Legs - Weight Training Workout

I don't know what it is about legs...I just love to train them! I guess it's because we hike so much so I like to have strong legs and I know that leg day helps. This is one leg workout I've been doing, similar to the training in the She Sweats 12-Week Transformation but with cardio bursts added in. You will definitely feel the burn, it usually hits me about two days later!

LEGS
WEIGHT TRAINING WORKOUT

Back Extensions 3X15

Weighted Side Step Ups 3X12
Butt Kicks 30 seconds

Leg Press 3X12
Swing Thru Lunges 3X12 each leg

High Step Ups (no weight) 3X12 each leg
Wall Sit 30 seconds

Back Extensions 3X15
Donkey Kickbacks 3X12 each leg

Enjoy. ;-)

At-Home Leg Circuit Workout

Ready for a new leg workout circuit? This one can be done at home or at the gym. You can even do this one if you don't have weights, just skip the "weighted" part and do the exercise using your own body weight.

At-Home Leg Circuit Workout

CIRCUIT #1

Weighted Lunges, 12 each leg
Side Leg Raises, 12 each leg
Donkey Kickbacks, 12 each leg
Butt Kicks, 30 seconds

CIRCUIT #2

Curtsy Lunges, 12 each leg
Weighted Step-Ups, 12 each leg
Weighted Squats, 12 each leg
Jumping Jacks, 30 seconds

Full Body Hiker Training

I'm a member of a lot of hiking groups on Facebook and one of the most common questions I see is how to train for hiking. Scott and I are avid hikers and we don't necessarily train for hiking, we just train, but basically what we do makes us better hikers.

RELATED: Read about our hiking adventures.

We workout similar to the way the She Sweats 12-Week Transformation is structured with weight training and cardio. Closer to a hiking trip, we may steer more towards the She Sweats 12-Week Run Builder, trading in some of the running for incline walking/sprints but we don't spend hours a day working out (unless we are hiking). It's just not necessary or healthy for most people.

While I do think it's important to follow a complete workout plan so that you are working the necessary muscles with proper rest, this workout will get you started and can then be incorporated into your workout plan.

Related: Try some of our incline cardio routines!

Having a strong core, back, and legs is key for hiking but that doesn't need you need to neglect your upper body. Doing things like bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder presses, etc will help you develop a strong upper body. If you have weights, try to incorporate these exercises into your routine as well. Again, I think it's key to follow a set workout plan (one that was developed by a personal trainer) so that you aren't over or under training any one body part.

RELATED: View upper body workouts here.

Take this workout and make it your own. You can use just your body weight or incorporate weights for an added challenge. Start with 20-30 seconds of each exercise or 10-15 reps. Repeat the circuit 3-5 times.

Keep in mind that training for hikes doesn't just stop at what exercises to do, it also involves healthy eating. You need to fuel your body with food that will sustain the activity you are trying to complete. We will be doing a series on what we pack for hikes but keep in mind that just because you are hiking doesn't mean that you need to eat candy, drink sports drinks, and/or eat a lot of processed foods. Fuel your body with the lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats that it needs.