Exercises to strengthen leg muscles?

Question

When running i find that some of the muscles in my legs around my shins hurt a little i wear good shoes and run lightly on my feet but i still get it i am a faily heavy guy tho do you think its just my wieght?

any exercises to help would be good thanks

Answer 1

First, drink plenty n plenty of water. If your a big guy and sweat alot, you need some electolytes as well. Dehydration causes cramps in the muscles.

Secondly, see a foot doctor to order you some special inserts that they make for runners that act like a shock absorber. I ran cross country for years n they actually work, not right away but within a few weeks you'll notice the difference.

Third, stretch a little better before and especially after you run. Stretching is still important after your workout as stopping quickly puts strain on your muscles and heart for that matter.

Fourth, your weight could be part of it but most likely not. If you try to lessen the length of your strides it will put less pressure on the front ball of the foot which is putting strain on the calf muscles.

Let me know if these work for you, I wish you the best of health.

Answer 2

Congratulations on getting into a good exercise program. All the strengthening you need (based on your dialogue) is to get rid of your shin splints. NO PROBLEM.

Shin splints are caused by muscle imbalance. Calf strong, shin weak. The way to correct this is to strengthen the muscles at the front of the legs. Lie face down in bed with your toes hanging over the edge. Pull your toes upward against the resistance of the mattress. Try to work up to 3 or 4 sets of 5 – 10 reps each.

I recommend against squats and such for a heavy guy simply because you'll wind up paying for it in later years with knee problems. Lose some of the extra pounds then get into whatever development you want.

Good Luck

Answer 3

well...the best way to get good leg muscles is to run and do pollys. All muslce development takes time, but you have to run about 3-3 1/2 miles a day (you can take a day or two off a week) and on all days running or not you should do a series of high knees, butt kicks, hop and keep your feet together (a real good workout), ect. , but you have to do them to the point where you feel some pain and burn so you know you are gaining something from it. :]

Answer 4

exercises strengthen leg muscles

Answer 5

In my town everyone is about working out so you get good tips and tricks. Try walking/running on tips toes, in a way that you are sort of hopping up and down for each step. This works much better outside on real ground, and not on a treadmill. It might look a little embarrassing, so you may want to do this somewhere where there is no one. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

You really need to read "Stop Shin Splints" by Gary Buchenic (also available in electronic format here: http://www.shinsplintscure.org ). It's about how to permanently cure your shin splints naturally. Worked for me and for thousands of people. Good luck!

Answer 7

Jump Rope!

Answer 8

Try stair climbing with your knees slightly bent and on your tippy toes. Dont go fast either. Great leg work out.

Answer 9

Do squats, leg lifts, and leg curls, all basic leg exercises and they will help strengthen your legs

Answer 10

soccer is a great exercise to strengthen leg muscles....just check out the legs of ronaldinho and u'll see what i mean.