These are the best exercises to keep your legs strong at any age

Hollis Johnson

From running to weight-lifting, there are a number of ways to put your legs into action.

But what if there were one simple workout that could target all those hard-to-reach parts of your legs — and you could do it at any age? Turns out there is!

As we did for our everyday stretching guide, Business Insider sought out expert advice from New York University physical-therapy professor Marilyn Moffat, who also wrote the book "Age Defying Fitness." 

It's sure to get you sweating in no time — trust us. (Note: If you're having any unusual pain or problems with the exercises, please stop doing them and consult a physical therapist).

To start off, we'll focus on the ankles. Moffat says strengthening these is key because they help maintain balance. Be sure to keep your standing knee straight for this exercise.

Source: PubMed

Go at a rate of one second up, one second down (even slower than what's shown here) while going through a full range of motion. Start with five exercises on each foot, building up to 25 on each side.

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Next, take a walk on your heels. This will work the muscles in the front of the shin. Try walking the length of a hallway and back, and make sure you don't hunch over.