Stop hiding your flabby legs under baggy pants. If you haven't exercised recently due to an injury, a health problem or a busy work schedule, you don't need a personal trainer or an expensive gym to strengthen your leg muscles. Instead, combine regular cardio workouts with weight training exercises that help strengthen and tone your legs. Consult a doctor before adding new exercises to your workout, especially if you have a health condition.
Open and Shut
The open and shut exercise was developed by trainer and workout instructor Tiffany Rothe for Fitness magazine. Stand up straight with your feet together and your toes turned out so they are pointing out at 45-degree angles. Hold a towel or yoga mat rolled into a tube shape with one hand on each end. Let your arms relax so you are holding the yoga mat at the height of your thighs. Step forward with your right leg while still keeping the weight on your left foot. Bring your arms to the ceiling and lift the yoga mat over your head. Straighten your back so your entire body makes a straight, diagonal line. Lower the mat to the level of your shoulders -- at the same time, kick your right leg up to the level of your hips. Hold this position for one count, then return to the starting position. Repeat the exercise 10 times, then switch to the opposite leg.
Touchdown
The touchdown exercise may help strengthen and tone the legs and butt. Stand up straight on your left foot with your right knee at a 45-degree angle. Place your right toes on the ground behind your left foot for balance. Grasp a kettleball in your right hand, holding it directly in front of your right leg. Bend over at the hips as you lift your right leg and bend your left knee at the same time. Meanwhile, lower your right arm so the kettleball is almost touching the ground. Return to the original position, then repeat. Switch sides and repeat the exercise. Repeat the exercise twice on both sides for a total of 15 repetitions.
Leg Slides
Leg slides will help tone and strengthen your leg muscles. Lie down on your back on a yoga mat or towel. Bend your knees so they are at a 45-degree angle. As you breathe in, slide your right leg out to straighten it on the floor. As you breathe out, bring your leg back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise on the opposite leg.
Bent-Legged Dead Lift
Build muscle on your legs with the bent-legged dead lift exercise. Stand up straight with your feet at the width of your shoulders and your knees bent slightly. Hold a kettleball with both hands, then bend forward while keeping your back straight. Your back should be aligned with the ground in a parallel line while the kettleball lowers almost to the ground. Hold the kettleball near your thighs as you lower it down. Return to standing, then repeat 14 times.
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