Sometimes we get so used to doing the same things and the same exercises over and over we forget that there are many different and more exciting ways to do things. It also becomes so common to do the ‘main’ exercises since they are publicised so often, such as squats and deadlifts. There is nothing wrong with those big exercises, but there are many other cool movements that can target more specific muscles that you may want to focus on.
Here are 8 not so conventional leg exercises that can really up your leg game when included in your workout plan:
Jefferson squats
Jefferson squats are great for your glutes and hamstrings and offer a smooth change to regular squats.
jump squats
Jump squats aid in explosiveness and serve as a great finisher to a leg workout. They can also be done with weights, if for instance you place them early on in your workout.
Tuck jumps (with knee ups for explosiveness)
Similar to jump squats, these tuck jumps focus more on bringing your knees as high as possible. This exercise also helps with explosiveness and can be used to progress at other movements like the back tuck and box jumps.
sumo squats
Sumo squats are great for the glutes and hamstrings and inner thighs, as well as with increasing flexibility. You perform them similar to how you would perform normal squats except with the sumo variation, you do them with a much wider stance, which focuses a lot more on the glutes.
Bench Leg Raises/Glute Raises
These are perfect for the glutes and are overlooked by many people, thinking that squats alone grow the glutes!
frog jumps
These jumps differ slightly from jump squats, in that now you are focusing on a more horizontal or forward force/jump. Also great for explosiveness and to push the legs to their limit!
lunge with kickback and hold
Lunges are always a great exercise for the quads and hamstrings, now throw in a little kick (and hold) at the back and you can focus on the glutes to!
side lunges
Side lunges are also a great overall leg exercise with an added flexibility benefit.
