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The chest, abs and arms sure get a lot of focus during workouts, while at the same time, the legs don’t get enough consideration. Exercising the muscles of the legs is a crucial component of any well-rounded fitness routine. Many of us have the habit of skipping leg day for various reasons. And even when we engage in leg exercises, we tend to make some mistakes that can not only hinder our performance but also lead to leg injuries.
In the blog, let us look at the common mistakes people make on leg day and some simple fixes that can help you get stronger and well-defined legs.
Skipping the Warm-up
Any seasoned fitness expert worth their salt will tell you first up that you should always practise your warm-up without fail. One of the most common mistakes people make on leg day is neglecting the warm-up. Warm-up exercises increase blood flow to the muscles, improve joint mobility, and prepare your body for more intense exercise. Skipping this crucial step can increase the risk of injury and reduce your overall performance during the workout.
Fix: Spend 5-10 minutes performing leg stretches like leg swings, hip circles, and bodyweight squats, to prepare your lower body for the upcoming workout. Gradually increase the intensity to get your heart rate up and your muscles warmed up.
Having Improper Form on Compound Exercises
Compound exercises like squats and deadlifts are excellent for building leg strength and size. However, many people compromise their form when lifting heavy weights, which can lead to injury and limit muscle engagement.
Fix: Focus on proper form before increasing the weight. Ensure your back is straight, knees are aligned with your toes, and you're engaging your core muscles.
Undertraining
Not engaging in leg exercises enough is one of the primary reasons why people don’t see results. Allotting just a single day for legs in your workout routine may prove to be inadequate.
Fix: Practice leg workouts for at least 2-3 days in the week to gain maximum results.
Incomplete Range of Motion
Another common mistake on leg day is not utilising a full range of motion during exercises. Cutting short on your range of motion limits muscle activation and significantly hampers growth potential.
Fix: Pay attention to the depth of your squats and lunges, ensuring you're going as low as your mobility allows. A full range of motion helps target all muscle fibres and leads to better results.
Pushing Too Hard
Overtraining can be a significant issue on leg day. Some people push themselves too hard or perform too many sets and repetitions, leading to muscle fatigue and decreased performance.
Fix: Follow a well-structured workout plan that includes appropriate rest days between leg workouts. Listen to your body, and if you're feeling fatigued, consider reducing the intensity or incorporating active recovery exercises into your routine.
Ignoring Accessory Exercises
While compound exercises are essential, neglecting accessory exercises can be a mistake. Accessory exercises, such as calf raises, leg curls, and hip thrusts, help target specific leg muscles for a more balanced and defined look.
Fix: Include a variety of accessory exercises in your leg day routine to work all the major muscle groups in your legs. These exercises can help overcome weaknesses and imbalances.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Proper hydration is crucial for any workout, but it's often overlooked on leg day. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and decreased endurance.
Fix: Drink water throughout the day leading up to your leg workout, and consider sipping on a drink with electrolytes during your session, especially if it's intense and sweaty.
Leg day is an essential part of your fitness routine if you want to build stronger, more defined legs. By avoiding the above mistakes, you can greatly optimise your leg workouts and also reduce the risk of strains, sprains and other leg injuries. If you want to incorporate safe leg exercises into your routine, get the FITPASS app and start with your leg exercises at a gym near you today. Ensure that you follow the tips given in this blog for the best results.
