When it comes to lower body workouts, the focus is often on the glutes. However, if you want to have defined and toned legs, you need to focus on specific exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
The following workouts are the best for sculpting your legs and achieving your fitness goals.
1. Squats
Squats are the most popular exercise for targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. They are the ultimate leg workout that can be modified to suit any fitness level.
Start with the basic squat, feet hip-width apart, keep your back straight, and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold and come back up for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps.
2. Lunges
Lunges are another great exercise for targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings. To perform the basic lunge, start with your right foot forward, keeping your left foot back. Lower your left knee to the ground, keeping your right knee at a 90-degree angle.
Push back up for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps on each leg.
3. Deadlifts
Deadlifts are great for targeting the hamstrings and glutes. To perform the basic deadlift, stand with your feet hip-width apart, keep your knees slightly bent, and hold a barbell in front of you.
Bend over at the waist, keeping your back straight, and lower the barbell towards the floor. Hold and come back up for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps.
4. Calf raises
Calf raises are perfect for targeting the calves. To perform the basic calf raise, stand with your feet hip-width apart and raise your heels off the ground, hold for a second, and come back down. Do three sets of 15 reps.
5. Leg press
The leg press is great for targeting the quadriceps and hamstrings. To perform the basic leg press, start by sitting with your back against the machine and placing your feet on the platform.
Push the platform away from your body, keeping your legs straight. Hold and come back to your starting position for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps.
6. Step-ups
Step-ups are great for targeting the quadriceps and glutes. To perform the basic step-up, stand in front of a bench or step, and step up with your right foot, followed by your left foot. Step back down for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps on each leg.
7. Glute bridge
The glute bridge is a great exercise for targeting the glutes and hamstrings. To perform the basic glute bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground.
Lift your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes, and hold for a second before coming back down. Do three sets of 15 reps.
8. Hamstring curl
The hamstring curl is great for targeting the hamstrings. To perform the basic hamstring curl, lie belly down on the machine and hook your ankles under the pad. Curl your heels towards your buttocks, hold and return to your starting position for one rep.
Do three sets of 10 reps.
9. Plie squat
The plie squat is a variation of the traditional squat, targeting the inner thighs. To perform the basic plie squat, stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes pointed out.
Bend your knees and lower your hips towards the ground, hold and come back up for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps.
10. Bulgarian split squat
The Bulgarian split squat is great for targeting the quadriceps and glutes. To perform the basic Bulgarian split squat, stand with your right foot on a bench behind you and your left foot on the ground in front of you.
Lower your body until your left thigh is parallel to the ground, hold and come back up for one rep. Do three sets of 10 reps on each leg.