legs

1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward.
2. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head (prisoner squat) or at the sides of your head.
3.  Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair.
4. Keep your back straight at all times.
5. Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps. Pause for a count of one. Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.
6. Return to the start position by pushing down through your heels and extending your hips forward until you are standing straight. Repeat.

1. Stand with your feet in a wide stance, with your toes slightly pointed outwards – like a sumo wrestler. Hold your hands together in front of your chest.
2. Keeping your back straight, lower your body towards the ground by bending your knees.
3. As you reach a fully squatting position (legs are bent at a 90-degree angle), hold the pose for 1 second before driving your feet into the floor and slowly push your body back up to the starting position.
4. For a bonus, tense your glutes at the top of the movement.

1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart and place your hands on your hips. This is the start position.
2. Step forward with either leg in a long stride. Keep your other foot in place behind you.
3. Bend your knees as you do this so your body is lowered towards the ground. Keep your back straight throughout the movement.
4. Continue down until your front knee is just above the ground. (Your front leg should be bent 90 degrees at the knee)
5. Hold for a count of one.
6. Push down through your front heel and extend both knees to return to the start position.
7. Pause then repeat with your other leg. When you have lunged with both legs, that is one repetition.
8. Repeat.

Try to keep your hands on your hips at all times, using your obliques to keep your balance.

1. Set up a barbell in a rack at shoulder height.
2. In front of the rack, place an aerobic or exercise step on the floor.
3. Position yourself under the barbell so it is resting across your shoulder. Not on your neck.
4. Stand up straight to lift the barbell from the rack and walk forward to the step.
5. Place one foot on the step and push down through your heel while straightening your leg to lift yourself up onto the step and place your other foot flat on the step.Hold fora count of one.
6. Step down with the opposite leg to the one you started the movement with.
7. Repeat all the repetitions of the set for your chosen lead leg befor changing to the other.

For novices or people with balance problems, this exercise can be performed using only body weight or dumbbells until you are confident and your strength has increased. You can also perform this movement by alternating between legs.

1. Set up a  barbell on a rack  at just below shoulder level.
2. Step under the bar placing the back of your shoulders under it. Do not rest the bar on your neck.
3. Grip the the bar using an overhand grip with your elbows bent to90 degrees or slightly more. Less of an angle means your hands are too close together which can cause instability of balance.
4. Lift the barbell clear of the rack by  pushing with your legs, while straightening your torso.
5. Step away from the rack.
6. Step forward with your right leg and squat down through your hips. Keep your back straight  and be careful to maintain your balance. Inhale as you lower yourself.
7. Continue lowering your body until your left knee is nearly touching the floor.
8. Return to the start position b pushing through your heel,exhaling as you do so.
9. Complete all the repetitions for one leg before switching.

This exercise requires a great deal of balance. If you suffer from balance problems, it is best either avoid it, or just use your own body weight while holding on to a steady object. Never perform any exercise with a barbell on your back if you suffer from balance problems. For safety, this exercise is best performed inside a squat rack.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.

1. Place a bench in front of you. Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand facing the bench. Brace your core and keep your gaze straight ahead.
2. Bring your right knee up and step up on to the bench. Placing all of the effort in your right leg, bring your body up into a standing position on the bench.
3. Slowly lower yourself to the starting position and switch legs.

1. Begin by standing with dumbbells in hand at your sides.
2. Place your feet hip-width apart.
3. Take a big step to the right with your right foot, keeping your arms straight.
4.  Land with your heel followed by the rest of your foot and flex the right knee so that you lower your hip and body until your knee and hip are at a 90 degree angle. Keep your left leg only slightly angled.
5. Return to the starting position by extending your right hip and knee. Once they are straight, bring your foot back in to a standing tall position.

1. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your shoulders back. And your back straight.
3. Take a long stride forward with your right leg. Your right foot should be in a position, that when you bend your right knee, your upper and lower leg form a 90 degree angle.
4. Slowly bend both your knees, to lower your hips until your left (rear) knee is just above the floor. Hold for a count of one.
5. Return to the start position by slowly straightening your legs and raising your body back to a standing position.
6.  Complete all the repetitions for one set full set, then switch legs, or you can alternate between legs for each rep.

Do not let your knee travel past your toes in the down position as this can cause instability and injury.

1. Stand up straight while holding two dumbbells. Maintain a tight core and flat back as you carefully place your right foot on top of a bench behind you with toes facing down. 
2. Bend at the front knee as you drop the back knee, maintaining perfect form. Front knee should not go over the toes.
3. Allow your thigh to come to parallel with the floor.
4. Pause then slowly return to the starting position without locking out your knee.
5. Repeat then switch sides once set is complete.

1. Place a bench in front of you. Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand facing the bench. Brace your core and keep your gaze straight ahead.
2. Bring your right knee up and step up on to the bench. Placing all of the effort in your right leg, bring your body up into a standing position on the bench.
3. Slowly lower yourself to the starting position and switch legs.

1. Hold a kettlebell by the handle in one hand using a neutral grip.
2. Stand on the leg that is on the same side that you are holding the kettlebell.This is the start position.
3. Bending that knee slightly, bend at the hip, and extend your free leg behind you for balance.
4. Continue lowering the kettlebell until your torso is parallel to the ground.
5. Return to the upright position in a smooth movement.
6. Repeat.

1. Stand tall with a tight core while holding a pair of dumbbells. Keeping your chest up and your gaze straight ahead, shift all of your bodyweight to your left foot. Bend the right knee, allowing the right foot to lift off the ground.
2. Maintaining a flat back, tilt your upper body forward. Do not allow the dumbbells to pull you down. Control your descent. Simultaneously, allow the right foot to counterbalance the shift in weight.
3. Feel the contraction in your hamstrings and pause once your upper body is parallel with the ground. Slowly return to the starting position.

1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform  and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
5. Repeat.
6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.

Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

1. Set up the barbell on the squat rack so that it is at the same height as your upper chest.
2. Position your body under the bar, with knees bent so that the bar is resting high on the back of your shoulders.
3. Grip the bar with your hands comfortably wider than your shoulders.
4. Slowly straighten your legs to push upwards, lifting the barbell from the rack and take one step forward.
5. Stand with your legs shoulder width apart.
6. Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to bend back as if sitting down,
7. Continue this movement down until your thighs are parallel to the floor or slightly more, making sure your knees are pointing in the same direction as your feet.
8. Hold for a count of one.
9. Push up through your heels while straightening your hips and knees, until you are standing in the start position.
10. Make any adjustments necessary to your stance and grip before continuing on the next repetition.

Do not rest the bar on your neck. Keep your head facing forward at all times. Keep your back straight throughout the entire movement.

1. Begin by positioning a barbell at or just below shoulder level in the squat rack. Behind the squat rack, place a tall wooden box or chair. Place yourself underneath the barbell. Make sure the bar is across your upper traps and NOT on your neck.
2. Place your feet outside of shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
3. Bend at the knees as you drive your hips back. Lower yourself slowly until your butt touches the box. Pause then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Lie on your back on a mat with hands under your lower buttocks on either side to support your pelvis.
2. Legs straight out in front of you, ankles together and feet slightly off the floor.
3. Keep your knees straight and raise your legs by flexing the hips until they are completely flexed.
4. Return to starting position.

1. Lie on a mat with your hands under your buttocks and raise your legs slightly, keeping knees straight and ankles together.
2. Keep abs engaged and perform short kicks in an alternating fashion.
3. Repeat as needed and then lower legs to the ground.

1. Lie flat with hands under your buttocks.
2. Keep your knees together and pull them in towards you while moving your torso towards them (lift your head, neck and shoulders up).
3. Hold and then slowly return to starting position.

1. Stand up straight with a tight core and flat back.
2. Position your feet wider than shoulder-width. Your toes should be facing out diagonally.
3. Holding a dumbbell with both hands in front of you, look straight ahead and bend at the knees while driving your hips backward. Your knees should be following your toes in a diagonal line.
4. Complete this wide stance squat by having your thighs come parallel with the ground.
5. Pause and slowly return to the starting position without locking your knees.
6. Repeat.

1. Set a barbell on a rack at your shoulder height.
2. Step under the bar and rest the back of your shoulders against the bar. Do not put the bar on your neck.
3. Hold on to the bar using an overhand grip so that your palms are facing forward.
4. Lift the barbell off the rack by pushing up with your legs while straightening your torso.
5. Step away from the rack and position your legs in a wider than shoulder width position and with your toes slightly pointed out.
6. Keep your head up and look straight ahead at all times, as looking down will put you off balance.
7. Ensure your back is straight. This is the start position.
8. As you inhale, slowly lower the bar by bending your knees while keeping a straight posture with your head up.
9. Continue down until the angle between you upper legs and calves is slightly less than 90-degrees . As a guide, the front of your knees should be in line with your toes. Do not allow your knees to extend out beyond your toes.
10. Hold for a count of one.
11. As you exhale, raise the bar back to the start position, by pushing through your heels as you straighten your legs.
12. Pause for a count of one.
13. Repeat.

This is an exercise which carries some risk. If you have back issues, substitute this exercise for the dumbbell squat or leg press instead. Never slouch your back forward as this can cause back injury. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes.

1. With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with dumbbells as your sides with your palms facing each other.
2. Keeping your back straight and facing forward, squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
3. Pause for one second.
4. Pushing up from your heels, raise back up to starting position and repeat.

1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform  and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
5. Repeat.
6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.

Always check to make sure that when you re-rack the weight the platform is securely locked.

1. Stand tall against a wall with your head and back touching the wall.
2. Position your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart and a few inches away from the wall.
3. Rest your arms at your sides.
4. Bend your knees and lower into a squat position until your thighs are parallel to the floor and hold the position
5. Return to starting position by straightening your knees and standing tall again.

1. Place your feet at shoulder-width or just outside of shoulder-width. Turn your toes out slightly. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
2. Swing your arms up to shoulder level as you slowly bend your knees and push your hips backward. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel with the ground.
3. Pause and stay in this position for as long as you can. Return to the starting position by dropping your arms and push your hips forward.