3 Most Important Leg Exercises

Add these three exercises into your workout program, and I can promise you that you're on the right path.

First, the squat. This is widely considered as THE foundational leg exercises by strength and conditioning coaches around the country. The biggest reason why squats are so highly regarded has much to do with the fact that the movement plays a big part in our day-to-day lives, whether in the gym, at work, or at home.

Second, the deadlift. This is another one that strength and conditioning coaches love. Unfortunately, a lot of recreational weightlifters skip hamstring exercises, which may contribute to the high prevalence in hamstring injuries, particularly in recreational sports. The deadlift is also great for improving grip strength, and, with great technique, it can reduce your likelihood of a lower back injury.

Third, the hip thrust. This is one exercise that I am proud to say I was completely wrong about before I started adding them into my clients' programs. Long story short, I injured my back and started researching exercises that could help with that. I heard about hip thrusts as a means to strengthen the lower back, so I gave it a try. After a couple weeks, I could definitely feel the difference, especially with movements that used to lead to a sore back.

These are the three basic leg exercises that I regularly have my clients do, as well as myself. The great thing is that a wide array of variations exist, which can be used to better target the area you most want to train.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.