Leg workouts with dumbbells  are an important part of any well-rounded dumbbell workout because they strengthen the lower body and improve balance, which in turn helps prevent injury and increases performance in sports and everyday life. And because dumbbells are more versatile and safer than machines, you can use them to perform a variety of exercises that target different muscles. Here are a few of our favorite leg workouts with dumbbells to add to your routine.

Goblet Squats

Stand facing a box or elevated surface (such as a bench, plyometric jump box, or coffee table) with a single dumbbell in each hand at arm’s length. Place your right foot atop the box or raised surface, keeping your toes and heels on it. Push through your heel to lift the back knee until it is about parallel with the floor, then reverse the movement by slowly stepping down with your back leg. Repeat on both sides.

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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at arm’s distance by your sides. Move into a stable lunge stance and extend your left foot forward, placing it just behind the front foot. Bend at the hips and knees to lower your left leg until it’s about parallel with the ground, then push through your front foot to return to standing.

Single-Leg Calf Raise

End your dumbbell leg workout with a few sets of single-leg calf raises to round out your workout and build overall strength and muscle mass. This exercise also targets the tibialis anterior, a small but important muscle that shapes your calves and is often overlooked.