Putting Definition in Your Leg Muscles
Some people are simply born with well-defined leg muscles – and some of us have to work for them. There are a number of exercises that are specifically designed to sculpt and strengthen your leg muscles. These exercises usually combine fat-burning cardio to decrease body fat with strength training that exclusively targets the toning process of the leg muscles.
Most leg-defining programs make use of aerobic exercises several times per week. Leg-strengthening exercises such as squats, lunges and calf raises will help to sculpt the major muscles in your legs.
Any sport that utilizes the leg muscles to the fullest will also help to strengthen and define the legs and give them those sexy curves that beg to be revealed with short skirts and shorts. Sports such as tennis, water or snow skiing and swimming are excellent methods for overall toning of your leg muscles.
All you really need to exercise your legs to the fullest are a treadmill (or simply take a brisk walk outside) and a workout bench (a yoga mat on the floor will do just as well). You can also add an exercise ball to the workout equipment to get the full effect of stretching those leg muscles.
Some of the best exercises to tone leg muscles are:
- Squats – Bend at your knees, back straight and count to 10. Repeat 5 times.
- Kicks – Laying, stomach down, on the exercise ball, kick upward 3 times with each leg.
- Outer thigh lifts – Balance yourself with a chair and lift each leg outward 5 times each.
Of course exercise is critical in sculpting your leg muscles, but if you’re overweight you’ll need to reduce the body fat to achieve the lean, toned legs you want. Adopting a good fat-burning diet can also help you get the results you desire.
The best diet to burn fat and boost your metabolism is to simply make it a balanced one. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons. These fruits are high in Vitamin C, which can dilute fat so that it can be easily flushed from your body.
Other fruits, such as apples and berries can also boost your system so that you’re burning more fat. They contain “pectin,” which helps your body place boundaries on how much fat your cells can absorb. Remember to drink plenty of water to flush out the damaging toxins in your body during your quest to improve those leg muscles.
If you really work and concentrate on improving your legs — before you know it, you’ll be showing off those toned and tanned legs in shorts and mini-dresses.
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