Regular exercise not only benefits the figure, but also improves the health of the skin and the hair, by supplying more oxygen to the tissues. Great, toned legs can be yours too if you are ready to take some time off your busy schedule and get started with a simple exercise regimen. It takes more than just running or brisk walking to attain those absolutely divine legs. You need to do regular crunches, squats and plunges. 10 repetitions everyday would guarantee leaner, shapely calves. Even simple skipping helps you to tone the flab around the waist, hips and the calves. But it must be done consistently and in a month’s time you will see the results for yourself.
True physical fitness means a body that is not only free from disease, but is strong and resilient, capable of greater energy, endurance and stamina. Such a body has the ability to perform at its peak, without showing fatigue. The physical benefits of exercise are numerous. Regular vigorous exercising increases metabolic activity, so that the body continues to burn up calorie seven when it is resting.
Here are a few easy-to-do exercises and the best part is you don't need to go to the gym or buy some fancy exercise equipment.
JOGGING:
Jogging has become very popular in the recent times. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is simple to do and does not require any special facility. Jogging really entails just running at one's own pace. It is of benefit to the body as a whole, strengthening the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation and toning up muscles. Jogging is best on a clay surface, rather than a hard cemented one.
SQUATS:
Stand in front of a chair or bench with your feet wide apart. Bend your knees as though you're sitting on the chair, keeping your weight on your heels. When your legs are parallel with the seat of the chair, slowly rise to your original standing position.
Take a wide stance with your toes pointing outward. Standing upright, slowly bend your knees in the direction of your toes until you can no longer see your toes. Slowly return to the starting position.
SWIMMING:
Swimming also helps to exercise all parts of the body. It is extremely refreshing and mentally relaxing. Unlike many other sports, Swimming does not place excessive strain on any particular part of the body . Swimming is also said to produce psychologically beneficial results, which have mush relevance in today's stressful life.
WALL SITS:
With your back touching the wall, move your feet away from the wall. Bend your knees so that your legs form a 90-degree angle. Stay in the position for as long as you can.
LUNGE:
With your arms by your side, take a giant step forward with your right leg and raise it so your thigh becomes parallel with the floor. Pushing backward off the same leg, return to your starting position. Repeat with the left leg. Kneel down on a mat onto your knees and elbows with both feet flexed (toes pulled in). Kick up and out with one leg, squeezing the buttocks, extending leg straight out, keeping hips square to the ground during the movement. Bend knee in and return to start, a minimum of 20 each side would be great.
STANDING STRETCH:
Stand about 12 inches away from wall. Place forearms against wall and lean forward. Step back with the right leg, keeping the right leg straight and press the right heel down. Feel mild tension in the right calf. Hold for 15 seconds, and then repeat on other side.
Apart from the exercise, regularly massaging your legs and feet with a nourishing body lotion or cream right from the toes upwards for 15 minutes everyday will relax your legs too. These few leg exercises, if practiced consistently, will shape you up for a full 10
