Exercise to build up thigh/leg muscles

[Silverlode]

What are some good exercise to build up thigh muscles?

I went diving the other day at the pier and had to lug all those gears around; I'd discovered muscles I did not know exists, on my thigh. They absolutely protest and refused to cooperate. The other parts of my legs joined in the strike and it took me forever to return to the carpark after the dive.

So, now looking to strengthen my thigh and leg muscles. I do not belong to a gym, so I won't have access to gym equipments. I do swim.

[fireflock]

I put swim fins on, brag a kickboard, and go back and forth over and over again - keeping up the pace until it really hurts - 3 or 4 times a week.

I have no idea if that is trainer approved, but being in the water is fun and I think it pays off when diving.

Riding a bike would probably help too.

Rich

[Chad]

Like in the above post swimming w/fins is great. Climbing stairs is another good workout. At home you can do lunges and squats.

[Tableleg]

If you don't have access to a pool there is another option. And I know this is the MOST unpopular answer for ANYONE, but running is a great exercise that really builds your leg muscles. Start out with a slow job and build up your speed. If you try to fast/far too soon, then you're going to be in pain and never want to run again.

If you're in as bad a shape as I think you are () then try walking for an hour every other day. If that's too easy, quicken the pace. If you can power walk for an hour and not break a sweat, then it's time to advance to a slow jog.

However you get there, lower body strength is definitely a good thing to have for diving.

[Silverlode]

Originally Posted by Tableleg

If you don't have access to a pool there is another option. And I know this is the MOST unpopular answer for ANYONE, but running is a great exercise that really builds your leg muscles. Start out with a slow job and build up your speed. If you try to fast/far too soon, then you're going to be in pain and never want to run again.

If you're in as bad a shape as I think you are () then try walking for an hour every other day. If that's too easy, quicken the pace. If you can power walk for an hour and not break a sweat, then it's time to advance to a slow jog.

However you get there, lower body strength is definitely a good thing to have for diving.

I have access to a pool and I am trying to get there at least once a week, preferably two to three.
Bad knees, can't jog and hate walking. I would love to be able to get back to jogging. So it looks like I'd have to walk till then. Bad knees due to bad feet and tight thigh muscles.

[mcc2318]

One of the exercises that I HATED as basic training at ft. benning was the flutter kick. Lay on your back with your hands under your but and keep your chin in your chest. raise your legs six inchs off the ground and move your legs in a scissors. It sucks but it really works out your legs

[bubble-head]

With the description you provided, I would also point you towards flutter kicks. They are low-impact but provide a great leg/lower ab workout.

[LI Diver]

Deep knee bends will work your quads. You can use a chair for balance if you like.

[PsychDiver]

Lunges are killers but build leg strength. When I had my ACL repaired, I had to do them three times per week to help my legs and knee recover. I also have a set of large rubber bands that I use for leg extensions and curls.

[IrishSquid]

Squats are the Mack-Daddy of leg exercises in my opinion.
If you don't have weights, sling your tank on your back and go at it.
Check online for proper form. Don't do any for 2 days before diving, cuz if done right you'll walk like you dropped your soap in prison and that makes it difficult to dive.