LEG DAY DOESN'T have to be the same stale series of squats and forward lunges. For a better, well-rounded workout, you'll want to introduce new exercises—and move in different directions—to really challenge yourself.
That's what you'll get with this quick-hitting, two-move lower body finisher. The series uses lateral movement and Pilates-inspired principles to add a new element to your workout. That's exactly what you'll get in the program that inspired it, Men's and Women's Health Pilates x Lift, now available for MH MVP Premium members. Trainers Marcus Martinez, C.S.C.S. and Tara Bethune combined their expertise to create a plan that uses the best of mat pilates to reinforce the principles of traditional strength training—resulting in workouts that will help to improve your muscular endurance and mobility while still building size and strength.
You can take on this workout as a finisher for a more traditional leg day routine—or if you're short on time, you can torch your lower body in just four minutes.
PERFORM THESE MOVEMENTS back-to-back with minimal rest. Repeat for two total rounds. Want to push your workout even further? Rest for a minute, then run it back for a second time.
The cossack squat gets you moving laterally. This is key because it breaks you out of the sagittal plane (forward and backward movement), which is typical for most strength training exercises.
How to Do It:
This challenging plank variation will torch your obliques, but there's more than just the core to consider. "This is great for that inner thigh (adductors) and building strength throughout the entire hip," says Martinez.
How to Do It:
Want more exercises like this to help level up your whole workout plan? Take on the whole MH x WH Pilates x Lift program, now available on Men's Health MVP Premium.
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