leg day experience significantly.

The significance of leg exercises, you may wonder, lies in not just the development of muscles but also in their role in facilitating day-to-day functional movements, as highlighted by New York-based personal trainer Kristina Earnest, CPT. Whether it’s climbing stairs or bending to pick something up, the lower body bears the brunt of these activities. Additionally, leg workouts inherently engage other muscles, thereby providing an efficient metabolic boost. For example, squats, among the finest leg exercises, simultaneously target the glutes, quads, and core, while also providing a beneficial cardiovascular workout.

Now, let us turn our attention to the exercises themselves. I am pleased to introduce our expert, Kristina Earnest, CPT, a personal trainer with over a decade of experience leading a variety of fitness classes. Patricia Greaves, CPT, is also included, a personal trainer, nutrition coach, and founder of StrongHer Personal Training based in New York City.

Here, you will find 32 of the most beneficial leg exercises for your upcoming leg day workout. While they have been carefully selected for inclusion in your routine, you are not required to perform all 32 in a single session. Opt for seven or eight exercises and complete three or four sets of 10 to 12 repetitions for each exercise. Alternatively, you may choose to perform each exercise for 30 to 45 seconds.

From hip circles to lateral lunges with balance, there is something suitable for every individual. Of particular significance is the fact that these exercises do not necessitate the use of elaborate gym equipment. A looped resistance band and some dumbbells are all that is required to commence your session. Picture the enjoyment of using a jump rope combined with the intensity of skaters, both designed to target your leg muscles.

What, then, is the most effective leg exercise, according to our expert Kristina Earnest? She recommends seeking out multi-joint or compound exercises such as hip thrusts, dumbbell step-ups, and Romanian deadlifts. These exercises work multiple muscles simultaneously, resulting in a more efficient and effective workout.

Going into further detail about your leg workout, Earnest will provide expert guidance on the ideal number of sets and repetitions to aim for, the frequency of leg workouts per week, as well as the importance of properly warming up and cooling down.

If you are prepared to take your leg day to the next level, I urge you to incorporate these 32 leg exercises into your next workout. They are certain to introduce a new level of challenge to your lower body routine, while also infusing an element of excitement and engagement. Whether you are a dedicated leg day enthusiast or individuals seeking to enhance their workouts, these exercises are guaranteed to elevate your fitness regimen.