Learn to Love: Calf Raises


Updated 12/14/10 9:06 AM · Posted by · 2 comments

Calf Raises to Get Legs in Shape

'Tis the season to show off your gams! Sure Summer is when we bare the most skin, but holiday soirees often mean dressing up and shimmying on a pair of stockings and heels. If you want to do some quick toning and defining, you can trust a few hardy sets of calf raises to help you out. The simple leg lifts are easy enough to do just about anywhere and will have you feeling (and looking!) sexy and Read more

Multitasking Move: Side Plank Star


Updated 02/12/09 10:16 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 4 comments

Side Plank, Multitasking Move, Side Plank Star, Leg Exercise

Looking for a move to target you shoulders, core, and legs? Give Side Plank Star a try. It's tough to balance at first, but once you start including this move in your strength training sessions, you'll gain stability and strength. I also love this exercise since it works the glute med, the muscle on the side of the pelvis, that is a great stabilizer when running. To find out how to do this Read more

Multitasking Move: Shoulder Press Steppers


Updated 02/13/09 8:30 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 0 comments

Multitasking Move: Shoulder Press Steppers

I love working my shoulders and my outer thighs, and this exercise targets both areas at the same time. You'll need a resistance band for this move, and if it's too easy with the band you're using, then you can make it more difficult by shortening the band and holding the rubber part below the handles. To learn how to do this exercise then read more Read more

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Squat Intervals on the Elliptical


Updated 05/31/11 3:50 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 9 comments

Get It Up, Your Heart Rate That Is: Squat Intervals on the Elliptical

Instead of just going along steadily on the elliptical workout, add squat intervals to your cardio to really give your legs a workout. Here's how: Hop on the elliptical and warm-up for five minutes. Start pedaling backwards. Keeping your back straight and shoulders square, slowly let go of the hand rails. Once you feel comfortable, sink into a partial squat (not a full squat, just about Read more

Get on the Ball: Single Leg Squats


Updated 12/12/11 6:07 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 6 comments

Get on the Ball: Single Leg Squats

Squats are so much fun. OK, maybe you don't love squats but you must admit they get the job done. If you have a stronger leg, or a dominant leg, chances are high you are not working your legs evenly and your weak leg is getting short changed. The answer is, of course, single leg squats. Doing them with an exercise ball is a great way to tone your booty, challenge your core as well as your sense Read more

Get on the Ball: Seated Calf Raises


Updated 05/29/08 3:40 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

Exercise Ball Exercise for Calves

The calves are one of the most neglected muscles in the lower body, but in the Summer they also happen to be one of the most visible muscles of the leg — think capris, shorts, dresses, skirts, etc. People love to work their quads, hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes but when it comes to working our calves, most of us fall short. This exercise on the ball really targets the muscles of the calves Read more

Green Exercise: Add Lunges to Your Walks


Updated 05/08/10 1:07 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 14 comments

Green Exercise: Add Lunges to Your Walks

Green exercise is all about working your body without using electricity to get you going. Walking is a cheap and simple way to burn calories and you can do it anywhere, but it can be a little boring. So I add walking lunges to my walks to not only stretch the muscles in my lower body and increase flexibility in my hip flexors, but lunges also strengthen my quads and booty. Begin by walking for Read more

Get Lifted: Romanian Deadlifts


Updated 12/29/11 8:46 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 7 comments

How To Do Romanian Deadlifts

Looking for a new move to work your lower body? One exercise you may want to try is Romanian Deadlifts. They're a great way to really work your hamstrings (the back of your leg), while also working your quads (front of your upper leg) and booty. Here's how you do them: Stand holding a pair of medium-weight dumbbells in each hand, arms at your sides, with your knees slightly bent. Keeping your Read more

Lower Body Workout Video Online


Updated 03/07/09 3:53 AM · Posted by FitSugar · 11 comments

Lower Body Workout Video Online

Looking to tone your lower body? Then you definitely need to try this video from Lifeskool. I'll warn you ahead of time, it's hard. Not only is it heavy in lunges and squats, and when I say heavy I mean the entire workout is basically lunges and squats, it's also pretty fast paced and nonstop. One thing is for sure though, you're definitely going to feel the burn. Just don't curse my name when Read more

Fire Fighter Workout: Part II


Updated 01/15/08 6:15 PM · Posted by FitSugar · 3 comments

Fire Fighter Workout: Part II

If you tried the fire fighter workout that I posted earlier then you're feeling for those folks in uniform, since that workout is literally no walk in the park. Here is the leg portion of the circuit workout — take it from me, it's a sure way to give you that it-hurts-to-sit-on-the-toilet soreness we all hate to love: LEGS 2-inch squat: Stand with legs shoulder-width apart, hands on head. Read more