Here are 4 little known ways you can get in a great leg and lower body workout at home.
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We have all been there at some point: snow blocking the roads, sick child at home that needs pampering, car is in the shop, or probably the most common, I just don’t have the time today. But you need to get to a gym to get a leg workout, right? What to do?
While less than ideal, I typically take these days as an opportunity to work not only major muscle groups, but also minor muscles that are often neglected during traditional exercises. As goes the old idiom, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” so goes a body is only as strong as its weakest muscle. So here are four at-home exercises that can work both your major and minor muscle groups which require little to no equipment.
The Windmill Lunge
Typically, when we do lunges, we are doing front lunges, which give the quads a fantastic burn, but otherwise do not work other muscles. The windmill lunge will work all parts of your leg, including the inner thigh muscles and hip adductors. To do a windmill lunge, begin with a normal forward lunge, with your right foot forward. In your next lunge, step forward at a 45 degree angle. Continue to rotate 45 degrees each lunge, and after five lunges you will have just completed a reverse lunge. Repeat until fatigued and then switch legs.
Jump Lunge
One of the worst aspect about at home workout is that without equipment, it is difficult to do explosive movements which activate those “Type 2” muscle fibers, which are the muscle fibers responsible for your heavy lifts. Doing a jump lunge will activate those type 2 muscle fibers. To do a jump lunge, it’s easy; do a lunge, then jump up in the air and switch your foot position for the next lunge, then land. The faster you move, the better the burn!
One-Legged Squat
This exercise requires a lot of balance to execute correctly, so in case you fall over your first few times, make sure you have something to grab onto. Stand on a step with one foot and keep your other foot off the ground. Lower yourself with your planted leg until your butt and knee are parallel, then stand back up. If you can, try not to hold onto anything while doing these. Again, balancing engages minor muscles as well as your core.
Swiss Ball Hamstring Curl
Likely the easiest exercise from this list, find an inflatable exercise ball and lie down on your back. Place both your heels on the ball and lift your body off the ground. Now bring the ball in closer to your body by curling your legs. Repeat until fatigued. For a more challenging exercise, use a smaller exercise ball, which will throw your body off balance and engage more and different muscle fibers.
Whether your home is your ideal workout spot or you’re crunched for time and can’t leave the house, these exercises can get you the workout your body needs.
Lower Body Stretches
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Gorgeous Legs At Home Workout
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Lower Body Heavy Day Workout
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This article was authored by Michael Volkin, inventor of Strength Stack 52 bodyweight exercise cards and the all new Weight Loss Stack 52, the most fun and unique way to lose weight.
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5 Replies to "4 Little Known Ways to Get a Leg Workout at Home"
Deborah
Twitter: deborahbrooks14
September 11, 2014 (7:05 am)
great exercises to do anywhere. I love the 1 legged squat and the swiss ball moves
o
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
September 11, 2014 (7:29 am)
I struggle with single leg squats. Lol
Tina Muir
Twitter: tinamuir
September 11, 2014 (7:41 am)
Great ideas Diatta! I use the one legged squat and hamstring curl (well, a variation of it) for my strength and conditioning! I do not like them, but I know how good they are for preventing injuries, so I keep doing them. Thanks for sharing the other ideas! #wowlinkup
o
Gabriella
Twitter: homegrownsmarts
September 13, 2014 (5:13 pm)
This is just what I need – thank you! Though despite my busy law student life, I’m promising myself more quality time at the gym now that I’ve finally gotten the chance to settle in 😉
Also, agreed, single-leg squats look monstrously difficult!
Julie Auler January 24, 2017 (9:51 am)
Great post, Diatta! I love using pistol squats with my boot campers, and I love incorporating those swiss ball hamstring curls into my workouts!