Get Stronger and Leaner Legs through Cycling

Watching the Tour de France it's clear that cyclists have the strongest, most toned legs around. You can take a chapter out of their training book by hopping on a bike and taking a ride. Opportunities for cycling are widely available, whether indoors or outdoors. Indoor cycling can be challenging, fun and an excellent way to tone your legs and train your heart, especially if done in a class setting. Outdoor cycling offers participants a more leisurely pace and a chance to explore surroundings and take breaks when needed. Either way, cycling will leave you with strong, toned legs.

Actions

1. Hydrate your body. Drink at least one ounce of water for every minute that you ride.

2. Fuel your body. Eat a small meal of protein and complex carbohydrates to fuel your body.

3. Start small. Start with a 15 minute ride and build up to longer trips.

4. As distance increases, add resistance in the form of hills outdoors or increased tension indoors.

5. Keep it up. As the strength in your legs builds, you'll see increased tone.

6. To further intensify your training, ride out of the saddle a few minutes at a time.