How to Tone Your Legs
Want to tone your legs to look more shapely, but not too muscular? Get the legs you’ll feel proud to show off by doing the following exercises. Here’s how.
Before getting started, remember that a successful workout is an overall body workout. Focusing too much on your legs or a lower body workout can cause injuries and other side effects. Step exercises, yoga, pilates and stretching sound routine, but they also work well in shaping your legs. Don’t forget to do a proper warm up before proceeding and a proper cool down after performing your exercises.
Outer Thigh Lift
This exercise will really help shape your thighs, especially the outer thigh and hip. To perform, lie on your side on the exercise mat. Bend the knee that you are lying on on a 90 degree angle. Put the arm that you are lying on straight up, the other arm nearest the floor providing support. Lift the upper leg using your hip, let it stay there for a few moments and put down again. Repeat this action for ten counts, and do this to the other leg.
Butt and Thigh Stretch
Assume the same position with the outer thigh lift exercise. Once in the position, lift the upper leg using your knee and hip joints, and then bend your leg at the knee at a 90-degree angle. Hold the position for a few moments and straighten the knee. Don’t lock your knee when straightening your leg. Repeat this for eight counts and do the same for your other leg.
Lunges
Lunges develop your quadriceps, the front area of your thigh. While lunges can also be done as part of your warm ups, you can also incorporate them in your leg exercises as well. Start by standing up straight, and then turning your whole body to the right. Put your right foot forward and bend your knee, with your left left extending fully and providing support. Your bent knee should be around a 90-degree angle and not going beyond the point of your right shoe. Hold the position for eight counts before straightening up and repeating the same to your other leg.
Squats
Squats exercise your hamstrings, also known as the back of your thigh. Stand in a straight but relaxed position, with your feet hip-width apart. Bend both your knees at a 90-degree angle, stretching your arms straight forward to help you balance. Hold the pose for a few moments and straighten again without locking your knee joints. Repeat for eight counts.