Peta Bee on how to…tone up your legs

Do go running. It strengthens the hamstring, quadriceps, iliopsoas muscles at the front of the hips, calf and the gluteus maximus muscles with every stride, creating streamlined legs.

Don’t think weights will add bulk. Use thigh adductor and abductor weights machines to accelerate the loss of saddlebag fat.

Do take up ballet (many gyms now run classes). If you practice moves like the rond de jambe and passé, your legs may become as lithe as a ballerina’s. Pilates, the dancer’s favourite workout, will also lengthen your limbs.

Don’t expect to outwit your genes. For hormonal reasons, many women store excess fat on the hips and will never have legs like twiglets. Console yourself with the fact that, while hotpants are off your wish list, according to some research you are less likely to get heart disease.

Do get on your bike. Pedalling works most of the muscles in the legs during the pushdown phase so you will get an unbelievably toned lower body. And it can burn almost 400 calories per hour – great for aiding weight loss (also essential for slim legs).

Do go swimming with a float in your hands. Swimming lengthens the muscles in your legs – just kicking, without using your arms, will speed up results.

And the best exercise? Lunges work all the muscles in the legs and hips and can give you wonderfully toned thighs. Adding handweights makes the move more challenging (and effective). Hold a dumbbell or a can of beans in each hand, standing tall with good posture. Step forward with the right foot, keeping the head up and spine neutral. Drop your left knee toward the floor by bending knees, making sure to keep the front heel down and the knee directly over the centre of the foot. Push down and forward through your heel to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side, alternating for 8-12 repetitions each side.

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