5 Ways to Build Leg Muscles wikiHow
License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a> License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"} 1 Train at least 3 times a week. Many people think that to build muscle you have to train every day, but that's not the case. Muscles get bigger when they get small "breaks" in training, and get stronger when they build up again during REST days. So don't exercise the same muscle groups two consecutive days. Rotate muscle groups so you're training your arms, back, chest, and other areas on the days you aren't working out your legs. Making sure to work out your other muscle groups is important when you're working on your legs. Don't neglect the rest of your body! EXPERT TIP Michele Dolan Certified Fitness Trainer Michele Dolan is a BCRPA certified Personal Trainer in British Columbia. She has been a personal trainer and fitness instructor since 2002. Michele Dolan Certified Fitness Trainer Michele Dolan, a certified personal trainer, advises: "Exercise your legs for at least 30 minutes 3-5 times per week. You can run, climb, cycle, ski, skate, or do gym-style exercises like lunges and squats." {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/aid1132717-v4-728px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"} 2 Work out hard. Make your leg workouts count. They shouldn't last more than 30 minutes, but those 30 minutes shouldn't feel comfortable. You want to go all in and maximize the workout, putting a lot of pressure on your muscles so that they break down and build back up stronger. For each exercise, you should use an amount of weight that you can lift for about 10 reps before you have to stop. If you can lift an amount of weight 15 times without stopping, you aren't lifting enough. If you can't lift it more than 5 times without needing a break, you're doing too much. Some trainers recommend "training to failure," which is the practice of repeating an exercise until you can't do even one more rep. This is said to build up the muscles more quickly, but it can cause injury if done incorrectly. Work with a trainer to figure out which technique is right for you. Advertisement {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1d\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/aid1132717-v4-728px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"} 3 Practice explosive reps. Many bodybuilders train with "explosive" movement, but this can cause injury if you push yourself too hard or use the wrong technique. If you're interested in these quick, forceful motions, take the time to learn them correctly: Start with a lighter than usual weight. Always use a slow, controlled release on the eccentric (the lowering or lengthening part of the exercise). Pause and contract the muscles at the low point of the exercise. Explode into the lift or push. Start with a short range of motion and increase the distance gradually as you train. Keep your joints slightly bent at peak range of motion to prevent damage to connective tissues. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fb\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid1132717-v4-728px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"} 4 Get plenty of rest between workouts. Muscles get stronger during the time between workouts, when the fibers heal and strengthen. That's why it's mandatory to get plenty of sleep every night when you're training heavily. On the days when you don't work out, let yourself rest. Don't go on a 10-mile hike or bike all day long - it's okay to put your feet up and relax. EXPERT TIP Monica Morris ACE Certified Personal Trainer Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques. Monica Morris ACE Certified Personal Trainer Our Expert Agrees: Develop a plan where you split your lower half routine into two days a week. On one of the days, focus on your glutes and your hamstrings, then give your body 48-72 hours to rest, depending on how sore you are. Once that soreness has abated, have your second lower-half day for that week, where you focus on your quads and calves. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/aid1132717-v4-728px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"} 5 Prioritize weights over cardio. Cardio promotes long, lean muscles instead of bulky ones. However, it takes many hours of running to undermine a heavy weight training routine, and 150 minutes of moderate cardio every week is still important for good health. If you are serious about bulking up your legs, get your cardio in by swimming or by using a rowing machine. You can limit cardio to 30 minute sessions after your resistance training, but do not skip cardio completely. Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:Weight Training Exercises {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6d\/Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/aid1132717-v4-728px-Build-Leg-Muscles-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"