The muscles in our legs are the largest in the body. Made up of just five main muscles – the quadriceps, hamstrings, adductors (inner thigh muscles), shins and calves – the legs carry all of our body weight 24/7 so being inactive can be detrimental. As they say, use or lose it.

Grab your dumbbells (10-20 lbs.) and try our 10 favorite lower body moves to build strength in the legs.

Do each exercise as many times as possible for 45 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds between each exercise. Try for 4-5 rounds.

  1. Goblet squat
  2. Alternating forward and back lunges
  3. Deadlift
  4. Side lunge to squat
  5. Side squat (5 each way)
  6. Moving curtsy squat
  7. Half way up squat
  8. Curtsy squat back
  9. Side lunge to floor-heel tap
  10. Air squats (20 seconds)

Tip: Focus on your form, performing each move slowly and intentionally to get the most out of each move.

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