If you are looking to build an overall physique, you can't neglect the legs. A lot of people who work out because they want to look good at the beach usually focus on the arms, chest, and abs. But the legs are just as important for getting that lean, muscular look. Here are a few leg exercises every weight trainer should familiarize themselves with. As always, check with you personal trainer Costa Mesa to make sure you have the right technique down before making any one of these a major part of you personal training routine.

The number one leg exercise you should be familiar with is the squat. Many a personal trainer has deemed it the "king of leg exercises" for its impressive ability to give great results quickly. When doing the squat, make sure to make the top of your thighs (not the bottom) parallel to the ground in the deepest part of the movement. Many trainers only make the bottom of their thighs parallel to the ground, which decreases the effectiveness of the exercise.

The leg press, when performed correctly, can really build nice looking mass. When doing this exercise, make sure not to lock your knees at the top of the movement. It puts unnecessary stress on your joints and robs you of an opportunity to work your quads. When lowering the weight towards yourself, try and get your knees and close to you as possible without taking your back off of the pad. The trick is full range of motion here, so don't try and cheat by making small motions with your legs.

Another big one is lying leg curls. This is important because it works your hamstrings, which are sometimes forgotten even by diligent leg exercisers. To get the most benefit, flex your hamstring at the top of the movement.

Seated leg extension make for a great end of workout exercise. While doing these, don't make your movement jerky or bounce at the top of the motion. It should be smooth and controlled if you want to get the most benefit to your quads.

There are lots of other exercises that can help you out, but these are wonderful to know if you are looking to develop your legs.

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