Build stronger legs with this five-move dumbbell workout

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published 13 July 2022

It's easy to overlook a lower body workout; most routines focus on building arm, chest, and shoulder muscle. These are essential areas, but your legs play a crucial role too. This quick dumbbell workout is an ideal way to develop your lower body, even when you're short on time.

It's made up of just 10-15 repetitions of five weighted moves that are designed to work your lower half, build leg muscle, and develop core strength. And if you focus on getting the form of each move just right, you'll achieve leg strengthening results even from a quick session.

You only need one dumbbell to get started, but it's worth investing in a set of the best adjustable dumbbells for versatile home workouts. They can be pricey, so don't miss out on this Prime Day deal on the NordicTrack iSelect Adjustable Dumbbells, with 30% off right now at Amazon (opens in new tab).

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This short routine was develop by personal trainer Alice Liveing (opens in new tab), and is designed to give your lower body a blast even when you're short on time. You can do the five moves as a quick session, or repeat the round for a more extended workout.

To get the most from your training, it's important to focus on your form. This is particularly important when working with weights to avoid injury. Helpfully, Liveing demonstrates each move, so you practice the technique before starting the routine.

Watch Alice Liveing's five-move lower body dumbbell workout

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The routine includes some of the best leg workouts like goblet squats, Romanian deadlifts, and lateral lunges, alongside strength-building exercises like Good Mornings and Side-lying clams.

If you want to mix up your workout schedule, you can alternate Liveing's lower body routine with this dumbbells leg workout, which has some similar moves (like deadlifts), but also jump squats and single leg squats.

Learning how to deadlift with dumbbells is a great way to work your whole body, but it also helps strengthen your core, a section of mid-body muscle that aids stability, promotes circulation, and improves exercise performance.

Alternatively, invest in one of the best kettlebells and practice how to do kettlebell swings. This deceptively simple move works your upper and lower body, strengthens your core, and boosts your metabolism for muscle-building, fat-burning results.

James is a London-based journalist and Fitness Editor at Fit&Well. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyer’s Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.

In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. In recent times, James has been absorbed by the intersection between mental health, fitness, sustainability, and environmentalism. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each week’s New Music Friday releases.