If you're looking for a way to strengthen and tone your legs, using dumbbells can be an effective way to do so. Dumbbells allow you to add resistance to your exercises, which helps build muscle and burn fat. In this blog post, we'll cover the five best leg exercises with dumbbells that you can add to your workout routine today.
1. Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)
The Romanian deadlift (RDL) is a great exercise for targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. RDLs are burners and you will definitely feel the effects the next day! To perform this exercise with dumbbells, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Keep your knees slightly bent, and your core engaged as you hinge at your hips and lower the weights towards the ground. Keep your back straight and your head up as you lower the weights, and then use your hamstrings and glutes to raise the weights back up to the starting position.
2. Goblet Squats
Goblet squats are a fantastic exercise for targeting the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. To perform this exercise, hold a dumbbell at your chest with both hands, keeping your elbows tucked in close to your body. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed slightly outwards. From here, lower your body down into a squat position, keeping your knees in line with your toes. Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, hold yourself there for a second or two, then use your leg muscles to raise yourself back up to the starting position.
3. Rear Foot Elevated Split Squats
Rear foot elevated split squats, also known as Bulgarian split squats, are an excellent exercise for targeting the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. I personally dread this exercise more than anything, but there’s no doubt it’s one of the best. Despite my hatred of the exercise, it is included in my 5-day workout plan… unfortunately.
Anyways, to perform this exercise, stand with your back to a bench or step, holding a dumbbell in each hand. Place the top of your right foot on the bench or step behind you, and then lower your left leg down into a lunge position. Keep your core engaged and your back straight as you lower yourself down, and then use your leg muscles to raise yourself back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other leg.
4. Dumbbell Step-Ups
Dumbbell step-ups are a great exercise for targeting pretty much all of the muscles in the leg. To perform this exercise, hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand in front of a step or bench. Place your right foot on the step or bench, and then use your leg muscles to lift your body up onto the step. Once you're on the step, lower yourself back down to the starting position, and then repeat with your left leg.
5. Dumbbell Lunges
Dumbbell lunges are a classic exercise that targets the quads and hamstrings. To perform this exercise, hold a dumbbell in each hand and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step your right foot forward into a lunge position, keeping your knee in line with your toes. Use your leg muscles to raise yourself back up to the starting position, and then repeat on the other leg.
In conclusion, there are plenty of great leg exercises that you can perform with dumbbells. Check out my bulking workout plan for some other valuable strength and muscle building leg exercises. But you can’t go wrong with incorporating these exercises into your workout routine as your training progresses. Try these exercises into your next leg day and see the results for yourself!
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