Health

Experts Share the Importance of Strength Training for your Legs when Trying to Lose Weight

Published

6 years ago

March 13, 2020

Although performing cardiovascular exercise will slowly burn calories, it won’t be nearly as effective at shedding the pounds from a good strength training session. Strength training, that’s dynamic, and involves a lot of movement, can help you to get lean and mean – burn the fat and put on the muscle mass!

Compound exercises are a great way to target both these goals simultaneously.

By keeping the movement alive and targeting different muscles at the same time, we keep a high heart rate and maximise our blood flow, making calorie burning more effective. The more muscle used, the more energy burned, its simple as that.

Having lean muscle mass on your body will help burn calories throughout the day. By having lean active tissue, your muscles require calories throughout the day. When consuming food, your muscle cells will absorb these calories first before storing any fat on the body. This is one of the main reasons weight training can be more affective than cardio for fat loss. Metabolic reactions throughout the body have increased. The need to breakdown molecules for musculoskeletal recovery prevents weight gain.

What weight training exercises are the best for fat loss?

There is a reason why “leg day” is a saying and nobody wants to miss it.

Athletes know training their legs is important for a variety of reasons.

1 – The legs have the biggest muscles in the body. Between your quadriceps and hamstrings alone, you have 7 large muscles within two major muscle groups. This means when you train your legs you are burning an enormous amount of energy when performing repetitions of an exercise that involve both muscle groups.

Examples of exercises that use all muscle groups in the lower extremities:

Squats
Lunges
Step Ups

2 – Leg Exercises Require Cardio. Because so many muscle groups are counter acting at the same time within repetitions of these exercises, it takes a lot of exertion on the body. This causes our heart rate to elevate and we burn more calories effectively.

3 – Boost Your Stamina. By training your legs, you’ll increase your general fitness levels, and will be able to complete other exercises more efficiently and more accurately. Again, this will increase your stamina levels and promote weight loss.

Why else is training your legs important?

1 – Staying functional. The lower extremities of our body are exposed to tightness if we don’t perform the right strength training exercises and stretch. As most jobs entail sitting at a desk all day long, this causes muscles such as our hips, hamstrings and calves to get tight. By giving 15 minutes attention to this everyday, we can keep these muscles limber so we can perform all daily and recreational activities a lot easier.

2 – Training Your Legs Will Increase Circulation. As we mentioned, training your legs increases your blood flow. This is very healthy for how your heart circulates around the body. This can help depression in people but also reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in everyone. It also for this reason helps to boost morale.

3 – Increased Flexibility. Keeping limber and stretching your legs improves your flexibility. This is essential as we get older performing all chores or getting involved in any recreational activity.

Takeaway

My advice is starting small when training your legs. A lot of muscles are being worked so it’s important to avoid injury at the beginning. Start with machines and build up to manual exercises. If you need any further tips, consult London Fitness – In Home Personal Trainer for more information about strength training the safe way.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.