26 May Get a leg up on fitness

Working out the legs is often last on people’s enjoyment list.
Even those who work out hard and diligently often don’t like to exercise the legs. That’s understandable because working out the legs takes a lot of hard work and commitment.
However, don’t be one of those guys, or once in a while women, who have big, strong upper bodies and rail thin legs.
Three key areas to focus on for leg exercises are hamstrings, quadriceps and calf muscles.

Here’s a good leg workout program along with some added tips to get a leg up on your fitness:

* Lying or seated leg curl (3 sets of 10-12) Use good, steady form
* Leg extensions (3 sets of 10-12) Don’t go past parallel on top
* Squats (3 sets of 10-12) You can use free weights, or do squats on a machine that keeps you in track. Keep your back straight and don’t go past parallel on bottom
* Calf raises (3 sets of 15-20) Calves can take a lot of reps, work them hard.
* Lunges (3 sets of 10-12) A great way to pull everything together and firm up the core as well.
* Dumbbell step-ups (3 sets of 10) Get a platform you can step up onto and off of

You should always warm up extra good on leg day and, of course, stretch out well when you’re done, too.
Get in a cardio workout afterwards on a treadmill, jumping rope of whatever else you like.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com