Keeping your legs and arms toned
A well balanced diet can only take you so far if you're trying to keep your legs and arms toned. Those two places on your body (if you haven't noticed already) take much more time and effort to keep up. The arms are usually the first to sage, and the legs are usually the first to gain all the weight. So if you think by just eating healthy that's going to cut it. Yes, keeping your legs and arms toned can be an exhausting task, but if you're ready for the challenge let's get started.
Toning your Legs
There are a number of different things you can do to keep your legs toned. They range from yoga exercises, to weight lifting. Every woman wants sexy legs, especially as the summer months approach and your wardrobe will be changing from sweaters and sweats, to shorts and bathing suits. Here are some ideas to help get those legs toned.
Lunges- standing with your hands on your hips about hip width apart, take a step forward until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Step back to your original position and then repeat it with your other leg. You can do these in sets of ten to start out and gradually work your way up as it gets easier. This is a great way to work out your hamstrings and get rid of some of that extra fat you acquired during the holiday seasons.
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Calf Raises- Stand with your feet narrower than your shoulders and your toes pointing forward. You can do these on the floor or if you want great resistance then do them on your stairs. Squeeze your calf muscles as you go up, and then lower your heels slowly. This will help tone those calves right up. You can use resistance as you get better.
Squats- Squats can be done using resistance or just by using your own body weight. Let's start with our own body weight. Stand straight with your feet facing forward shoulder width apart. As you squat down you want to make sure that you stick your bottom out and lean back slightly so that you are now squatting over top of your knees. As you get more comfortable in your technique, you can use weights and add a little resistance. This will help keep your quads and hamstrings toned.
Toning your arms
Arms can either be one of the sexiest parts of your body or one of the least sexy parts of your body. It all depends on if you take the time to keep them looking great. Here are some exercises to help you get started.
Bicep curls- These are always done with some type of weight; whether it's light or heavy. You can start out with just a 5 pound weight just to get the feel and as you get more comfortable you can add low weight to that. You don't want to add a ton of weight because that will only bulk you up. Start with three sets of maybe ten or fifteen.
Triceps Press- This is probably one of the biggest problem areas for women; the triceps. It doesn't get worked out unless you are deliberately trying to work it out. A tricep press requires a weight machine, but there are varying ways to do it if you don't have access to one. Without a weight machine you will need a dumbbell free weight; 3-5 pounds works well. Sit straight in a chair, clasp your hands behind your head and bring your elbows up. You will lift the dumbbell up and down behind your head and squeeze your elbows together as hard as you can. Sets of ten will work great and you will start to feel it burn by the third set.
Keeping your legs and arms toned is a great idea if you're planning on showing some extra skin this summer. Even if you're not, it's a good idea to get yourself into better shape. You never know what you might need the extra muscle for.
