In this edition of #WorkoutWednesday, it’s time to show some leg love! Try out these exercises this summer to transform your legs for the season.
SUMO SQUATS: Sumo squats are the worst enemy of that pesky inner thigh area that no level of exercise seems to target. First, start with your legs far apart with your toes pointed outward. Squat down and make sure you squeeze on the way back up.
SQUATS: Doing a regular squat with perfect form should be one of the foundations that you build a solid exercise routine targeting legs from. In short, squats should be a staple in any workout routine. For a simple regimen to add in, try to do 3 sets of 18 squats a few days a week. This should help you tighten and tone your legs and butt in no time.
WALKING LUNGES: Walking lunges are a very effective and efficient way to isolate larger leg muscles, while still tightening up your backside as well. For a simple workout, try doing them up and down your hallway.
HIGH KNEES: High knees are a wonderful and effective blend of cardio and strength, thus making it a tremendous exercise to show your legs some love. It is key to try to lift your knees as high as you can. Perform running high knees in place for 2 minutes, rest and repeat 5 times.
SIDE LEG LIFTS: To perform this simple exercise, you first lie on your side with your legs straight. Bring one leg up, while keeping it straight. Then, bring the leg down slowly. To really isolate your thighs, point your toes out toward the ceiling. Do 3 sets of 20 lifts then switch legs.
CURTSY LUNGES: With curtsy lunges, you lower your hips until your thigh is practically parallel to the floor. Then when lowering yourself down, make sure your torso is upright, with your hips and shoulders squared. Besides being effective for legs, curtsy lunges are also a great workout of your core and abs.
GLUTE KICKBACKS: To begin, you must be on all fours, with your feet shoulder width apart. Lift one leg back and hold in the air. Then pulse your leg up and down, trying to keep your thigh as straight as possible. Do 25 pulses then switch legs.
SCISSOR KICKS: For scissor kicks, start by separating your legs to form a “V” shape and elevated about 6 inches off the ground. Then do a criss-cross motion with them by placing the right leg over the left, then left over the right and so forth. You’ll definitely feel the burn after 25 good reps.
STANDING CALF RAISES: For killer calves, first you must stand on the edge of a stair or ledge, so that it does not support your heels. Stand up on your tiptoes, then drop down slowly. Do 3 reps of 10 lifts for maximum benefit.