As I eagerly await warmer weather and the reemergence of cut-off shorts into my wardrobe rotation, I’ve been doing some extra leg exercises.  My “Daisy Dukes” look especially nice on toned firm thighs!  Here are the 4 moves I rely on to tone my lower body.  Each move is dynamic and can be performed with only your body weight or by holding dumbbells for added resistance.  For best results, I recommend doing 2-3 sets of 15 reps of each exercise at least 3 days per week.  As the moves get comfortable, start using dumbbells and increasing the weight to ensure that you are building lean muscle mass and getting maxim, thigh-firming results.  Below are photos and step by step instructions.

Have fun and feel the burn stepping up, donkey kicking, lunging and squatting! xoxo, Brit

Place right foot in the middle of step and step up as you balance your body for 1-2 seconds on the right leg. Your left leg should be behind your body to help stabilize your weight as it is shifting. Step down with your left leg first and continue on down with your right. Try for 2 sets of 10-12 repetitions for each leg. Source: Spark People

Kneel down on an exercise mat. Use your elbows to support your upper body. Lift one leg up and kick it straight in the air (upward). Try to kick as high as possible. Lower your leg until your knee is just below parallel to the floor. Repeat the kick on the opposite leg. Source: Workoutz

Step forward with right leg and lower your body to 90 degrees at both knees. Don’t step out too far. There should be 2 to 2.5 feet between your feet at this point. Keep your weight on your heels and don’t allow your knees to cross the plane of your toes.   From here, push up, bringing the rear leg forward until you are standing straight again. Step forward with opposite leg and repeat, walking forward for all reps.  Source: Spark People

Begin in a wide stance with toes out at a comfortable angle. Your knees will need to stay aligned with your toes, so don’t go out too far.  Bend the knees and lower down into a squat, keeping knees in line with toes, abs contracted and back straight.  Only go down as low as you can without compromising your flexibility or your balance.  Push back to start without locking the knees.  Source: Exercise About.com