Note: While I'm a journalist with a Bachelor's degree in kinesiology and am a Certified Health Education Specialist, I don't replace the guidance/counseling that comes from a good chat with your doctor or dietitian. For more information, feel free to contact me at karlaswalsh@gmail.com!
Healthful Bites
We’ll keep it short and sweet with today’s post and let the moves do the talking!
Grab one medium-weight dumbbell, a chair (or something sturdy to lean on) and a little free space for these three exercises that will strengthen your legs, glutes and calves. They’re fun new spins on the classic lunges and calf raises that will bring variety to your lower body toning routine. Special focus: Inner and outer thighs. Who doesn’t want to challenge them?
Begin with 12 repetitions of each exercise per leg, and increase the weight you’re holding (or add some, in the case of the side lunge) to add intensity!
Last week we worked the upper portion of our legs…why not focus on the lower legs this week? The calves get tight from aerobic exercises such as running, jumping and step machines, but focusing on strengthening and stretching them can make many types of cardiovascular and strength exercises more comfortable.
Calves likely get a good workout in high heels (if you are female), but toning them before donning a pair of stilettos may possibly ease post-wear soreness. Plus, males don’t get the “benefit” of a high heel workout :)
So grab a medium weight dumbbell or two (optional) and a step or stair. Then join me to carve out some strong calves!
The lower legs are often overlooked in strength training regimens. What areas do you feel are most overlooked in your weight routine?