Don't shy away from wearing skirts and shorts as the weather gets warmer. Getting beautifully toned legs isn't as hard you might think. If you have the will power to stick with this 4-week exercise plan, you'll start to notice a real difference in the shape and tone of your legs. This workout combines strength training moves and cardio activity to maximize fat burn. And because it's hard to work on the legs with out effecting the glutes, you'll notice a shapelier behind, too!
Perform this exercise circuit twice between 3-4 days a week.
Warm Up
Start your workout off with a 5-10 minute warm up. Jump rope for a few minutes, walk on the treadmill at the incline, or do some jumping jacks. Any of these activities will get your heart pumping and ready to exercise. Your muscles will move better once warmed up.
Side Kick Squat
Stand with fee shoulder-width apart and knees soft. Keep you elbows bent and your hands in fists (similar to a boxing stance). Pivot 45 degrees to the right, and then extend your left leg up and out to the side with your toes pointed toward the ground. Perform a side kick by lifting your knee as high as you can, turning your outer thigh to face the ceiling. Extend your leg and then retract it. Lower your leg and pivot back to the starting position. Move directly into a squat, keeping your hips and ankles aligned. Switch legs and repeat. Do 2 sets of 12-15 reps for reach leg.
Lifted Plie Squat
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing out. Lift your heels off the ground so that you are standing on your toes.
Bring your arms out straight in front of you and lower into a squat, still on your toes. Go as low into the squat as you can without letting your knees move past your toes. Hold this squat position as long as you can. Do 3 reps at 1 minute each.
Dumbbell Lunge
Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a 5- or 8-pound dumbbell in each hand.
Lunge forward with your left leg, then straighten your leg. When you lunge, your right knee should come to about an inch above the ground without touching it.
Keep your torso perpendicular to the floor, with your weight evenly distributed between your legs. Align your front knee over your front ankle, keeping the weight in your heels instead of on your toes. Do 2 sets at 10-12 reps for each leg.
Hill Repeats
This workout can be performed on a treadmill or outside. If you're exercising outside, find a relatively steep hill to work with. Run or walk up the hill as fast as you can. Once you reach the top, walk slowly back down the hill to recover. Repeat 10 times.
