If your flabby, sagging legs are getting you down, you don't have to spend the summer months in pants. Instead, add a few more exercises to your daily workout and get toned, slim legs that you'll be proud to show off. By focusing on exercises to strengthen and tone the legs, you'll also tone your butt and core. Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
90-Degree Lift
In the article "The Short Shorts Workout," in "Fitness" magazine, instructor and trainer Tiffany Rothe suggests the 90-degree lift to tone the inner and outer thighs. Stand up straight with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Prop up a rolled-up yoga mat and rest your hands on it to support you. If you don't have a yoga mat, hold on to the back of a chair. Bend your knees as you bend your upper body over at the hips, keeping your back straight. Extend your arms fully forward and place the yoga mat 2 feet in front of your left foot. Your back should remain straight and parallel to the floor. While holding on to the yoga mat, point your right toe and extend your leg out to the right side. Exhale and lift the right leg to the right side until it is parallel to the floor, or as far as you can lift it. Hold for three counts, then lower. Repeat 10 times, then repeat on the other side.
Froggy
Place a stability ball on the ground, then lie on your stomach on top of it. Center your hips over the ball and put your hands on the ground to balance yourself, keeping your elbows bent slightly. Press the soles of your feet together and bend your knees. Lift your legs up until your thighs are at a parallel line with the floor. Lower your legs and repeat 12 to 15 times.
Heaven and Earth
Use the Heaven and Earth exercise to strengthen and tone your quads. Stand up with both feet together and hold a rolled-up yoga mat or towel in both hands -- one hand on each end. Hold your arms out in front of you at shoulder level. Bend your knees and lower your body into a squat. Breathe out as you lean over and press your abs against your thighs, making a ball shape. Tuck your chin into your chest and pull the yoga mat into your knees. Hold for one breath, then extend your entire upper body toward the ceiling, leaving your legs in a squatting position. Curl back into a ball and repeat 15 times.
Bent-Legged Dead Lift
To slim and tone the legs and butt, use a kettlebell. Stand straight with your knees bent and your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands just in front of your hips. Bend forward at your hips with your back straight until your back is almost parallel with the floor. At the same time, lower the kettlebell but keep it near your body. Return to standing, then repeat 15 times.
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