When it comes to working out the lower body, many people think they need to do hours of cardio to see results. However, this isn't always the case. Some of the best workouts for the lower body are circuit-based.
Circuit training is a great way to tone the muscles in your lower body and improve your cardiovascular fitness. Plus, it's a time-efficient workout that you can do in 30 minutes or less.
The following circuit workout includes exercises targeting the lower body's major muscle groups: the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Perform each exercise for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds before moving on to the next exercise.
Workout Summary
The table below contains a summary of the workout plan that you will be following:
Main Goal |
General Fitness |
Workout Type |
Split |
Training Level |
Beginner |
Program Duration |
6 Weeks |
Days Per Week |
1 |
Time Per Workout |
30 to 45 Minutes |
Equipment Required |
|
Target Gender |
Female |
Recommended Supplements |
Benefits of Lower Body Circuit Workout
There are many benefits to having well-toned legs, including improved circulation, reduced risk of injuries, and increased mobility. Let us see some of the main benefits of lower body circuit workouts.
Help Maintain Good Body Symmetry
Many people focus on working out their upper body and neglect their lower body. This can lead to bad posture and an imbalanced appearance since your lower body makes up most of your height. Strength-training your lower body not only prevents these problems but can also make everyday activities easier.
For example, if you regularly work out your legs, you’ll find walking up hills or stairs easier. And if you have strong glutes, you’ll be less likely to experience back pain.
So if you want to maintain good body symmetry and prevent injuries, be sure to add some lower body workouts to your routine.
Make Joints Stronger
Anyone who has ever suffered from achy joints knows that they can be a real pain. Not only can they make it difficult to get around, but they can also make everyday activities, like walking and going upstairs, excruciating. Thankfully, there are several things that you can do to help relieve joint pain.
One of the most effective is to focus on lower body workouts. By strengthening the muscles around the joints, you can take some of the pressure off of the joints themselves. In addition, regular exercise helps increase flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to move without pain.
So, if you're looking for a way to reduce joint pain, start with some simple lower body exercises. You may be surprised at how much relief you can find.
Strengthen Your Core
Most people think of the core as the abs, but it's made up of several muscle groups, including the pelvic floor, transverse abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, and erector spinae.
A strong core is essential for keeping the spine healthy and preventing injuries. That's why lower body workouts are so important - they help strengthen all of the muscles around the spine.
In addition to improving core stability, lower body workouts also help tone the buttocks and legs. So if you're looking to get a strong, toned body, be sure to focus on lower body exercises.
Help Lose Fat
When it comes to weight loss, many people focus solely on cardio workouts. However, lower body workouts are also an important part of any weight loss plan. In addition to toning the legs and buttocks, lower body workouts help burn calories and promote fat loss.
Lower body workouts can be performed using various equipment, including dumbbells, barbells, and resistance bands. For best results, aim to perform the lower body workouts three to four times per week. Start with light weights and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.
In addition to helping you lose weight, lower body workouts will also improve your overall health and fitness level. You can add more resistance to these workouts by adding resistance loop bands by DMoose. So don't neglect your lower body - make sure to include lower body workouts in your workout routine!
Workout Description
With this circuit, you'll have your lower body in shape in no time! This workout is perfect for beginners and will help you build strength and tone your legs and glutes. You will feel the burn with every move, but it is so worth it!
Before heading into the workout, let us see how a lower body workout helps train your lower body. One of the best ways to develop your lower body explosiveness is by incorporating plyometric exercises into your training routine. Plyometrics are explosive movements that help train your muscles to generate more power.
Some examples of plyometric exercises you can do in the workout to improve your lower body explosiveness include
1. Squats
Squats are a great lower-body exercise because they target all of the major muscle groups in the lower body. Your thighs, glutes, and hamstrings will all benefit from this exercise, as will your balance. If you've never done squats before, begin with little weight and high reps to ease yourself into the exercise. As your strength improves, you can lower your reps and lift heavier weights.
Related Article: Compound Vs Isolation Exercises
2. Lunges
Lunges are another excellent exercise for toning your lower body. They target your quads and glutes and can also help improve your balance and coordination. Start with lightweight and high reps, and then gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. Remember to keep your form strict about getting the most out of this exercise.
Do each of the following exercises for 30 seconds, then rest for the minimum before moving on to the next one. Repeat the circuit 3 to 4 times.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Building Bigger and Stronger Glute Muscles
Instruction for Lower Body Circuit Blast
- Begin with a Warm-up: Warm up on the treadmill, elliptical, or exercise bike to get your heart rate up. This is an excellent way to get your heart rate up, and your muscles in your lower body warmed up.
- Don't take a break between exercises: This will keep your heart rate up throughout the workout.
- Beginners: Beginners should execute one circuit of 12-16 repetitions of each exercise.
- Intermediate/Advanced: Perform one set of 10-16 repetitions of each exercise, one after the other, for a total of 2-3 circuits for intermediate and advanced athletes.
- Use heavy enough weight: If using weight, use a weight that will only allow you to finish the specified number of repetitions.
Related Article: Why Ankle Straps are the Best Choice for Lower Body Perfection
Lower Body Blast Circuit Workout
There are plenty of reasons to love circuit training, but if you're looking for a workout that targets your lower body, a lower body blast circuit is the way to go. This type of workout is designed to tone and sculpt your legs, butt, and core, and the benefits are pretty impressive.
In addition to helping you achieve a toned and strong lower body, a lower body blast circuit can also improve your cardiovascular fitness, increase your calorie burn, and give your metabolism a boost.
Plus, it's a great way to break up the monotony of traditional cardio workouts. You can also add adjustable dumbbells by DMoose to your circuit routine once you advance through your lower body blast circuit workout. So if you're ready to get serious about sculpting your legs and booty, a lower-body blast circuit is the perfect workout for you.
Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 each leg |
|
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 |
|
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 |
|
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 each leg |
|
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 each leg |
|
1 |
30 seconds |
|
1 |
20 each leg |
Wrapping Up
Ready to blast your lower body? This circuit is a great way to start. Remember, always focus on quality over quantity when it comes to these explosive moves. If you can’t do them with proper form, regress the exercise until you can. And lastly, have fun! The goal is to challenge yourself and make fitness enjoyable, so mix up your routine often. Are there any other plyometric exercises you like to add to this circuit? Share them in the comments below!
Reading List
Article Sources
- Goncalves, Alexander, et al. “Comparison of Single- and Multi-Joint Lower Body Resistance Training upon Strength Increases in Recreationally Active Males and Females: A within-Participant Unilateral Training Study.” European Journal of Translational Myology, vol. 29, no. 1, Feb. 2019, p. 8052. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2019.8052.
- How to Lose Leg Fat: Exercises and Other Methods. 21 Aug. 2020, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327058 .
- Huxel Bliven, Kellie C., and Barton E. Anderson. “Core Stability Training for Injury Prevention.” Sports Health, vol. 5, no. 6, Nov. 2013, pp. 514–22. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738113481200.
- The Effects of a Lower Body Resistance-Training Program on Static Balance and Well-Being in Older Adult Women | British Columbia Medical Journal. https://bcmj.org/articles/effects-lower-body-resistance-training-program-static-balance-and-well-being-older-adult. Accessed 7 May 2022.