Leg exercises with a barbell at home, in a gym for girls

Leg exercises for women help to make them slim fit, but men expect more relief from them. But training with a barbell, and there are a lot of their options, require hard painstaking work from an athlete.

The lower limbs are divided into 4 main parts: quadriceps, biceps, buttocks and lower legs. To get beautiful legs, you need to choose such a set of exercises so that it helps to distribute the load to all parts.

Rules and features

Barbell leg exercises allow you to work not only all the muscles of the lower extremities, but also additional, because your hands need to keep the projectile in balance. This is what helps to increase the intensity and effect of the workout. Classes with a projectile are chosen by those who want to increase strength and muscle mass. When working with the barbell, the ligaments and joints are safe.

Barbell workouts are suitable not only for men, but also for women. Working with a projectile, you can effectively work out muscle groups or each separately, burn extra calories, and strengthen bone tissue.

Any workout done in the gym or at home should start with a warm-up. After it, you need to perform several ruinous approaches. The first few workouts should be done only with a bar, and only later, when the body gets used to such a load, start gradually adding weight.

Barbell leg exercises will bring a quick and lasting effect, tighten and make muscles stronger, if you follow a few rules:

Why do we need

Barbell leg exercises are invaluable to those who want not only to make their body beautiful, but also to solve a lot of other problems:

• Such workouts help to remove extra pounds, giving the body a sporty look.
• Due to the fact that exercises strengthen muscle fibers, the spine is also strengthened, and posture is improved. But this effect occurs only if the training program is correctly selected.
• Endurance and strength increase several times.
• The muscles of the heart, the walls of blood vessels are strengthened, blood flow and blood pressure indicators return to normal.
• Due to muscle contraction during training, massage of the internal organs is performed, which improves their work.
• For a rather long time after the training process, an increased rate of metabolic processes in the body remains, so the weight continues to decrease after training.

Contraindications and possible harm

Barbell leg exercises have no specific contraindications. But working with a projectile refers to strength training, the body is under a heavy load, so people with such problems should consult a doctor.

Contraindications:

• scoliosis, hernia between the vertebrae and other injuries of the spine;
• tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension and other problems with the heart and blood vessels;
• menstrual period in women.

You should start exercising after a health check. The first trainings should be carried out only under the supervision of a trainer who will prompt and point out mistakes.

Main complex

Below is a set of exercises for training legs using a barbell. To get a good effect, it is important to perform 3-5 sets with repetitions up to 12 times. The maximum numbers are aimed at developing endurance and strength. But for those who just want to increase muscle mass, it will be enough to complete 3 sets of 6 times.

Bench press

This is one of the basic exercises that experts recommend starting training for beginners. It can be done in the gym or at home, as long as the bar is nearby.

The execution algorithm is as follows:

1. lie on the bench;
2. take the barbell with your hands so that the distance between them is about 60 cm;
3. the main emphasis is on the palms, so the thumbs are on top of the bar;
4. elbows should be at right angles to the back;
5. when lowering the projectile down, you need to adhere to a slight slope, this is the only way to reduce the load on the shoulders and forearm, which protects against injury;
6. the point of contact while lowering the barbell - 2-3 cm to the body;
7. nights start with 6 repetitions of 2 sets.

Bar Squat

This exercise can be done in two different ways: squatting with a shell on the chest or on the shoulders. In the first case, the main load falls on the front of the thigh muscles. Remove the bar from the racks, the back is bent, and the elbows are slightly forward. The squat is performed until the hips are parallel to the floor. After smoothly return to its original position.

In the second option, the load falls on the muscles of the legs and trunk, but the front of the thigh works to the maximum. The projectile should be placed on the shoulders, the elbows are brought together, and the chest is straightened, the back is straight. While squatting, push your pelvis back slightly. Squat to parallel will be with the floor. 2 sets to start and 6 reps.

There is another type of squat that is suitable for training leg muscles. Such movements help to effectively work out the upper legs, the tendons under the knees.

Sumo squats are performed in the following sequence:

1. place the bar on the shoulders;
2. put your legs wide, you need to imagine a sumo wrestler and try to stand in the same position;
3. slowly perform a squat, putting the buttocks back;
4. return to the starting position quickly and abruptly.

Deadlift

There are a number of options for performing this exercise.

The classic version is performed according to the following algorithm:

1. stand in front of the bar, legs wide apart;
2. take the projectile with a direct grip;
3. arms upright, forearms above the bar;
4. exhaling, and then, typing full lungs of air, begin to perform traction;
5. lifting the barbell just above knee level, straighten and bring the shoulder blades together;
6. lowering the projectile, take the pelvis back, bending the lower back, but the shoulder blades should be brought together;
7. when the projectile is below knee level, sit down slightly so that the pancakes touch the floor.

Forward lunges

This exercise will help you work your glutes by pumping your front thighs.

The exercise is performed like this:

1. stand in front of the bar;
2. bend over and grab the projectile, shoulders are straightened, back is straight;
3. lunge forward, but make sure that the knee of the other leg does not touch the floor;
4. return to starting position;
5. repeat the lunge with the other leg.

This exercise can be done while standing still, lunges backwards or diagonally. You can immediately do 1 approach of up to 6 repetitions of each of the exercises, having worked well all the muscles of the legs.

Bench press

This exercise is performed on a special simulator, which is equipped with a movable platform on which pancakes are hung to help regulate the load.

Algorithm for the exercise:

1. lie with your back on a special platform, while your back should be tightly pressed;
2. grab the special handrails on the sides with your hands;
3. put your feet on the platform, the feet should be firmly pressed against the movable platform;
4. straighten the legs at the knee until they are completely straightened, it turns out that the platform should simply be raised on extended legs;
5. while inhaling, slowly lower the platform down, bending at the knees;
6. as you exhale, raise the platform again.

So 2 sets of 12 times.

Bridge

This is another exercise that is suitable for home and gym use. You need to lie on the bench, firmly pressing only the shoulder blades to its surface, and the rest of the body should be outside of it. You can do this exercise while lying on the floor. Take the projectile and put it on the body - in the place where the hip joints are bent.

It is forbidden to place the projectile on the stomach or hips. The lower limbs should be bent at an angle of 90 degrees. Holding the projectile with your hands so that it does not move, lift your buttocks up, performing a classic bridge, but try not to round your back.

Barbell jump

The athlete must be well prepared for this exercise. It is suitable only for experienced athletes, since its execution technique is very complex and beginners, if performed incorrectly, will only receive serious injury.

The shell is placed on the shoulders, while holding it with a grip from above, the back is perfectly straight. Now you need to smoothly lower the squat by ¼, and then sharply jump up. The bar during the jump must remain strictly in place. After completing the jump, you must slowly return to the starting position.

Romanian deadlift with a bar in hand

This exercise helps to work the muscles in the back of the thigh.

The exercise is performed in the following sequence:

1. prepare a barbell with an optimal weight;
2. for beginners, it is better to remove the barbell from the racks, and for experienced athletes you can lift it from the floor;
3. the grip of the projectile should be closed and the hands should be shoulder-width apart;
4. knees, slightly bending, remove the bar from the racks and take a couple of steps back so that nothing interferes with the exercise;
5. slowly pull the pelvis back, while the body begins to lean forward;
6. the back is perfectly flat, the face is directed to the floor, but the eyes look in front of you;
7. the back of the head stretches so that the spine remains straight;
8. slowly straighten your back and knees, returning to the starting position.

Bulgarian squat

This exercise helps to strengthen the glutes and upper thigh muscles.

The algorithm for performing the exercise is as follows:

1. take the shell in hand, grip shoulder-width apart;
2. shift the barbell onto your shoulders;
3. stand with your back to the bench and put the toe of one leg on it;
4. make sure that during the exercise the back is flat, the lower back does not bend;
5. do squats, emphasis first on one leg, and then change the leg and repeat.

Steps on the bench

This exercise can be done at home or in the gym.It very much resembles steps on the platform, but only the bar rests on the shoulders. The higher the platform, the greater the load on the thigh leg muscles. During execution, the back should be flat, and the shoulder blades are brought together.

The body weight should be transferred to the working leg to feel the maximum tension.

Week schedule

Leg exercises with a barbell should consist of a whole complex, which includes basic and isolation exercises. General training should start with a warm-up to help the muscles warm up well and prepare for further exercise.

General workout includes basic exercises:

• Squats with a barbell on the shoulders. Beginners should start with 2 sets of 6-8 reps.
• Bench Leg Press - 2-3 sets of 8 reps.
• Raising the platform with your feet - 3 sets of 10 reps.
• Romanian Deadlift - 2-3 sets of 6-8 reps.
• Deadlift - 2 sets of 6 reps
• Barbell Jump - 2 sets of 6 reps.
• Forward lunges - 3 sets of 8 reps.

Between each approach, you need to give the muscles a rest, but no more than 1 minute. Rest is no more than 3 minutes between exercises.

As isolating exercises, you can choose the following:

• extension of the legs in the simulator;
• flexion in the simulator;
• bulgarian squat;
• standing on the floor to rise on toes;
• calf raises while sitting on a chair.

After each workout, be sure to take 10-15 minutes. stretching to help your muscles recover faster and relieve discomfort. If for some reason it was not possible to visit the gym, and you do not want to miss the workout, then you can easily perform the complex for the home.

It may include the following exercises:

1. Squats with a barbell on the shoulders.
2. Barbell lunges forward.
3. Deadlift.
4. Sumo barbell press.
5. The bridge is lying on the floor.
6. Steps on a bench with a barbell at the shoulders.
7. Squats.

When performing the complex at home, do not forget about the warm-up at the beginning and stretching at the end. It is also worth strictly observing the number of approaches and repetitions, there should be no less of them than during training in the gym.

When to expect an effect

Exercises to work out the muscles of the legs with a barbell will give the first effect only after 1-2 months of regular training. To obtain the effect, workouts should be carried out at least 3 times a week, and preferably every other day, to allow the muscles to recover after exertion.

But you will not be able to achieve results if you make serious mistakes:

• Choosing the wrong exercise. Often, athletes pay more attention to simulators and isolation exercises, and they should only be used as an addition to the main complex.
• Incorrect technique. If you perform an incomplete squat, then you may not get the result, but only load the muscles to the maximum.
• Doing a lot of repetitions. If you load the muscles to the maximum, then this approach will restrain muscle groups.

Leg exercises performed with a barbell in the gym or at home will be of immense benefit. With their help, you can make your legs more resilient, improve your appearance and remove extra pounds.

But it is very important to follow all the trainer's recommendations, to undergo an examination before starting the training process and not to take a lot of weight initially. It is better to gradually increase the load, this is the only way to achieve good results.

Barbell Workout Videos

Workout at home with a barbell: