13 Best Leg workout for beginners at gym 

When it comes to building a strong and healthy body, leg workouts should not be ignored.   

In fact, having strong leg muscles is crucial for overall fitness and can help improve balance, stability, and posture.   

Leg workouts are an essential part of any fitness routine, no matter what your fitness level or age.   

They are not just for bodybuilders or athletes but are beneficial for anyone who wants to improve their overall health and fitness.   

Incorporating basic leg exercises into your workout routine can help you achieve your fitness goals, whether it’s to lose weight, tone your body, or increase your strength and endurance.  

Research has also shown that leg workouts can boost metabolism and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.   

If you’re a beginner at the gym, incorporating leg workouts into your routine can be a great way to start building strength and endurance.   

We will cover some of the most effective leg exercises for beginners that you can easily incorporate into your workout routine.   

We will show you how to perform these exercises with the proper form, so you can avoid injury and maximize the benefits.   

We will also discuss the research evidence on leg workouts and how they can improve muscle strength, muscle power, and endurance, as well as overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.   

So, whether you’re a complete beginner or have been going to the gym for a while, this article will provide you with everything you need to know to start a leg workout routine that will help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health.   

Let’s get started.  

But first, let’s look at   

Why are leg workouts so important?  

Leg workouts are an essential component of any fitness routine and are particularly important for beginners looking to build overall strength and stability.   

Strong legs not only improve athletic performance and daily activities but also reduce the risk of injury and contribute to overall health and well-being.   

According to research, leg exercises have been shown to increase metabolism, leading to greater fat loss and weight management. (1)   

Additionally, strong leg muscles have been linked to Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves bone density. (2)   

There are several reasons why leg workouts are so important.   

First, they help build muscle, increase endurance, and improve overall fitness.   

Your leg muscles are some of the largest and strongest muscles in your body, so working them out can have a significant impact on your overall strength and fitness.   

Second, leg exercises can improve balance and stability. By working on your leg strength, you can improve your ability to maintain balance and prevent falls.   

This is especially important as you age, as the risk of falls and injuries increases.  

Another benefit of leg workouts is that they can increase bone density.   

Weight-bearing exercises like squats and lungs can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.  

Leg workouts can also enhance metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day.   

Finally, leg exercises can reduce the risk of injuries. Strong leg muscles can help support your joints and prevent injuries during physical activity.  

Benefits of leg workouts  

Here are some points on the benefits of leg workouts  

Improved lower body strength and stability  

Leg workouts such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts increase lower body strength and stability, making it easier to perform daily activities such as walking, running, and carrying heavy objects.  

Strengthening the lower body can also improve athletic performance in sports that require running, jumping, and agility. (1)  

Increased metabolism and fat loss  

Leg exercises increase muscle mass, which in turn increases metabolism and leads to greater fat loss and weight management.  

When the body has more muscle, it requires more energy to maintain that muscle, leading to increased metabolism.   

This means that even when resting, the body will burn more calories than it would with less muscle mass. (1).

Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves bone density. 

Strong leg muscles have been linked to Reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves bone density. such as osteoporosis.  

With the aging, our bones become weaker.  

However, by engaging in weight-bearing exercises such as leg workouts, we can help maintain and improve bone density. (2)  

Increased testosterone and human growth hormone levels  

A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that leg exercises, specifically squats, and lunges, increased testosterone and human growth hormone levels, which can contribute to muscle growth and overall health.  

Testosterone is a hormone that is important for both men and women, as it helps build muscle and improve bone density. (3)  

Improved balance and reduced risk of falls  

Leg workouts can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, particularly in older adults.  

As we age, our balance and coordination can become impaired, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.   

However, by engaging in leg exercises that improve lower body strength and stability, we can improve our balance and reduce the risk of falls. (4)  

Warm-up Leg workout  

Squats  

Squats can be an effective warm-up exercise for your leg muscles if you perform them correctly and with the right amount of intensity.

Here’s how to do squats as a warm-up exercise:  

  • Begin by positioning your feet slightly wider than your hips and with a slight outward rotation of your toes. 
  • Lower your body by pushing your hips back and bending your knees, as if sitting in a chair.  
  • Keep your chest up, your back straight, and your weight on your heels.  
  • Rise back up to the starting position and repeat for 10-15 reps.  
  • When doing squats as a warm-up exercise, it’s important to not go too deep or heavy, as this can put unnecessary strain on your muscles and joints.

The goal of this exercise is to activate your leg muscles and increase blood flow, so focus on maintaining good form and using lightweight or just your body weight.  

Toe hold squat  

The toe holds squat is a great warm-up exercise that can help to improve ankle mobility and increase flexibility in your hips, thighs, and calves.

Here’s how to do a toe hold squat as a warm-up exercise:  

  • Assume a standing position with your feet separated at a distance equivalent to the width of your shoulders and ensure that your toes are pointed forward. 
  • Lower your body by bending your knees and performing a squat, while ensuring that your back remains straight and your weight is evenly distributed on your heels. 
  • Reach forward with your left hand and grasp your left foot, pulling your heel towards your buttocks.  
  • Hold the stretch for a few seconds, then release and repeat on the other side.  
  • Continue to alternate between the left and right foot, holding each stretch for a few seconds.  

Make sure to keep your chest up and your back straight while performing the toe hold squat, and don’t let your knees go past your toes.

You should feel a stretch in your hips, thighs, and calves as you pull your foot toward your buttocks.  

Leg swings  

Leg swings are a dynamic warm-up exercise that can help to increase mobility and flexibility in your hips, thighs, and calves.

Here’s how to do leg swings as a warm-up exercise:  

  • Stand facing a wall or support structure, with your feet shoulder-width apart.  
  • Hold onto the wall or support structure for balance.  
  • Swing your right leg forward and backward, keeping your leg straight and your foot flexed.  
  • After several swings, swing your leg from side to side, across your body.  
  • Repeat on the other leg.  

Make sure to keep your upper body still and stable while performing the leg swings, and don’t swing your leg too high or too forcefully, as this can cause injury.

You should feel a gentle stretch in your hips, thighs, and calves as you swing your leg back and forth.  

Lunges  

Lunges are a great warm-up exercise for your leg muscles, as they target multiple muscle groups and help to increase mobility and flexibility.

Here’s how to do lunges as a warm-up exercise:  

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart and step forward with your right foot.  
  • Bend both knees and lower your body down, keeping your back straight and your weight on your front heel.
  • Pause for a few seconds, then push back up to the starting position and repeat on the other leg.  
  • Continue to alternate between the left and right leg, doing 10-15 repetitions on each side.  

Make sure to keep your chest up and your back straight while performing lunges, and don’t let your front knee go past your toes.

You should feel a stretch in your hip flexors, quads, and hamstrings as you lower your body down into the lunge.  

Leg Work out for beginners  

Bodyweight Squats  

Bodyweight squats are a great exercise for beginners to strengthen the muscles in their legs and glutes.  

Here’s how to perform bodyweight squats and some guidelines for reps and sets:  

  • Assume a stable stance by positioning your feet at hip-width distance, and angle them slightly outward for balance and alignment. 
  • Keeping your back straight and your core engaged, bend your knees and lower your body down as if you were sitting in a chair.  
  • Descend into a squatting position, aiming to bring your thighs to a parallel position with the ground or a depth that feels comfortable for your body. 
  • Drive through your heels and extend your legs to return to the initial position. 

For beginners, it’s recommended to start with 3 sets of 12-15 reps of bodyweight squats.

Focus on maintaining proper form and technique throughout the exercise, and don’t go too fast or too deep if it causes discomfort or pain.  

Leg Press  

The leg press machine is a popular exercise for targeting your quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

Here’s a simple leg press workout for beginners that you can try at the gym:  

  • Set the weight: Start with a weight that you can comfortably lift for 12-15 reps.  
  • Adjust the seat: Sit on the leg press machine and adjust the seat so that your feet are flat on the platform and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.  
  • Feet position: Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart and pointed straight ahead.  
  • Push the weight: Press the weight away from you, extending your legs and keeping your back flat against the seat.  
  • Pause: Hold the weight for a moment, then slowly lower the weight back down, bending your knees and keeping your back flat.  
  • Repetitions and sets: Start with 3 sets of 12-15 reps, with a 2–3-minute rest between sets.  

Make sure to focus on proper form and technique and avoid locking your knees or rounding your back.

It’s important to start with a weight that you can comfortably lift for the recommended reps and sets and to gradually increase the weight as your muscles get stronger.  

Do not keep your legs straight while resting as it can cause serious injury.  

Leg Extensions  

Leg extensions are a great exercise for beginners that target the quadriceps muscles in your thighs.

Here’s how to perform leg extensions and the recommended sets and reps for beginners:  

  • Adjust the machine: Sit on a leg extension machine and adjust the pad so it’s resting on your shins just above your feet.  
  • Adjust the weight: Start with a lightweight that you can easily lift for 12-15 reps. You can gradually increase your weight as you get stronger.  
  • Extend your legs: Slowly extend your legs to lift the weight, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.  
  • Hold at the top: Pause for a second at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the weight back down to the starting position.  
  • Repeat: Do 3 sets of 12-15 reps, resting for 2-3 minutes between sets.  

It’s important to focus on proper form and technique while performing leg extensions.

Make sure to keep your back straight and your core engaged and avoid locking out your knees at the top of the movement.

You should feel a stretch in your quads as you lift the weight and a contraction in your quads as you lower the weight back down.  

Leg Curls  

Leg curls can be a great exercise for beginners to strengthen and tone their hamstrings.

Here’s how to perform leg curls with recommended sets and reps:  

  • Start by lying face down on a leg curl machine with your heels resting against the padded lever.  
  • Grasp the handles on the machine for support.  
  • Keeping your hips flat on the bench, curl your legs up towards your buttocks by flexing your knees.  
  • Pause for a second at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the weight back down to the starting position.  
  • Aim for 3 sets of 12-15 reps, using a weight that is challenging but manageable for your fitness level.  
  • Rest for 1-2 minutes between sets.  

It’s important to use proper form and control throughout the exercise and to avoid using momentum to swing the weight up.

Leg curls can be a great addition to your leg workout routine, as they help to target the hamstrings and balance out the strength of your leg muscles.  

Calf Raises  

Calf raises are a great exercise for beginners that target your calf muscles.

Here’s how to do calf raises with reps and sets:  

  • Assume a neutral stance by positioning your feet at hip-width distance from each other and keeping your toes pointed straight ahead. 
  • Slowly raise your heels off the ground, lifting your body weight onto the balls of your feet.  
  • Pause for a few seconds at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the ground.  
  • Repeat for 4 sets of 15 reps.  

Make sure to keep your knees straight and your back straight while performing calf raises.

You should feel a stretch in your calf muscles as you lift your heels off the ground.  

Calf raises can be done with body weight alone, or you can hold onto dumbbells or use a calf raise machine to increase the resistance.

As you get more comfortable with the exercise, you can gradually increase the reps and sets to challenge your muscles and see progress.  

Cool-down leg workout  

Seated hamstring stretch  

The seated hamstring stretch is a great cool-down exercise for your legs, as it helps to lengthen and relax your hamstring muscles.

Here’s how to do the seated hamstring stretch:  

  • Assume a seated position on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you. 
  • Reach forward with your arms and try to touch your toes, keeping your back straight.  
  • Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, feeling the stretch in the back of your legs.  
  • To get the most out of your stretching routine, try repeating each stretch 2-3 times, taking a short break in between to allow your muscles to recover.  

Make sure to breathe deeply and relax your muscles while holding the stretch. You should feel a gentle pull on the back of your legs but avoid any pain or discomfort.  

Butterfly stretch  

The butterfly stretch is a great cool-down leg work out that targets the inner thighs and helps to improve flexibility.

Here’s how to do: 

  • Assume a seated position on the floor with your knees bent and the soles of your feet touching each other. 
  • Slowly bring your heels in towards your body, keeping the soles of your feet together.  
  • Use your elbows to gently press down on your inner thighs, helping to deepen the stretch.  
  • Hold the stretch for 30-60 seconds, breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles.  
  • Release the stretch and slowly straighten out your legs.  

The butterfly stretch is a gentle and effective way to cool down after a leg workout, helping to release tension in the inner thigh muscles and promote relaxation.

Make sure to focus on breathing deeply and relaxing your muscles as you hold the stretch.  

Foam rolling  

Foam rolling is a great way to cool down after a leg workout and helps your muscles recover.

Here’s how to foam roll your legs:  

  • Start by placing the foam roller under your calf muscles. Keep your arms straight and your palms on the ground for support.  
  • Slowly roll your body forward, moving the foam roller up toward your knees.  
  • When you reach your knees, slowly roll back down towards your ankles.  
  • Perform the exercise for 30-60 seconds before switching legs and repeating on the opposite side. 
  • Move the foam roller up to your hamstrings and repeat the same process, rolling up towards your glutes and then back down towards your knees.  
  • Finally, place the foam roller under your quads and roll up towards your hips and back down towards your knees.  

Foam rolling helps to break up tight muscle fibers and increase blood flow to the muscles, which can help to reduce soreness and improve recovery.

It’s a great way to cool down after a leg workout and can be done on its own or as part of a stretching routine.  

Pigeon stretch  

The pigeon stretch is a great cool-down leg work out that can help to increase flexibility and mobility in your hips, glutes, and thighs.

Here’s how to do the pigeon stretch:  

  • Assume the plank position, with your palms and toes on the floor. 
  • Bring your right knee forward, placing it behind your right hand.  
  • Lower your body down to the ground, using your hands to support your weight.  
  • Extend your left leg out behind you, keeping your hips square to the ground.  
  • Maintain the stretch for a duration of 30 seconds, then swap sides and perform the stretch again. 

Make sure to keep your back straight and your hips square to the ground while performing the pigeon stretch.

You should feel a stretch in your hip flexors, glutes, and thighs as you hold the stretch.  

Conclusion  

In conclusion, starting a leg workout routine as a beginner can seem daunting, but it’s essential for building overall strength, balance, and endurance.   

Incorporating exercises that target your quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles can help you see progress and feel more confident in the gym.  

Remember to start with light weights and proper form and technique, gradually increasing the intensity and reps as you get more comfortable.   

Resting between sets and stretching after your workout can also prevent injury and improve flexibility.  

By consistently challenging your leg muscles with a well-rounded workout routine, you can see improvements in your athletic performance, endurance, and overall fitness.   

So, take the first step and give these leg workouts for beginners a try – your body will thank you 

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