Fitness: Master Great Legs

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by Litsa @How to Have it All on September 2, 2014

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Mastering great legs is beyond summer in my book (Litsa’s). I don’t live in teeny cutoffs, bikinis, and breezy sundresses all summer and especially not at almost forty. A little conservatism falls into place at my age but great legs are worth mastering—-even at 39.8! Strong legs help me run around the yard with my little girl. They give me strength to drive her around to all she loves to take in through the week and weekend. Legs full of muscles nudge me to move after sitting for an hour blogging. So what’s the catch—how do we keep mastering strong, sculpted leg muscles throughout our lives!?! Josh Holland, personal trainer at New York’s Technogym says its a combination of stretching, cardio, and lifting weights three to five times a week.

Pro Top Tips:

  1. Do Both Cardio and Strength Training: The fastest way to see results is to alternate lifting weights with aerobic workouts (running, jumping rope, etc.).
  2. Strengthen: Squat, lunges, split squats, and jump lunges increase strength, stability and coordination.
  3. Tone: Extending leg lifts and side/karate kicks engage every muscle. Isometric exercises like planks and wall sits, which contract your muscles for set period, are also excellent.
  4. Shock Your Muscles: Unless you want to simply maintain your current weight and muscle definition, you need to push beyond your normal limit. Go a step further than what you can already do!
  5. Stretch: Muscles are like rubber bands and have an elastic recoil effect. Stretching helps them stay supple so they perform more powerfully! Remember how fascia play s a roll with tight muscles! Use a foam roller and try yoga!
  6. Run Toe to Heel (Not Heel to Toe): This movement engages and tones must effectively. The body stays upright and relaxed, so the impact of your feet hitting the ground is less on your joints.
  7. Work on Your Calves: Defined calves make the rest of your leg look stronger and more shapely. Don’t forget calve raises!

The MASTER is in you! Your legs are waiting for your command. Where can you begin (or where will you continue to stretch…) in mastering great legs for your life?

Pro Tips Compiled from Lucky Magazine June/July 2014 issue

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Litsa @How to Have it All

Litsa is a stay at home mom to a beautiful little girl. She is a native of Greece and now resides in Tennessee. As a former teacher, Litsa wears many hats that it takes to make a home a functioning home!

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