Although it's common to leave strengthening and toning exercises out of a workout routine, they have some of the biggest impact on how the body looks and feels. Of course, aerobic exercises are also important for getting rid of excess fat around the belly and upper thighs, but once the fat is gone, strength activities can make a big difference in tightening and defining those areas.
Jump Rope
While excellent at shredding fat across the body, jump rope is especially fitting for toning calf muscles and shaping the legs. It's a high-impact, vigorous form of aerobic exercise, so it also elevates the heart rate and burns hundreds of calories per hour. The Mayo Clinic states that daily, moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise is the best way to lose belly flat and flatten the midsection, and jump rope is one simple choice that's easy to do anywhere and for any duration of time.
Squat
In addition to targeting the gluteal muscles, squats require contracted abs for correct form, and they challenge thighs as well as lower legs. Another benefit of the squat exercise is that it's so versatile. The American Council on Exercise suggests that people with intermediate and advanced fitness levels perform a traditional squat while holding dumbbells to add resistance and accelerate toning in the legs. Try side squats or twisting squats to work more core and stomach muscles.
Kickboxing
Kickboxing is an intense workout that combines calorie-burning power with muscle burn. It specifically tones glutes, upper thighs and the hip area, but since so many moves are high-impact or weight-bearing, it also requires core muscles to work extra hard to keep the body balanced and stable. According to the Mayo Clinic, Taekwondo and other forms of kickboxing can burn more than 700 calories per hour for a 160-pound person.
Plank
Although it's particularly useful for building strength in the core muscles and helping to flatten abs, the plank exercise also forces the leg muscles to work in supporting the body and holding it in a straight line. The "Daily Mail" states that the movement tightens the deepest core muscles, which are often left out of more common ab exercises. The plank has an added convenience factor because it can be done from anywhere, and holding it for any length of time will help in building muscles and trimming down the midsection.
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