Body Sculpting How-Tos

How To: Do leg extensions with exercise bands

The seated leg extension is used to isolate the quadriceps muscles. The quadriceps muscles are located on the front of the thighs. As you might have guessed, there are four muscles that make up the quadriceps. Each muscle works in unison to extend the knee. In everyday life, the "quads" are used when you jump, walk, sit, kick, or stand.

How To: Do a supine bridge to work your gluteus maximus

The supine bridge is a great exercise for the glutes/butt. It is relatively easy to perform and requires no fancy equipment. While the butt is the primary focus, the supine bridge also works all thigh and hip muscles (e.g. hamstrings, quadriceps, etc), and even the abs. These muscles allow the "bridging" of the hips to take place. Here is how this exercise is done:

How To: Do a supine bridge

If you begin to notice that supine bridges are getting too easy, then use the marching version as a progression. The marching supine bridge is the perfect exercise for the glutes! This version of the supine bridge is similar to the original. When marching steps come into play, the exercise becomes more difficult because you briefly have to support your body weight on one leg. You will definitely feel this one working. Instructions for this exercise are listed below:

How To: Do donkey kicks

The gluteal muscles, or glutes, can be targeted with donkey kicks. This exercise is easy to perform and does not require any fancy equipment. The donkey kick is a classic "butt" exercise, and there are many variations of the original donkey kick. Instructions for the donkey kick exercise are listed below:

How To: Do a single leg bridge on a swiss ball

If traditional supine bridges become too easy, you can try to progress to the one leg version. This exercise is going to work your glutes like none other. Your hamstrings and lower back are also heavily engaged during this exercise. The single leg bridge requires an advanced level of fitness. This is generally true in cases where one leg is being used to support the majority of your bodyweight. Another factor that makes this exercise difficult is that it is perform using a Swiss ball (unstabl...

How To: Do a leg curl with a stability ball

This version of the leg curl is one of the most demanding hamstring exercises you will find. One should at least have an intermediate level of workout experience before attempting this exercise. A certain degree of muscle control is required in order to be able to stabilize the ball. But with a bit of practice, anyone can master this exercise. It is important to thoroughly warm up your hamstrings before performing this exercise, as the starting resistance level is high.

How To: Do a crossover lunge

The crossover lunge is an advanced exercise that is used to build strength and improve flexibility in the muscles that act on the hips and thighs. The crossover step is often used as a warm-up to prepare for more dynamic exercises or sports conditioning drills.

How To: Do a sumo squat with a medicine ball

The sumo squat works all leg muscles, although it can also be used to target the inner thighs. This exercise can be performed with or without weighted resistance. The key to this exercise is to stand with the feet beyond shoulder width. The wide stance forces the inner thigh muscles to work harder. The toes should be turned out.