Having strong lower body muscles is essential for overall health and athletic performance. These muscle groups keep your body grounded, prevent injuries and improve your resting metabolic rate. They also help to prevent or control chronic diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Strengthening your lower body can be as simple as using a dumbbell or kettlebell to perform exercises that target your core, back and glutes. But you’ll need to use proper form if you want to get the most out of your workouts and see noticeable results in the short term.
A few lower body exercises that build strength are squats, dead lifts and lunges. The latter is a great move for developing your glutes, quads and hamstrings. You can also try the step-up box lunge, a versatile alternative motion that targets your legs and core.
Dumbbell Squats
Performing back squats with a dumbbell in your hand is an effective way to train your lower body and strengthen your core at the same time. This exercise works several muscles at once, including the glutes and the hip flexors. To maximize the benefits, add an additional weight in each hand (so you can do four sets of 15 reps).
Leg Curls and Hip Extensions
Using a barbell is one of the best ways to build strength in your lower body. These exercises work your leg muscles, the hamstrings and your abs at the same time and can be done with any weight from light to heavy.
You can also use a barbell to do single-joint exercises such as knee raises, squats and lateral raises, which stimulate your leg muscles and the hamstrings without using the hips. These exercises are particularly useful for those who have limited flexibility or who have difficulty doing free-weight movements.
To maximize the strength benefits, add an additional weight in each hand so you can do four sets of 15 to 20 reps. It’s best to start off with a lighter weight and increase it progressively over time as your strength increases and your form becomes more stable.
Quad Extensions
Sit on a quad extension machine and adjust it accordingly to ensure that your knees are next to the hinge point of the machine. Life Time equipment has red dots to indicate this point, which makes it easier for you to position yourself correctly. Set the machine to a weight that you can perform for a few sets of 12 to 15 reps.
Stand up with your feet flat on the floor and hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and engage your core, back and glutes to perform a dumbbell dead lift. Do this movement in a controlled manner to focus on proper form.
Squats
A basic squat is a good lower body exercise for anyone, but it’s especially beneficial for those who are overweight or obese. By building strong leg muscles, you’ll reduce the chances of injuries and improve your ability to run, hike or lift heavier, all while improving your heart health.
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