Best Leg Exercises

Including leg exercises in one's daily routine is a great way to ensure strengthening of these muscles. Since our legs carry our body weight, it is important to strengthen these and keep them well-toned. The results that these exercises garner are faster and more positive than most other body-specific exercises.

In fact, the leg muscles are able to endure much more strain than expected. These exercises are compound in nature, which makes them physically very demanding, and therefore, one needs to be consistent in carrying forth the same. The following are some highly effective exercises for strengthening and toning of leg muscles.

This exercise works the inner as well as outer thighs, and does not place a lot of stress on the joints either. To do this exercise, stand with your feet a little more than shoulder width apart. Turn your feet out (such that they imitate a duck's feet), then slowly lower yourself, such that your thighs are almost parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a few seconds. Slowly come back to the starting position and repeat the exercise for 10-12 repetitions, 3 sets each.

You will either have to use a bench, a stepper or a staircase to carry forth this exercise.Contract the core muscles and step onto the staircase with your right leg, immediately followed by the left leg. Now bring the right leg on the floor followed by the left leg. Repeat 15 to 20 counts on each leg. With regular practice you can use a taller bench to do this calf exercise.

Lie on an exercise mat and place your hands next to your body such that the palms are facing downwards. Point both the feet and now lift the right leg off the floor and draw a big circle using the right leg in the air. Make sure your leg moves from the hip flexors and not just the feet. Trace the circle 10 times in the clockwise direction and 10 times in the anti-clockwise direction. Then change sides and repeat on the other leg as well.

Most people underestimate the benefits of walking. You can do this exercise anywhere and anytime. It can also be done when you are traveling. As far as possible, try to push the thigh bone back, when you are walking to derive more benefits from this exercise and also avoid injury. Brisk walking should be aimed at as it garners quicker and more positive results.

You can also do these exercises with weights as well. Before you do these leg exercises, make sure you include a proper warm up session. A warm up should be done at least for 10 to 15 minutes. After you are done with the exercises, make sure you do some stretching as well. Stretching will relax the muscles and you will derive better benefits from these exercises.