Leg day, you either love it, dread it or pretend it doesn’t exist. But let’s be real, leg day is where the magic happens. Whether you’re looking to build your butt, tone your thighs or even just make climbing the stairs less of a struggle, the right leg machines can help you get there.  And at Village Health & Wellness Clubs,  we’ve got everything you need to help you feel stronger, move better, and even give your bum that extra lift.

Read on for our guide to the best leg day machines for growing an enviable booty!

Why Use Machines for Legs at the Gym?

Leg machines are great because they guide your movements, making it easier to focus on the muscles you want to work. They’re perfect if you’re just starting out or if you want to lift heavier without worrying about balance.

They also let you target specific areas such as shaping your thighs, lifting your butt, or building stronger legs overall. Another benefit is if free weights feel intimidating, machines are a super beginner-friendly way to get started.

Top Leg Machines to Try at Village Health & Wellness Clubs

Our gyms are kitted out with top-quality leg machines, designed to help you smash your fitness goals. 

1. Leg Press Machine

Primary Muscles Worked: Quads, glutes, hamstrings

This one’s an OG for a reason. The leg press works multiple muscles at once—your thighs, butt, and the back of your legs. By moving your feet to different positions you can focus on different areas. For example, placing your feet higher shifts the work to your butt and the back of your legs, while lower targets the front of your thighs.

Why It’s Great

It’s super versatile, easy to use, and gives you that satisfying feeling of pushing some serious weight. You may find you’re able to progress on weight on this machine quickly which is also super motivating for your fitness journey. 

2. Leg Curl Machine

Primary Muscles Worked: Hamstrings

For those aiming to strengthen the back of the legs, the leg curl machine is pretty amazing. Depending on your vibe for your session you have two options in the leg curl machine, seated or lying-down. By targeting the back of your legs (your hamstrings) you increase your flexibility. Who knows… maybe it will help you achieve that goal of being able to do the splits one day!

Why It’s Great

Stronger legs mean better support for your knees and less risk of injury. Your future older self will thank you for this one! Plus, it’s a great way to tone up and balance out your lower body. This machine is especially good for runners and athletes too.

3. Leg Extension Machine

Primary Muscles Worked: Quadriceps

This one’s all about the front of your legs. It’s an easy way to tone and strengthen without needing lots of complicated movements. And if you want everyone to know you don’t skip leg day then this is the one!

Why It’s Great

It helps you feel more stable and makes everyday activities like walking up stairs or running so much easier.

4. Glute (Butt) Bridge Machine

Primary Muscles Worked: Glutes (butt), hamstrings

If you’re all about building that peachy, Insta-worthy bum, the glute bridge machine needs to be part of your routine! This machine guides you through smooth, controlled hip thrusts that target your bum and the back of your legs, without putting strain on your lower back. You’ll feel the burn as you shape and strengthen those muscles.

Why It’s Great

With regular use you’ll notice you have better balance, leaner legs, and a lifted, rounded look that’ll have you feeling strong and confident, with that sculpted vibe everyone’s after.

5. Inner and Outer Thigh Machine

Primary Muscles Worked: Inner and outer thighs (adductors and abductors)

If you’re after sleek, toned thighs and hips that feel strong and flexible, this machine is where it’s at. Give your inner and outer thighs some love, targeting those muscles that can be hard to reach with other workouts.

Why It’s Great

Boost your hip flexibility and tone up your legs in all the right places. You’ll even notice a difference in how you look and how effortlessly you move, whether you’re walking, running, or powering through your workouts.

Creating a Balanced Leg Workout

For a solid leg day, aim for targeting all of your lower body. Start with a mix of machines and add in some free weights. Dumbbell lunges or squats are a great way to shake things up and keep your routine interesting too. Combining these exercises builds strength evenly, helping you move better in everyday life and for you grow those leg and booty muscles. 

A well-rounded leg workout might look like this:

• Start with the leg press to wake up your lower body and get your thighs ready for action. 

• Next, move to the leg curl machine to focus on strengthening the back of your legs. 

• Once you’re warmed up, hit the glute bridge machine to really target your bum and add some serious shape. 

• Finally, finish with the inner and outer thigh machine to tone those hard-to-reach areas and give your legs a sleek, balanced look. 

This routine makes sure every part of your lower body gets the attention it deserves, from your thighs to your booty and everything in between.

Finish Strong with a Cool-Down

No leg day is complete without a proper cool-down. Stretching helps reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and lets your body recover faster.  

Spend a few minutes focusing on your thighs, bum, and the back of your legs. Try easy stretches like pulling your foot towards your bum to stretch the front of your legs, or reaching for your toes while sitting to relax the back of your legs. A little effort now means less stiffness tomorrow!

Receive Tailored Advice

Wondering how to get started or want to spice up your leg day routine? At Village Health & Wellness Clubs our trainers are here to help anytime. Need a plan that grows your butt in time for summer or want to be confident hopping on any of our machines? With clubs all over the country, it’s easy to find expert advice and support with us whenever you need it. Reach out to our certified professionals!

FAQs

What machines should I use at the gym for legs?

The leg press, leg curl, and leg extension machines are great places to start. They each focus on different parts of your legs, making it easy to build strength evenly without missing a muscle.

Which machines are best for glutes (the bum)?

The glute bridge machine is the ‘it girl’ for targeting your bum, but the leg press is another great option. Adjust your foot position on the leg press higher up to really feel it working your glutes.

What’s the best machine for toning inner thighs?

The inner and outer thigh machine is perfect for toning your inner thighs. It’s simple to use and gives those hard-to-reach muscles the attention they deserve.

How often should I use leg machines?

It depends on your goals, but most people see great results with one to three leg-focused workouts a week. Mixing machines with free weights keeps things interesting and helps you build strength and tone.

Ready to Build Stronger Legs?

Village Health & Wellness Clubs have everything you need for a great leg day, from a wide range of machines to expert guidance when you need it. Visit your nearest Village Health & Wellness Clubs to get started, and don’t forget to check out our membership options for access to all our facilities, classes, personal training and more. For tips, guides, explore our blog and start your journey toward stronger, more toned legs.