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Lower body: 6 dumbbell exercises, 3 sets

A dumbbell circuit for the thighs, glutes, hamstrings and calves. These are the body's largest muscles: strengthening them helps with everyday movements and protects knees and back.

Duration23 minLevelBeginner to intermediateEquipmentA pair of dumbbells

Free, no account, on iPhone without the App Store.

Benefits

  • Strengthens quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves
  • Improves stability and balance
  • Complements running and jumping sports

Who is it for?

For training at the gym or at home with a pair of dumbbells. Alternate with the upper body workout.

Steps

  1. 2 min warm-up
  2. Goblet squats, reverse lunges, Romanian deadlifts, hip thrusts, side lunges, standing calf raises: 45 s each
  3. 15 s rest between exercises, 1 min 30 between sets, 3 sets
  4. 1 min cool-down

Tips

  • Keep knees in line with your toes during squats and lunges
  • Romanian deadlift: flat back, hips back, dumbbells close to your legs
  • Increase the weight once 45 s feels easy

Precautions

  • If your knee or lower back hurts, lighten the load and reduce the range

References

  1. Bull F. C. et al. (2020). World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(24), 1451-1462. doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955
  2. Westcott W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: Effects of strength training on health. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 11(4), 209-216. doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8
  3. Garber C. E. et al. (2011). Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 43(7), 1334-1359. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb

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This content is for information only and does not replace advice from a health professional. If in doubt, ask your doctor before you start.