Best exercises to lose leg fat
With the summer and warmer weather just around the corner and short and swimsuit season upon us, many people would like to show off their legs without being self-conscious. For those who carry a little extra fat in the legs and would like lean, shapely legs, there are a number of exercises that can help lose leg fat.
The best exercises for losing leg fat are a combination of cardio exercises and strength training exercises. While you can't spot reduce, or eliminate fat in just one area of the body, high-intensity cardio can help you lose fat all over the body, including the legs. Cardio exercises get the heart rate elevated and burn fat, while strength training exercises tone the muscles while burning fat at the same time. When these two are combined, legs look shapelier and results are seen faster than by cardio alone.
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The following are some of the best exercises for losing leg fat:
- Running/Jogging. Running or jogging is an excellent way to tone your legs and lose fat not only from the legs, but from the entire body. Running can get your heart rate elevated quickly and keep it there, and you can alternate jogging and running if you tire easily. If you decide to run or jog, make sure to get proper running shoes; much of the pain and the injuries associated with running can be corrected with the proper running shoes.
- Bicycling. Biking is a good cardio exercise, particularly for people whose joints aren't up for running or other high impact exercises. This exercise works to burn fat while toning the legs as well. Exercise bikes are particularly helpful for losing leg fat, as the intensity and level of resistance can be adjusted accordingly, providing a more challenging workout.
- Walking. Free and easy on the joints, walking is also a good way to lose leg fat. You can tone your legs more and increase the intensity, making it a better fat-burning workout, by speed walking or walking uphill.
- StairMasterr. If you have access to one, the StairMaster, or similar machines, are great for both toning the calves and thighs while losing leg fat at the same time. For best results, don't hang on the handles while you climb.
Equally important when it comes to losing leg fat is strength training. Not only does working larger muscles like the legs with strength training tone the legs and give them a more shapely appearance, it also burns fat. The following are some leg exercises that will tone the legs:
- Squats. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, and then squat down like you're sitting in a chair and stand up. This works the backside as well as the upper legs and calves. You can add weights for extra resistance.
- Lunges. Lunges are also great for toning the legs. To do a lunge, lower down into a lunge position, keeping the front knee and back knee at 90 degree angles. Make sure the weight stays in your heels, then push back up to the starting position.
The exercises described above are some of the best for losing leg fat. When combined with a healthy diet, working out 5 times a week with cardio and strength training will have your legs ready for shorts in no time.
