Working out on leg day is both excruciating and exhilarating. With a variety of options using free weights, machines, and dumbbells, you can achieve impressive results. Here are some of the best ways to maximize your leg workout.
When working out, it is important to have a basic understanding of the human body. Legs have a lot of different muscle groups that need attention. Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, thighs, and calves make up the human legs. In addition to these basic muscle groups there are subgroups that comprise the quads, glues, hamstrings, thighs, and calves.
Knowing they dynamic and relationship between the different muscle groups allows you to find a workout routine that maximizes your workout intensity and properly exercise each muscle group.
One of the best exercise machines available for a quality leg workout is the Mr. Smith system. This machine has one advantage over other leg machines that makes it the leader of its class—versatility. Instead of giving you one repetitive motion, Mr. Smith offers dynamics to perform numerous exercises. Allowing you to complete your squats and lunges, you get more out of your machine.
Squats are the first exercise we will focus on. Squats are designed to work multiple joints, focusing on the quadriceps when doing front squats and glutes when focusing on back squats. In addition, lunges are designed to work the glutes. When completing small steps, you feel more intensity in your quads, while a bigger steps focuses more on your glutes.
The next best leg machine is the leg press. This machine has earned its bragging rights. With age, experience, and a good reputation, the leg press gives your entire leg a solid workout. This machine is great for those suffering from back pain. While you can work your entire leg on the leg press, leg placement will determine which muscle groups receive the most attention. When you place your feet high on the plate, your glutes and hamstrings receive the most intensity, whereas placing your feet lower on the plate targets your quads. In addition, when your feet are further apart, your adductors receive the most burn and when your feet are closer together, your quads receive the most intensity.
The final machines for targeting your legs are isolation machines. Focus on each muscle group in your leg. There are machines at the gym you can use, but don’t forget that the human body possesses the ability to work out on its own. Use resistance bands and your body for squats, leg extensions, calf raises, and other leg exercises.
Make sure that the machines you use are appropriate for the muscle groups you are targeting. If not, find free weights and other methods of exercising. You should also check to see if any machines are harmful to your body. If you have any injuries, check with a doctor before using a machine. Always ask your doctor before beginning a new workout routine.
