Hiit stands for high-intensity interval training, it is a promising workout. It is designed on the principle of intense workout sessions followed by equal rest intervals.
Dumbbell leg extension workout when woven on hiit design has overwhelming results to offer. A quick 20-25 minutes time investment can be rewarding.
In this article, we will discuss Dumbbell Leg Extension and various aspects related to it.
Dumbbell Leg Extension:
This exercise includes the use of a dumbbell and a bench. The dumbbell leg extension mainly focuses on 4 muscles called the quadriceps. These exercises are knee dominant.
It engages the abductors and hip flexors actively. As one tries to balance and put required pressure on the abductors and the hip flexors it as a result keeps the other muscles and thighs safe.
Dumbbell Leg Extension features-
Dumbbell Leg extension has so much to offer regarding the benefits. The various features are:
A simple workout
The workout is quite simple to perform and one does not need much expertise. This feature makes it a beginner-friendly workout.
As there is no big demand for equipment the exercise can be started on its own.
Works on Quadriceps
Several times it is said that exercises target the whole body altogether. But when it comes to a Dumbbell Leg Extension it can help aim at the quadriceps i.e. 4 main leg muscles and isolate the thigh muscles. This as a result helps in making the legs strong and toned.
Liberty of Movement
Differing from a leg extension machine, Dumbbell Leg Extension provides liberty of movement. As there is no machine involved the hips and torso are free to move. Nothing is locked on the machine. Liberty helps in better-stretching possibilities.
Versatility
As there is less to no equipment used which makes it a versatile option. It can be easily done both indoors and outdoors. To perform it one just needs a dumbbell and a place to sit comfortably which may be a bench or any other normal thing like a chair to sit.
Help in maintaining proper form:
Dumbbell Leg Extension is helpful in maintaining a proper form. As when the individual is looking to put less pressure on joints and knees he has to concentrate on maintaining a proper form and not exhausting or injuring the body while doing so a proper form is maintained.
Dumbbell Leg Extension Tips To Remember:
Before going for dumbbell leg extension and making it an integral part of the routine certain points should be kept in mind. The various points are:
- Always listen to your body before starting something new.
- Whenever doing the workout add a nice warm-up in the beginning.
- Choose the weight wisely.
- Never use overweight dumbbells.
- Consult a professional before beginning.
- Include repetitions balanced with rest intervals.
- Keep alternating the weights.
- Concentrate on the form.
- Maintain a proper posture.
- In case of discomfort always take a rest and drop the workout for some time.
How to do Dumbbell Leg Extension
Start with a nice warm-up which makes the body flexible enough and signals the mind that some activity is going to happen. For doing the exercise:
- Sit straight on a bench keeping the back straight.
- Balance the body on your hands keeping the hands stationed on both sides a little bit towards the back.
- Next place the dumbbell of desired weight between the ankles in an upright position.
- Once done, raise the legs upside down parallel to the waist while exhaling.
- Wait for a few seconds in the same position.
- Now bring the legs down slowly reaching out to the initial position.
- Rest for a few seconds and repeat again for the desired times.
Dumbbell Leg Extension Flaws-
Although dumbbell leg extension has so many outstanding features, there are a few flaws too:
Balancing is not easy:
One needs to use both feet at the same time which makes balancing a bit difficult. It is not possible to do the movement with one foot as the dumbbell handle has to be placed on the upper part of the feet for a swift movement.
Inconvenient to manage weight:
A lightweight is considered much preferable as it is not easy to manage heavy weights when balancing on feet. Although with time the demand for more weight poured in but going for more weight is a challenging task.
The Bottom Line:
As discussed above the dumbbell leg extension is a good exercise to add to your exercise routine.
The exercise is very simple to perform and does not require special equipment. The most important factors to concentrate on are the form and posture which needs to be maintained throughout.
Read More: https://fitwithiit.com/blogs/
Recommended Reading: 10 Best Leg Machine Workouts for Body
