5 Simple Moves For Toned Legs

It’s summertime, which means time to show off those legs! Whether you’ll be donning a bathing suit at the beach or a summer dress at Sunday brunch, you’ll want to start practicing some moves that will have your legs looking fit and muscular just in time for the sunshine. Luckily, you don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get the legs you want, as there are a number of quick moves you can do even at home to get those legs shorts-ready.

To get your summer workout started, try these five easy moves to get your legs super shorts-ready this season.

1. Squat

You can’t go wrong with a traditional squat, and the best part is, you can do them anywhere and anytime. Squat and keep your knees behind your toes, squeezing your glutes. Squats work a ton of muscles, specifically the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and the muscles that make up the calves.

If you want to take this workout up a notch, squat with one leg raised in the air for an added challenge.

2. Dumbbell Split Jump

Use a pair of small dumbbells to add extra weight to these jumps. Position your body into a lunge on one side, and jump both feet off the floor quickly, switching directions and landing on the opposite foot. Continue repeating, alternating back and forth.

3. Donkey Side Kick

Work your abs, glutes, and quads with this easy move. Get on your hands and knees, and keep one knee bent and the other one lifted at hip level. Lower and lift the leg that is lifted, bend, and then return to start. Do some reps and then switch to the other leg.

4. Warrior III

Bust out the yoga moves to start strengthening and toning. Warrior III helps to balance your core and your legs through balance and stability. Stand with your feet together and lift one leg up, putting your weight on the other leg. Drop your head and torso until you form a horizontal line. Make sure your body is aligned and hold for five breaths.

5. Arabesque

This move will have you feeling like you’re back in dance class. Use a chair for balance like a barre, and slide your shoulders back and your abdominals in. Engage your thigh and calf, and lift one leg up behind you, rising onto the ball of the other foot while lifting the heel. Repeat and switch legs.