When it comes to exercise, many of us tend to obsess over problem areas or focus solely on cardio to burn calories. However, lower body strength is not only crucial in our quest for the perfect body, but also for maintaining overall health.
Many people tend to ignore exercises that target lower body muscles, such as the calves or hamstrings, because it takes much longer to notice results in these areas. Arms and shoulders, on the other hand, tend to swell quickly if you exercise them regularly. But who wants big arm and chest muscles supported on skinny legs? If you've been neglecting your lower body, here are some key benefits of building lower body strength.
Improve flexibility and balance
Some of the largest muscles are in the hips, buttocks and legs. These basic muscle groups are responsible for stabilizing your entire body. Strengthening your lower core will improve flexibility and balance. This means you can prevent falls and injuries during exercise and be more flexible in your daily activities. Strengthen your lower body to prevent muscle imbalances, which will result in a more well-rounded workout.
Meanwhile, for those who play football, rugby or basketball, a strong lower body can help improveathletic performance. These sports rely heavily on the force generated by the lower half of the body, so good leg strength is critical. By devoting just one or two days a week to lower body exercises, you will notice big improvements in your overall fitness.
Better run
For those who enjoy a good cardio workout, lower body strength training can help yourun further and faster. Athletes who play squash, tennis or football often notice a huge improvement in their game when their legs are more stable.
Deadlifts and squats are great for improving your endurance. They are also great for training muscle groups you didn't even know existed. While it may seem like leg-strengthening exercises only benefit your lower half, they will actually give your body more strength all over.
Improve endurance and metabolism
Even if you don't plan on running a marathon, good endurance can make everyday activities a breeze. Greater endurance is directly related to the strength of your lower body muscles. Strong hips and legs will help you complete your exercise routine or run daily errands with little effort. By strengthening these muscle groups, you also burn more calories throughout the day. This is a huge bonus for those who try itLose weight.
Because lower-body strength training requires you to work harder, it's more effective than just doing cardio. During your next workout session, use weights to increase your metabolism and get those muscles working.
Reduce pain
Strengthening your lower body can reduce overall muscle soreness. This is because weakness in the muscle tissue can cause painful knots. If you spend a lot of time hovering over a computer or lifting heavy objects, lower-body exercises can help you avoid the discomfort associated with excessive strain. You'll also notice a big improvement in your overall posture, as the lower body muscles stabilize your entire core. This will help you avoid back and neck pain, typical symptoms of poor posture.
Improve bone health
The painful consequences of arthritis andosteoporosiscan be minimized by maintaining lower body strength.Bone jointsParticularly in the legs, they tend to worsen as we get older. Deadlifts, calf raises and leg presses are particularly effective for building bone strength. If you are already suffering from poor bone health, contact aqualified trainerto get the most out of your lower body workout and prevent muscle damage.
Tips for training the lower body
The type of strength training you want to do largely depends on your fitness goals. Before performing any type of exercise, stretch your muscles. Avoid warm-ups where you simply hold a stretch. Instead, perform stretches that involve continuous movement, such as touching your toes and then reaching toward the ceiling.
Once the muscles have been loosened, follow these tips to maximize your lower body workout:
- Vary the number of sets and weights you perform so your body doesn't get used to the same old routine
- Take care of the basics first; fewer exercises mastered correctly will yield greater benefits
- Always monitor your knee alignment and overall posture
- Deadlifts, squats and lunges are the most effective leg exercises that will give you the best results
If you would like more guidance on building strength in your lower body, consider reaching out to a physiotherapist, kinesiologist or personal trainer at Physiomed. Our team of qualified health experts can help you create a customized exercise program tailored to your specific needs. We provide ongoing support and regular assessments to help you achieve your health and fitness goals!
Contact us for more information about building lower body strength or to book an assessmenther.
