January 31, 2022
Why It Helps to Have Strong Legs
As someone who tries to get in my 10,000 steps per day, I am always moving on my feet. As a runner, I find myself pushing my legs to move faster, beyond what is expected or needed during the daily requirements of the day. In strength training, I know I am building my leg muscles to be able to push higher volumes of weight than what might otherwise be required from me during the day.
On any given day, at any given time, I never know when or if I will be required to need the extra leg strength or endurance to complete a challenge, a favor or remedy a problem. A strong fitness program created by a personal trainer can help you prepare, too. Having strong legs has its benefits, and here are a few more reasons.
Greater Independence As You Age
Having strong legs keeps us standing upright. And standing up longer. Standing on strong legs is also easier than standing on weaker, tired legs. This has its benefits whether you are working into the later stages of your life or are retired and traveling to sightsee in places around the world. Being on your feet will be a big part of your day.
Decreased Lower Limb Injury Risk
Stronger legs will, in many cases, mean that you have spent some significant time working your legs at earlier stages of your life. The time one spends in the gym pushing weight to grow leg muscles also helps with bone density. The increased leg strength can also help with balance and symmetry. When your legs are stronger and more ready for action, you will have a greater tendency to avoid injury versus someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle and seldom is asked to spend hours on their feet or even help to simply lift a box and carry it across a room.
Decreased Risk of Falls
As mentioned above, strong legs will help you maintain better balance. Stronger muscles, also lead to stronger bones because of the load bearing exercises. This all helps you stay upright and not fall at the first step onto uneven ground. Strong legs help us to support our bodies even when the weight distribution is far beyond a 50-50 even split per leg. We are able support and rebalance ourselves.
Improved Endurance Performance
Athletically speaking, stronger legs will improve performance. Even runners need to strength train. Yes, all of the above is realized when runners do strength train, but what you will also find is the strength training makes you a better runner. If leg muscles are the engines of running, then having a bigger engine makes you a more efficient runner. This will also allow running to be “easier”, thus giving you the chance to run longer and improving your endurance.
So, what can you do to get stronger legs muscles?
Strength training for your legs calls for some exercises that allows for multiple muscles to be called upon during a movement or repetition. Start with main moves such as a squat, deadlift, front squat, lunges or raises. If you aren’t sure what to do, consider enlisting the services of a personal trainer. They will create a tailored program specifically for your fitness goals.
