Want to get big legs? Well maybe not, but you're after the best leg exercises to build and tone your thighs, calves and glutes.
If
you're reading this, you are probably on a mission to get in shape,
bulk up, get ripped, get shredded or turn some of that superfluous tub
into powerful muscle that's both functional and, dare we say it,
attractive (to some people, at least).
You can see why it is
important to include leg workouts in your workout routine. 4 of the most
effective men leg workouts include:
Leg Extensions
If you want to work on your quadriceps and strengthen your thighs then you should be performing leg extensions. To perform leg extensions workout you are going to have to sit on a leg extension machine and place your foot below the foot pad. Grab a hold of the handle and slowly raise the weights with your legs until your knees are straight. Hold this position briefly and then slowly lower your legs back to the position you started in. You should perform the up and down motion of this exercise slowly so you can get the most out of it.
Squats
Some people complain that performing squats hurt their knees or their back. However, the only way squats can hurt your knees or your back is if you perform them incorrectly. Your body must maintain a good posture when performing a squat and if you lean too far forward while performing a squat you can damage your lower back. To properly perform a squat you need to stand up straight with your feet shoulder width apart. When using a barbell you should hold it firmly with your hands and position it steadily on your upper back with your palms facing forward. Now slowly bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. You must keep your back straight and both feet flat on the ground. Once you have squatted all the way down you must slowly raise your body back up to the position you started in. Performing squats is one of the most effective leg workouts that will build athletic legs and also work the rest of your body as well.
Leg Curl
Leg curls are also known as hamstring curls and this leg workout will tone the back of your thigh. To perform the leg curl you should be face down on a leg curl machine. First you must place your feet below the foot pad with your knees slightly off the pad and your ankles touching the foot pad. Grasp the handles of the machine firmly and slowly lift your heels towards your backside. Hold that position for a second and then slowly lower your leg back to the position you started in.
Bodyweight Lunge
50 reps in as few sets as possible
This is the ultimate workout finisher and typically requires a favoured playlist or some pumping tunes to get you through the burn.
It's super simple: you are going to perform 50 controlled lunges in as few sets as possible.
To perform a lunge, simply step forward with one leg and drop the opposite knee until the shinbone is parallel with the floor.
That's one rep, so return to the starting position and swap legs until you've completed 50. This will hurt.