Legs are one of the most common problem areas that clients complain about.
Can you relate?
Do you avoid wearing shorts and hate the thought of a bathing suit?
If your thighs rub together, buns jiggle and dimples appear, it’s time to
step up your leg routine.
Whatever you’d like to improve about your legs, it isn’t going to fix
itself. The best strategy for getting killer legs is to include strength
training for your lower body in your regular exercise routine.
To tone and sculpt your legs, incorporate the following five exercises a few
times a week and see the difference they make. Stick with it and you’ll be
showing off those legs in no time.
Tone Your Legs Move #1: The Squat
A properly done squat is a powerhouse of an exercise. In one movement you
work your glutes, hips and thighs. Talk about hitting all the problem areas!
Here’s how to do a proper squat. Position your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keeping your back straight, core tight, and chest up, squat down like you’re
going to sit in a chair. Bend at the knees until your thighs are parallel to
the floor, keeping your knees from extending past your toes. Hold this
position, and then exhale as you stand back up. Repeat for 20 repetitions
without resting. As your endurance builds, feel free to add resistance by
holding weights at your sides.
Tone Your Legs Move #2: Carving Curtsy
This move is a little more complicated but worth the effort. It works your
abs, buttocks, and legs—including your inner thighs.
To do the carving curtsy, first stand up straight with your arms bent and
hands by your chest. Lunge back and to the right with your left leg so your
left foot lands behind your right foot, to the right of your body. Bend both
knees to a 90-degree angle, as if you’re performing a curtsy. Swing your
left arm forward and up and your right arm back by your right side. Then
stand up straight, lifting your left knee out to the side and tap your left
knee with your left hand. Do 20 reps on each leg then repeat on the other
side.
Tone Your Legs Move #3: The Mountain Climber
This rocking leg exercise mimics the movement of climbing a steep mountain.
The faster you move your legs, the more of a cardio workout you’ll get as
well.
Get into a push-up position: hands and toes on the floor holding up your
body. Holding in your abs, lift your right foot, and bring your right knee
toward your chest. Tap the floor with your right foot, and then extend your
leg back to starting position. Repeat with your left leg, bringing your left
knee up toward your chest and tap the floor. Return to start position.
Repeat with both legs for 20 repetitions.
Tone Your Legs Move #4: The Lunge
The lunge is arguably the best leg exercise, as it works pretty much every
leg muscle as well as your buttocks. There are quite a few variations to the
simple lunge, but to do the basic lunge, stand up straight and tighten your
core.
Step forward several feet with your right foot, lightly landing heel first.
Bend both legs down until bent at 90 degrees (never more) and your left knee
is about an inch above the floor. Your knee shouldn’t extend further than
your toes. Keep your body upright, tighten your core and work to keep your
balance by not wobbling from side to side. Lift your body up and bring your
hips forward until you’re standing straight. Repeat on the other side,
lunging forward with your left foot. Complete 20 lunges per leg.
Tone Your Legs Move #5: The Step-Up
Step-ups are great because they mimic movements you perform in daily life.
This exercise works your legs and also gets your heart pumping. When you
step-ups you can hold a dumbbell in each hand to increase resistance. In
addition, you’ll need some sort of step such as a bottom stair, sturdy box,
or low stable chair.
Step up with your right foot and then bring your left foot up. Step back
down, so both feet are on the floor. Repeat, stepping up first with your
left foot. Continue doing this 20 times with each leg.
Incorporate these moves into your routine to tone your legs, lift your buns,
strengthen your core, and to encourage healthy weight loss.
Why stop at just toning and sculpting your legs? I’m here to help you
transform your entire body! Call or email today to get started on a
specialized fitness plan that’s designed to quickly shape your body.
What are you waiting for? Begin your body transformation today by reaching
out to me. Email or call to get started today.
