Looking to get your legs ready for beach season? Add these exercises to your gym routine for a slimmed and toned look.
#1 Barbell Squats
This exercise targets all of the muscle groups in the leg, as well as your hip and core muscles. Use a squat rack or spotter for safety.
With a barbell of a weight appropriate for your strength and skill level held on your shoulders just below the base of your neck, engage the core and bend at the knees, ensuring that your toes are pointing straight ahead and are shoulder width apart. Return to a standing position, keeping the knees over the toes.
#2 Barbell Romanian (Straight-Legged) Deadlift
In addition to engaging your hamstrings, the barbell Romanian deadlift also targets the lower back.
Step up to a barbell and get a firm, overhand grip with your hands just slightly wider than hip-width.
Pushing through your heels, lift the barbell with your legs and hips, keeping your chest out and pulling your shoulder blades together. Make sure to lock your core and keep a slight bend in your knees.
