What does your leg work out include?

impudentputz

I am trying to figure out what I should be doing and how much I should do when it comes to leg work outs. Mostly I just use the machines I see around the gym and that's it, not sure if I should focus on certain things and avoid others.

So I ask, What does your leg work out include? What do you feel gives you the best work out?

ChrisLindsay9

Do you have any particular goals or ambitions with regard to leg exercises? For example, are you training for any type of event? Are you a runner or cyclist?

I think most people will tell you that squats are the best leg exercise for building muscle and strength - especially in the quadriceps. Some people prefer leg press over to squats, however. So I would include one of these in your leg exercise routine. Dumbbell or Barbell lunges (forward, reverse, or walking) are also pretty good leg exercises. And for hamstrings and glutes, you may want to consider Romanian Deadlifts or Good Mornings. And for calves, either a standing or seated calf raise should be sufficient.

I hope this is of some help. Let us know if you have any specific needs/requirements/goals.

micheleb15

Swinging kettlebell squats, weighted squats, deadlifts, leg press, one legged lunges, regular lunges, Those are my usuals.

JustJennie1

Depends on the day. I do legs every other day and on the "other" day I do abs. My leg routine is different each time (although lately I have thrown in a LOT of squats and lunges because I love them. Husband on the other hand does not!)

I'll use the leg press, extension, curl machine. The ab/adductor and donkey kick machine OR I'll use an ankle cuff and do those on the cable which tends to give me a better workout than the machines do. I also do squats -- I use the smith press (only option for heavy squats) but I will also do curtsey squats, half/3/4 squats; step ups, step downs, cross over step ups into a squat, side lunges, split squat, walking lunges, forward and reverse lunges. Split squat with a foot on the bench; good mornings, dead lifts . . . .

When I am feeling really sadistic I'll do step ups into a lunge.

I also do calves a few times a week as well. Since I'm too short for the calf machine :blushing: I load up the sled and use that or the leg press machine.

ETA: All are done with weight.

jacksonpt

squats, weighted walking lunges, leg press, HIIT sprints.

While I don't consider deadlifts a leg exercise, I feel heavy deads a lot in my legs, especially my calves.

KarenJanine

Leg day for me:

Squats (front and back)
Stiff legged deadlifts
Calf Raises

lesliev523

Squats, leg presses, lunges, kettlebell squats, and then a 45 min walk on the treadmill at a 15% incline....

Leadfoot_Lewis

So I ask, What does your leg work out include?

Barbell Back Squats
Romanian Deadlifts
Weighted Lunges or Weighted Bulgarian Squats
Calf work

What do you feel gives you the best work out?

Doing Compound lifts which work the most muscles at once. You need to get off the machines and use free weights.

JamieM8168

Squats, jump squats, weighted walking lunges, weighted calf raises, good mornings, kettlebell squats/swings

impudentputz

sorry it took so long to get back.

Honestly, just general muscle building, not training for anything. Just trying to keep my workouts even, been kinda ignoring my legs (like a lot of people based on some of my forum reads). Just not sure where to start.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am rather intimidated at the idea of squats. form is less than poor. Ive watched videos online still just feels like an awkward motion. Im guessing it will get easier.

Ended up doing:
Leg press (seated)
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Calf Extension
Hip Abductor (inside)
Hip Abductor (outside)

And thats about it. Other than squats and lunges that takes care of most of the suggestions. Ill have to work those in somewhere. Thanks guys
**as for getting off the machines, sadly I have to make use of what I have, my gym is pretty boring in the way of free weights, everything seems to be a machine. Even the squats would be using a smith machine. trying to make the best with what I have.

Factory_Reset

Barbell

Plates

It's tricky business

Booksandbeaches

I see you got good answers...I was going to say the same things the others said. I do squats, lunges, deadlift, leg press, side leg raises, inner/outer thigh machine at the gym, calf raises, donkey kicks...

MsEndomorph

sorry it took so long to get back.

Honestly, just general muscle building, not training for anything. Just trying to keep my workouts even, been kinda ignoring my legs (like a lot of people based on some of my forum reads). Just not sure where to start.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I am rather intimidated at the idea of squats. form is less than poor. Ive watched videos online still just feels like an awkward motion. Im guessing it will get easier.

Ended up doing:
Leg press (seated)
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Calf Extension
Hip Abductor (inside)
Hip Abductor (outside)

And thats about it. Other than squats and lunges that takes care of most of the suggestions. Ill have to work those in somewhere. Thanks guys
**as for getting off the machines, sadly I have to make use of what I have, my gym is pretty boring in the way of free weights, everything seems to be a machine. Even the squats would be using a smith machine. trying to make the best with what I have.

If you aren't a pro already, body weight/ dumbell lunges and squats can be a good workout! Also weighted step-ups using dumbells kick my booty.

And I know smith machines get a bad rap, but I like using it for lunges.