10 Minute Leg Exercises To Do If You Hate Squats – Hate squats? Does not matter! We get it: There are some exercises you just don’t like. That doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the same benefits or reach your desired final destination by taking an alternate route. we spoke with Anthony J. Yeung, CSCSa fitness expert and founder of GroomBuilder, who breaks down 10-minute leg exercises to do if you hate squats.
In addition to shaping your legs for success in some of your favorite outdoor activities like swimming, running, hiking, and cycling, strong leg muscles can increase your endurance, strength, and flexibility, reports Harvard Health Publishing. Maintaining and building strength in your lower body keeps you healthy overall, helps you avoid muscle imbalances, and ensures you stay flexible during everyday tasks and activities, explains Physiomed. To achieve the strong, fit, and toned lower body you’re looking for, you’ll want to join this expert-approved pronto leg routine.
“The great thing about this move is it builds a lot of strength in the lower body one leg at a time. That way, you reduce imbalance, improve balance and stability, and put less stress on your joints,” explains Yeung. “Also, it’s designed to target the back of your legs—your hamstrings and buttocks—more because most people have weaker muscles there.”
Leg day just got a major upgrade with this 10-minute leg workout on deck. Set your timer, and complete as many circuits below as you can in 10 minutes.
1. Reverses the Lungs
Reverse lunges start with you taking a big step back on one foot. Your stance should be long enough that your knees can form a 90 degree angle as you lunge. Press through your front foot to return to the starting position. Yeung notes you can start with dumbbells and make this exercise more challenging by adding a barbell in a front squat or back squat. Complete five reps.
You may like: What Eating Red Meat Every Day Does to Your Body
2. One Leg Romanian Deadlift
The one-leg Romanian deadlift starts with you holding a dumbbell in each hand. Gradually rotate forward, and bring one leg behind you. When the dumbbell is under both knees, push yourself back up, and contract your glutes. Avoid turning your hips to the side; they have to stay square and go forward. Complete five reps for each leg.
3. Hip/Thigh Extension
Last but not least, it’s time for hip/thigh extension. Lie on your back. Bend one knee to 90 degrees, and straighten the opposite leg. Tighten the buttocks of the leg that is bent, press through the heel, and press the hips up, ensuring that the hips stay flat as you rise. Your straight leg should remain extended throughout the exercise and parallel to your body. Complete eight reps.
