Exercises to Tone Legs

Legs are often a problem with women, as it is said women are genetically engineered to pile up those kilos around the legs. It is never too late to work to get those sexy legs which will make heads turn. There are several exercises to tone legs, which will also strengthen and tone the lower body, without adding bulk. Although there are different approaches to tone legs and thighs, there are no two thoughts that it can be achieved without exercises. It is important to understand that most of the leg exercises will focus on the quadriceps muscles, as they are the largest muscles in the body and it is here that most of the weight is stored. Before you do these exercises, it is important you warm yourself up. You can opt to do any one of the cardiovascular exercises.

Best Exercises to Tone Legs and Thighs

The best thing about thigh toning exercises is that impressive results can be achieved without using any expensive exercise equipment.

Exercise # 1
The first exercise is the squat, which will work your thighs, calves and buttocks.

• Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart.
• Keep your back straight and tuck your stomach in and lower your torso.
• Squat till your thighs are parallel to the floor, but make sure your knees are behind your toes.
• Hold in this position for about 3 to 5 seconds and then come back to the starting position.

Exercise # 2
This exercise helps a great deal in working the buttocks, thighs and hamstring. An important tip when you do this exercise is to keep the muscles tight to get better results.

• Stand with your feet together, back straight, stomach tucked in and chin up.
• Now take a large step forward and ensure a majority of your weight is on your front foot and your back leg is straight.
• Slowly lower your torso, till you feel it in your hip flexors. Remain in this position for 3 to 5 seconds before you come back to the starting position.

Exercise # 3
The next of the exercise is side-lying scissors, which helps in toning the inner thigh, outer thigh as well as the stomach. This is one of the effective exercises, which can easily be done at home. When you do this exercise, it is recommended you do not take any rest between two sides for better results.

• Lie on your right side and raise both your legs of the ground.
• Now kick both your legs in the opposite direction, in a motion similar to that of a scissors.
• Turn to the other and repeat the exercise on the other side, after you have finished certain number of repetitions on the first side.

Exercise # 4
This exercise will help in toning the calf muscles.

• Stand close to a wall on a step, with your feet hip width apart.
• You will have to stand on the balls of your feet with your heels hanging off the edge and toes pointing forward.
• Contract the calf muscle by pushing off the balls of your feet to raise your heels up in the air. With this you will stand on your toes.
• Lower your heels and repeat the exercise.
• When you are doing this exercise, keep your knees slightly bent, so that you do not strain your knee.

Exercise # 5
This is another exercise which will work your thighs, hamstrings, buttocks as well as your lower abdomen.

• Come down on all fours with your back straight and head looking up.
• Slowly lift your right leg and extend it as far as possible. Now touch the toes to the ground.
• Now lift the right leg as high as you can and hold the position for 3 to 5 seconds and then bring your leg back to the starting position to repeat the exercise.
• Repeat the exercise with the other leg as well.

When you are doing these exercises, it is important you do not rush in and out of the various positions. If you do so, you may not get the desired benefits. In case you experience any pain when you do any of the exercise to tone legs, then stop immediately and consult your doctor.