Leg Workout: 6 Moves to Lean Legs

Trim your thighs, sculpt your legs, build strength, and firm up your tush with these six moves. This routine can be done at home, the gym or outside. All you need is a bench, brick or stair. A 10- to 15-pound weight is optional, but will help you reach results faster. Make sure you do a five-minute warm up and cool down to prevent injury. Note: New to working out? Speak to your doctor before you begin any new fitness program
. Stay in shape in a fitness class.
Lunge to a Step Up
Step One
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Find a brick, stool or bench to use as your step. Start in a lunge position with the right leg in front. Make sure your knee doesn't go over your ankle.
Lunge to a Step Up
Step Two
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Push off of your left leg and step up on your step. Keep your right leg lifted in the air.
Lunge to a Step Up
Step Three
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Step back off the brick and finish in a lunge position. Do 10 on the right side then switch to the left leg. Repeat for three sets.
Plank Leg Lifts
Step One
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Start in a plank position. Make sure you core is tight.
Plank Leg Lifts
Step Two
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Raise your right leg no higher than your hip, and pulse for 30 seconds. Switch to you left leg. Repeat three times.
Walking Side Lunges
Step One
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Start with feet hip-width apart in a slight squat. Hold a 10- to 15-pound weight in both hands.
Walking Side Lunges
Step Two
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In the squat position, step with your right foot to the right past your shoulder. Your left foot will meet your right.
Walking Side Lunges
Step Three
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Take 15 to 20 steps to the right and then switch to the left. Repeat three times.
Pli? Squat
Step One
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Bring your feet out wider than your shoulders. Turn your feet out and rotate your legs so your thighs face outward. Hold a 10- to 15-pound weight in both hands.
Pli? Squat
Step Two
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Pli?. Lower your body down so your glutes are even with your knees. Then push up to start position. Do 15 to 20 reps for three sets.
Jumping-Jack Squat
Step One
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Start in a low squat position with back flat, knees even with your ankles, and arms out in a low "V".
Jumping-Jack Squat
Step Two
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Use your leg muscles and push yourself off the ground. Try to jump as high as you can. Your arms should make a jumping-jack motion. Your arms should end above your head, and feet should be touching in the air.
Jumping-Jack Squat
Step Three
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Land back in your starting squat position. Do 20 to 30 jumping-jack squats for three sets.
Bridge
Step One
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Lie on the ground, back flat against a mat. Bend at the knees and bring your feet close to your glutes. Hold a 5-pound weight straight up in the air. Keep your arms straight.
Bridge
Step Two
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Bring your left leg straight up. Lift your glutes high off the ground. Use your hamstring muscles to help you get to this position.
Bridge
Step Three
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Lower down, but don't touch the ground. Your glutes are just slightly off the ground. Use your hamstrings to push your glutes back up to step two. Lift and lower 10 to 15 times, and then switch to your other leg. Do three sets on each side.
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