Are you self-conscious about your legs?
Do you dread the thought of wearing shorts, let alone a bikini?
Whatever you don’t like about your legs, it isn’t going to fix itself. So how can you fix it? Include strength training for your lower body in your regular routine.
To sculpt and tone your legs, try our top 3 exercises at least 2 to 3 times a week and see the difference they make. You’ll be showing off those legs in no time!
#1: The Lunge
Arguably the best leg exercise, the lunge works pretty much every leg muscle as well as your butt. There are many 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, landing heel first. Bend your right and left leg down until both legs are bent at 90 degrees (never more) and your left knee is about an inch above the floor. Make sure your knee doesn’t extend further than your toes. Keep your body upright 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 again. Then repeat lunging forward with your left foot. Do 30 repetitions in total.
#2: The Plie Squat
Another awesome full-leg workout is the plie squat. This powerhouse of an exercise works your glutes, hips and inner/outer thighs all in one hit.
Stand with feet wider than hip width apart and turn your toes out to 45 degrees. Bend your knees so your thighs are parallel to the ground (low enough to touch the ground) then as you straighten your legs, stand up tall and reach for the sky. Repeat without resting for 30 repetitions.
#3: The Step-Up
Step-ups are great because they mimic movements you perform on a daily basis. This exercise works your legs and gets your heart pumping. When you do this exercise you can hold a dumbbell in each hand to increase resistance. In addition, you’ll need some sort of step. This could be a bottom stair, sturdy box, or low stable chair.
Step up with your right foot, and then bring your left knee up towards your chest. Step back down so both feet are on the floor. Then repeat stepping up first with your left foot. Continue for 30 repetitions in total.
Body Conditioning or ‘Resistance Training’ in a circuit style is the best method of exercise for reshaping your body and burning excess body fat. The more lean muscle your body has, the more efficient you are at burning body fat and increasing your metabolism.