Strengthening the legs and glutes is a great way to stabilize the body, build muscle and burn a ton of calories.
Try this lower-body routine with a cardio finisher for a well-rounded workout perfect for building endurance, burning calories and strengthening your lower half.
40 seconds of work followed by 20 seconds of rest. After the last move, rest for 60 seconds (that's 1 circuit).
Do the entire circuit 3 to 5 times. After your last circuit try the AMRAP (as many reps as possible) cardio burnout finisher.
Four point squats with kettlebell
- Begin standing with your feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell in front of your chest with both hands
- Engage your core drop down into a squat
- From this position, step your left foot forward, followed by your right
- Step your left foot back, followed by your right
- Repeat this movement for the designated amount of time
Reverse lunges to balance
- Begin standing with your feet hip-width and your arms extended at your sides
- Step your left foot back into a reverse squat
- Hold briefly before engaging the core and moving the left leg forward into a high knee
- Without letting your left foot touch the floor, push your left foot back into a reverse kick
- Drop your left foot back to the starting position and reverse the movement on the opposite leg
Mountain climbers
- Begin in a traditional plank position, with your shoulders over hands and your weight on the toes
- Engage your core and bring your right knee forward under your chest
- Once your right foot leaves the floor, switch legs and bring the left leg forward towards your chest
- Continue switching legs, picking up the pace until it feels a little like you’re running in a plank position
Leg raises with pulse
- Begin laying face up with your arms bent and your hands tucked gently under your lower back
- Extend your legs and slowly lift them off the ground until they are stacked directly above your hips
- Contract your core and lift your glutes slightly off the ground
- Quickly release your glutes back to the mat and slowly lower your legs back to the starting position for one rep
AMRAP CARDIO BURNOUT FINISHER
Reverse lunges to balance
- Begin standing with your feet hip-width and your arms extended at your sides
- Step your left foot back into a reverse squat
- Hold briefly before engaging the core and moving the left leg forward into a high knee
- Without letting your left foot touch the floor, push your left foot back into a reverse kick
- Drop your left foot back to the starting position and reverse the movement on the opposite leg
Toe touch crunches
- Begin laying on a yoga mat with your arms extended straight overhead and your legs fully extended
- Bend at your waist and reach your arms up over your head, reaching them towards the tips of your toes
- At the top of this position, touch your toes with your hands before releasing both your legs and torso back to the starting position for one rep