Leg Heaviness: Simple Exercises to Make Your Legs Feel Lighter &#8211; Bitudi

Leg Heaviness

Do your legs ever feel heavy like lead weights? Like you’re having to drag them through the mud just to get across the kitchen or when you start moving it just doesn’t seem like your legs have as much energy as they used to.

A lot of people think it’s just part of getting older, but in most cases it’s not.

It usually means your legs aren’t functioning as well as they need to be.

And then everything can start to feel heavier, slower, and more tiring.

So today I’m going to show you four simple movements you can do right here at your kitchen counter to make your legs feel lighter, but also make it so they don’t get worn out so quickly.

Exercise 1: Alternating Heel Lift

Exercise number one is a simple alternating heel lift with a weight shift.

So you’re simply shifting your weight to one leg, keeping the other toes on the ground, but lifting the heel.

This can help to activate the ankles and the calf muscles, the muscles in the lower leg.

With all four of these movements, you are using your muscles as a pump.

Your muscles help to pump blood out of the legs and back up into the body.

But when they’re not working as efficiently or as often, that blood can start to pull in the lower legs, bringing that heavy sensation.

So, right now, this exercise, we are just using those calf muscles to help pump that blood back up.

Ideally, we’re aiming for 20 to 30 repetitions here. This should feel gentle.

You can use one hand support or two hands support, whatever feels the best to you and your body.

Exercise 2: Backwards Kick

Exercise number two is a simple backwards kick. Think about bringing your heel back behind you while keeping your knee straight.

You’re also keeping your chest up and not arching your back as you take your leg back.

Think about using your hip muscles, your glutes to bring your leg back as far as feels comfortable behind you. Again, this movement should feel gentle.

Aim for 20 to 30 repetitions, but modify as needed.

The idea is to activate these muscles and improve your stamina so your muscles can continue working for a longer period of time.

Exercise 3: Staggered Stance Rock

Exercise number three is a staggered stance, meaning one foot in front of the other in a position that feels most comfortable.

Add a rocking motion to this. Lift your back heel and lift your front toes.

You can do this with one hand support or two-handed support. You may need to bring your feet a bit closer together.

Aim for 10 to 20 repetitions on one side and then switch sides.

This also helps to work the core, balance, knee mobility, and hip mobility.

Exercise 4: Supported Squat

Exercise number four is a simple supported squat. Stand about an arms length away and move into a supported squat.

Think about sitting back just as low as feels comfortable.

You can use your arms to help keep your legs in a better position and aid your legs if you need support.

Aim for 10 to 20 repetitions. This helps knee mobility, hip mobility, and the muscles that support the knee and hip which are important for pumping blood back up into the body.