Leg exercises can be tough. Of all the workout days, they can get the most groans. The benefits of good leg workouts, though, far exceed toning. Read up on the ways to get in your leg day and the gains of keeping up with your leg workouts below.
In this article:
- Leg Toning Exercises Will Boost Your Metabolism
- The Best Leg Exercises Can Relieve Low Back Pain
- Leg Exercises Improve Overall Athleticism
- Build Better Balance with Leg Exercises
- Leg Routines Increase Production of Growth Hormone and Testosterone
- Leg Strengthening Exercises Increase Running Performance
Leg Exercises | 6 Good Reasons You Should Not Skip Them
1. Leg Toning Exercises Will Boost Your Metabolism
Leg exercises help build muscles. Bigger muscles require more energy to move around, so you burn more calories in the process.
In fact, if using calories is the goal, strength training is the way to go. It performs better than all the following when it comes to keeping your metabolism going:
- Rowing
- Cycling
- Running
- Other cardio exercises
Whether your goal is to build strength or lose weight, effective leg workouts will have a big impact on the success of your efforts.
2. The Best Leg Exercises Can Relieve Low Back Pain
Your entire workout routine may cause pain in the back. It is often the result of weak stabilizing muscles.
Core and leg strengthening exercises are key to minimizing back pain due to exercise. The routines can work on the following:
- Glutes
- Hip flexors
- Quadriceps
- Hamstrings
Be warned, though. Failing to focus on proper form during leg-day exercises could result in greater risks of back pain or injuries.
Focus on your movements. Follow a healthy regimen of leg exercises at home or at the gym to reduce or prevent back pain.
Do these first before increasing your intensity or adding more weight to your workout routine.
3. Leg Exercises Improve Overall Athleticism
If you want to be a better athlete, you must invest time, effort, and energy in good leg exercises. You can excel in many sports when you improve the strength of the lower half of your body.
These include the following:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Football
- Baseball
- Hockey
- Cross-country skiing
- Track and field
Leg exercises can enhance even gymnastics performances. Those leg-day workouts help build strength and endurance and allow you to run faster and jump higher.
4. Build Better Balance with Leg Exercises
Balance is important, and leg exercises can help improve it. Routines such as deadlifts and side lunges can maintain your stability and let you gain better control of your body.
5. Leg Routines Increase Production of Growth Hormone and Testosterone
Science points out leg exercises such as deadlifts and squats can increase the production of testosterone and human growth hormones.
Testosterone can be instrumental in building muscles and fighting fat while human growth hormone offers a wealth of benefits:
- Fighting aging
- Reducing body fat
- Increasing bone density
- Improving endurance
- Building muscle
These make leg exercises a powerful tool to improve your health, maintain your youth and vitality, and enhance long-term health and performance.
6. Leg Strengthening Exercises Increase Running Performance
Whether you run for sport, exercise, or as a hobby, leg strengthening exercises can improve your performance. You also get additional benefits.
When you strengthen the lower part of your body, you can also excel in cycling, swimming, and various other sports. Runtastic cites well-trained legs as essential tools for building a strong back and core, which improves running at all levels.
V Shred shows 7 dumbbell leg exercises you can do:
Leg exercises are essential for improving your range of motion and efficiency with everyday tasks. Few fitness programs provide this wide range of benefits for health and productivity. These are the primary reasons why you should never skip the leg workouts.
What are your favorite leg exercises? Share your list in the comments section below!