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Health & Fitness

Building Leg Strength

Darpan News Desk Darpan, 12 Feb, 2014 03:32 AM
  • Building Leg Strength
Few people grasp the importance of leg strength. Having strong legs means power to get around and make your day work for you, so that’s why it is important to build up the strength in your legs.
 
The good news is that leg muscles are among the fastest in the body to respond to training, so you may see results in as little as ten days Cardio training is a great way to condition the legs, to burn fat and calories. However, cardio alone will not shape and define your legs, you also need assistance of exercises directed specifically for the leg muscles. Fit this easy routine into your weekly exercise schedule and soon your legs will be the talk of the town.
 
STRENGTHENING YOUR LEGS WITH SIMPLE MOVES
 
Heel Raises
Heel raises are a wonderful exercise for people on the go because the exercise can be done practically anywhere. The target of the heel raise is the calf muscle, which can be a problem area for many people. Calves tend to respond to strengthening very quickly and gain definition in a matter of days, so this can be a very rewarding exercise for people who like fast results. Begin by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. You may want to place your hands on your hips to help with balance. Simply raise your body up onto your tiptoes and hold it there for a few seconds. Lower back down slowly. Repeat this movement for three sets of 40 heel raises.
 
Plies
Performing plies place less stress on joints and can be as intense or moderate, as you need. Begin by standing with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart. Take one small step out with each foot and then turn your feet outward like a duck. Place your hands on your hips or hold the back of a chair for support. Gently lower your entire body down about six inches and then raise it back up slowly by moving slowly, you force the muscle to work harder, without the benefit of momentum and thus, the muscle becomes stronger faster. Repeat the movement for three sets of 30 repetitions.
 
Lunges
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and then take one giant step forward with your right foot. Place your hands on your hips for balance and then lower your body straight down until your back leg forms a right angle at the knee. Using your leg muscles, raise yourself back up slowly and then repeat the movement for three sets of 30 repetitions for each leg.