The Most Effective Techniques For Achieving Fit Legs

Ask most personal trainers what the number one goal for their female clients is and they will inevitably tell you most womens' goals are to have a toned lower half. The thing is there are so many conflicting arguments as to how best to achieve them.

A lot of experts claim the more cardio you do the worse, while others will claim to do less resistance training and more cardiovascular exercises.

Here, then are a few different techniques that will get you that same tight and sexy look of the legs.

1. Where do you store?

The trouble with starting an exercise routine without first understanding how your body stores mass can be problematic. Take for example a girl who stores a lot of muscle in her legs. She clearly is what most people would call "pear-shaped". Since she naturally stores a lot of weight in her legs, the idea of doing a lot of muscle building exercises such as plyometrics (jump training), heavy squats, or lunges should not be suggested for this girl.

Instead what would make more sense for her would be lighter workouts on the lower half such as yoga, Pilates, or even just stretching.

2. What is your goal?

Again, not all exercise is created equal. If you're the same girl in the example above, and your goal is to slim down your legs, obviously less is more regarding exercise. It's very important to figure out what exactly your target is because that is going to show you to the style or genre of training that's best for you.

If you're a smaller framed woman whose goal is to actually put on size, then your regiment is going to include heavier, more load-bearing exercises.

For most women, however, their goal is for a long and lean figure which is why it's smarter to workout with a muscular endurance format.

3. Time, not reps

Forget about doing 10, 15, or even 20 reps. A better format is to preset a time-frame of exercise. For example, rather than doing 15 reps of squats, determine to do 30 seconds, 45 seconds, or even 1 minute of the exercise. Next perform the exercises, with proper form, as fast as you can for that amount of time. Especially in the longer period sets (ie. 1 minute) you will be forced to use lighter weights insuring a slower more progressive muscle growth.

These are just a few examples of how to work smarter in regards to exercise. You don't need pricey workout gear or expensive gyms to be able to perform these at. Instead just a clearly defined goal and a willingness to get there.

Kal Gunay is a certified Boca Raton personal trainer where he works with both group and private clients. He can be reached at any number of fitness centers in Delray Beach