Strong legs are essential for daily activities such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing.

Building strong and shapely legs not only improves your physical appearance, but it also reduces the chances of injury and improves your overall quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the top 10 leg-building exercises that will help you achieve maximum strength and shape.

1. Squats

Squats are considered one of the best leg-building exercises because they target your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward.

Lower your hips as if you are sitting back into a chair while keeping your chest and head up. Push yourself back up to the starting position. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

2. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are another excellent leg-building exercise that also targets your back and core. Start with your feet hip-width apart and your toes pointing forward. Bend your knees and grasp the bar with an overhand grip.

Lift the bar by straightening your knees and hips until you are standing upright. Lower the bar by bending your knees and hips. Repeat for 3 sets of 8-10 reps.

3. Lunges

Lunges primarily target your quads while engaging your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Start with your feet hip-width apart and take a big step forward with your left foot.

Bend your knees until your left thigh is parallel to the ground and your right knee is hovering above the floor. Push yourself back up to the starting position and repeat with your right foot. Repeat for 3 sets of 10-12 reps.

4. Leg Press

The leg press machine is a great option for targeting your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Sit on the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform. Push the platform away from you with your feet until your legs are straight.

Lower the platform back down to the starting position. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

5. Calf Raises

Calf raises are a great exercise for strengthening your calf muscles. Stand on the edge of a step with the balls of your feet on the edge. Raise your heels as high as you can and hold for a few seconds. Lower your heels below the step and repeat.

Repeat for 3 sets of 15-20 reps.

6. Bulgarian Split Squats

Bulgarian split squats target your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while also improving your balance and coordination. Stand facing away from a bench with your left foot on the bench behind you.

Lower your hips until your right knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Push yourself back up to the starting position and repeat with your right foot. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

7. Step-ups

Step-ups target your glutes and quadriceps while also improving your balance. Stand facing a bench or step with one foot on the step. Push through your heel to lift your body up until your heel is fully extended.

Lower yourself back down and repeat with the other foot. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

8. Leg Extensions

Leg extensions primarily target your quads. Sit on a leg extension machine with the pad resting on your shins. Push the pad away from you until your legs are straight. Lower the pad back down to the starting position. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

9. Hamstring Curls

Hamstring curls target your hamstrings. Lie face down on a hamstring curl machine with the pad resting on your calves. Curl your legs up towards your body until your hamstrings are fully contracted. Lower your legs back down to the starting position.

Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.

10. Hip Thrusts

Hip thrusts target your glutes and hamstrings while also improving your core strength. Lie on your back on the ground with your knees bent and your feet on the ground.

Place a weight (dumbbell or barbell) across your hips and lift your hips up towards the ceiling until your body forms a straight line. Lower your hips back down to the starting position. Repeat for 3 sets of 12-15 reps.