Many people have had a problem with the so-called “elephant legs,” which refers to legs that are either huge or fat. However, becoming the owner of slim, fit legs is still a spotlight for those who are willing to put out their own effort consistently. The best news is that you can do this through different exercises you can handle using the right techniques. Below, you will find a guide to five simple moves that can relieve you of the feeling of elephant legs and take you to the stage where you will have the type of the fitted legs you have always dreamt of.
1. Squats
The squat is the most popular leg shaping exercise. This move engages the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, which in turn helps form muscle and reduce fat. Do a squat by placing your feet apart at the length of your shoulders, lower your body as if sitting back into a chair, and then push through your heels back to the starting position. It is recommended to do three sets of 15-20 reps.
2. Lunges
The lunge is the exercise controlling the shaping of the legs. When doing this move, the muscles of the legs (quads, hamstrings, and glutes) are activated while a person’s balance and stability are also improved. Take a step forward with one leg, bend your knees until the front knee and back knee are both at a 90-degree angle, and then push off the heel to return to the standing position, and switch legs. The sets should be repeated twelve to fifteen times on each leg.
3. Leg Raises
Leg raises work out the targeted areas of the inner and outer thighs and are a very simple yet effective exercise. For example, lie on your side with your legs straight. Then, raise your top leg as high as you can, and lower it slowly. Repeat for three sets of 15-20 reps on each side. The exercise shapes and reduces the size of the thigh, which, consequently, leads to the overall slimming of the leg.
4. Calf Raises
Calf raises target the lower leg area and are the best when it comes to shaping and toning the calf muscles. You perform three sets of 20-25 repetitions of calf raises which is the best way of leaning up in the calf area. To initiate, stand upright with your feet at a distance of your hips, and then your position as though you are walking on the balls of your feet, hence lifting your heels as high as they can go. Hold for a second at the top, then go down.
5. Step-Ups
The leading muscle toning and glute slimming exercise among step-ups increases cardiovascular fitness. One can perform this move in such a way as to increase the rate of heartbeats while at the same time, resulting in the toning of the lower body. Get a sufficient- length bench or a step, and step up with one leg, the other leg should also go up subsequently. This exercise is the second to none when slimming the legs is through the action of all the muscle groups in the areas to be operated upon at the same time.
Consistency Is Key
By adding these five easy exercises to your routine, you can successfully slim and tone your legs. You will experience even better results by combining them with a healthy diet and regular cardiovascular exercise like walking or cycling. You must be consistent, maintain it and eventually, you will find that your legs will be slimmer, stronger, and more defined. No longer will you have elephant legs, as you will look more tone and confident!