We’ve hid our legs for as long as possible—in pants and tights, long dresses and the like, but the creeping summer sunshine is making
it clear: there’s nowhere to hide.  Shorts are here to stay, and if our legs went into hibernation with the bears, they probably need a quick tune up.  Fortunately there are some serious exercises and cheap fixes that can once again make you proud to show off your stems.

The key is in the work and the multiple reps. Lateral movements will shape and tone inner thighs instantly.  Leg lifts will target those withering gluteus muscles.

Plie Toe Squat (Lateral movement)

Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes turned out. Squat down and then lift up your heels so you are supporting your full weight on your toes. Hold this position for five seconds and then straighten your legs and lower your heels back down on the floor.

Bent Knee Donkey Kick

If you want to wear super-short shorts, you need to be sure to get your booty lifted and up under the bottom hem.

Get down on all fours (on knees and forearms). Support the majority of your bodyweight on your forearms.

Keep your right knee bent at a 90-degree angle.  Slowly lift the right leg behind you so your foot raises up toward the ceiling, bent knee position in tact.  Keep lifting until the bottom of the foot is parallel with the ceiling. Squeeze your glutes as you raise your legs.  Return to start position to complete one rep. Do 20 reps on each side three times.

Quick Fixes

The spray tan.  Tanner legs always look skinnier.

Wear a heel.  The high heel will help sculpt your calf in a way that highlights what you have, not what you don’t.

 

-Arianna Schioldager