What Exercises Can I Do To Get Slim Lean Legs?

If getting slim, lean legs is on your to-do list, include certain exercises for best results. In order to really see your legs take shape, include cardio to decrease any surface body fat and plyometric training to build lean, sexy muscles.

Treadmill Exercise

Treadmills can help you to burn a high number of calories while walking or running. Running torches calories in a short amount of time but can be hard on the knees. However, walking on a treadmill --- especially with a higher incline --- will help you to burn calories, shape those legs and tone your backside in the process. If you walk with no incline at 3 mph, a 150-lb. person can expect to burn 225 calories per hour. Running at 7 mph for one hour, a 150-lb. person burns 782 calories.

Elliptical Trainers

If you have never tried this machine, first understand the mechanics of the elliptical. This equipment is designed to give you a workout similar to running without jarring the joints.This machine helps develop shapely legs and burn calories in a short time. Add resistance for even greater benefit. A 150-lb. person burns more than 650 calories per hour.

Exercise with Bikes

If you want to use an exercise bike or a traditional bicycle, you will burn fewer calories than you would on a treadmill and elliptical machine. This is not to say that a bike isn't a great form of exercise and transportation, however. If you weigh 155-lbs., you can expect to burn 211 calories per hour of light indoor cycling and 739 calories per hour of vigorous indoor cycling. Comparatively, road cycling at a light pace burns 422 calories per hour and vigorous cycling burns 704 calories per hour.

Plyometric training

If you are not new to exercise and don't have any lower-body injuries, consider plyometric training to whip your lower body into shape. These incude a series of jumps, bounds and hops. Perform 10 to 12 repetitions of each exercise, two to three times or as your fitness levels allows. Perform these exercises on soft flooring or grassy areas to decrease impact on your joints. Some exercises to include are: box jumps, jumping on and off of a step at least 12 inches high; squat jump, where, in a squat position with toes pointed forward, squat down toward the floor and explosively jump high In the air; power skipping by setting up cones or markers to determine the distance that you wish to travel and then skipping, taking long strides with exaggerated arm swings.