Get your legs in shape!
Friday 16 October 2009
Having scanned the red carpets for the last few months, we can’t help but notice that cleavage – a former A-list staple – is being phased out in favour of long, lean legs.
As necklines got higher, skirts have inevitably become shorter – great news for those of us with naturally shapely legs, but for others, it means that the panic to have perfect pins has become a year-round thing!
Whether you choose to wear opaque tights for work or go bare for a night out, we’ve tracked down some tried-and-tested workout moves that’ll make you super-confident about your legs!
A lot of people see exercise as just cardio, cardio, cardio – if they don’t work up a sweat, they don’t feel as though they’ve worked out.
But while cardio is brilliant for getting your blood pumping and improving your fitness, it’s resistance training that is the key to shaping and toning your limbs.
So unless you’re running or cycling uphill or swimming against a tide all the time – there’s always a little more you can do to tone up!
Here are our top moves to get your legs into short-skirt shape!
(NB: if you’ve ever had problems with your knees or ankles, be very careful – if you feel anything click while you try out the moves, steer clear!)
Lunges 
These are quick and easy, and a great way to accentuate a curve in the calf and slim down the thighs – perfect for that party dress!
Stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back straight, step forward with your left leg (your right leg should bend as you do this).
If you want to tone up your arms at the same time, try holding a couple of hand weights as you lunge. 
Side lunges are also great for toning the muscle on the inside of your thigh – it’s great for creating a curve without looking too defined.
Stand with your feet at shoulder-width apart, and take a step to the side. Allow your left leg to bend, but keep your right leg straight this time.
Squats 
These are the ultimate ‘look ridiculous, get results’ move – squats tone muscles from your quads to your glutes, so are brilliant for working on your bum!
Stand with your feet wide apart. Keeping your back straight and your hips facing forward, bend your knees as low as you can, and slowly straighten them as you come back up.
Maybe do this in private – it’s not the most elegant of exercises! If they get too easy, you can also try squatting while on your tiptoes (ouch!).
Leg- and sit- ups
Sit ups are more of an ab move, but if you incorporate your legs, you can tone the tops of your legs and the 
muscles around your hips as well – great for looking hot in short hemlines.
Lie down on your back, with your legs bent. Raise your left leg in the air so it points at a 45-degree angle.
To work both muscles, aim to touch your left shoulder to your right knee. Bend your right leg and slowly bring it towards your left shoulder, being careful not to lean forward with your neck.
You should feel a pull in your thigh and the left side of your abs. Repeat this move 15 times and switch legs/shoulders.
Trying these after a 20-minute jog or cycle ride is a great way to maintain your heart rate, and your muscles will be warmed up and in optimum workout shape.
For more ways to get fit and toned visit Closerdiets.com now!