It’s no secret that working out is important, but finding the time or money to go to a gym can be tough. And even if you do have a membership, sometimes you don’t feel like dealing with the crowds. That’s why at-home workouts are so great – you can do them in your own living room without any extra equipment or memberships.
And as it turns out, you don’t need much more than your body weight to get a good workout in. So if you’re looking for a way to fit without leaving the house, here are some great at-home leg workouts that will help tone and tighten those muscles. All you need is about 30 minutes, a little bit of space, and your body weight.
Squats
Squats are one of the best leg exercises you can do without weights or special equipment. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and reach overhead to touch your palms together. Keeping your arms in this position, crouch down as if you’re about to sit in an imaginary chair for three counts before returning to standing for another three counts. Your thighs should be parallel with the floor at the lowest squat point; remember to keep your knees above your ankles and don’t allow them to go past your toes throughout the move. Repeat 15 times. If you want to increase the challenge, try holding two dumbbells in front of you while performing these squats later on.
Side Leg Raises
Start by lying on your right side with both legs extended behind you. Brace yourself by keeping your right-hand flat on the floor while holding dumbbells in both hands or simply resting them at your side. You can keep your left arm outstretched if it’s comfortable, but if that feels uncomfortable, feel free to bend it and rest your forearm on the ground for added support.
Keeping your feet together and legs straight, simultaneously lift the top leg up as high as possible without allowing it to rotate inward or outward (this should be a straight line from heel to hip), hold for two counts before returning to starting position. Repeat 15 times on each side if using no weights; add additional challenge by holding dumbbells in each hand while performing these side leg raises later on.
Glute Bridges
Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet hip-distance apart on the floor. Place dumbbells (start with 2 lbs.) in both hands, palms down, and hold them at arm’s length by your shoulders. Without moving your hips or lower back, lift your glutes up so that it forms a straight line between your knees and shoulders, squeezing tight for two counts before returning to the starting position simultaneously while lowering the weights. Repeat 15 times. To increase the challenge, try holding one leg out straight for this entire exercise.
