You squat, lunge, and deadlift to define your legs, but what about your lower legs? Stop neglecting your calves. Sculpt and tone your calf muscles while building muscle so you can boost your run/walk performance—and look great doing it.
There are a number of people that don't strengthen their calf muscles. The lower legs pull the heel up while running, jumping, or walking to move in a forward motion. So it's important to work on the calves to help improve daily movements. Plus, a little exercise will give you that sleek defined look that so many of us desire.
Add these two moves into your daily routine to shape your lower legs.
3-Way Calf Raises
These calf raises are done three ways. Find a step, curb or stair. Stand tall with your toes on the step and let your heels hang off. Make sure you're near a wall or have something to hang onto just in case you need balance assistance.
First way: Bring your heels together and turn your toes out (like first position in ballet). Place your weight on the balls of your toes and lift your heels up. Lower down so your heels fall past the step and then lift back up. Repeat.
Second way: Keep your feet parallel, lift up onto your toes and lower your heels down past the step. Continue to lift and lower.
Third way: Pigeon your feet together, toes touch and heels turn out. Lift up onto your toes and then lower down past the step. Continue to lift and lower.
1-Minute Step-Ups
Find a step, stair or curb to do this exercise.
Stand in front of the step. Put your right foot onto the step, then your left. Bring your right foot back down to the ground followed by your left. Continue to step in this motion, but try to go as fast as you can in the allotted time.
About Stay Fit for Summer
Each week from June 2 to August 29, the Stay Fit for Summer series will offer a creative fitness circuit and healthy recipe to help you maintain your beach body. So get ready for your healthiest summer yet. Warning: You may never want to take your swimsuit off again.
Pair this workout with the Thai Broccoli Slaw.
Join the Active.com Stay Fit for Summer: Fitness Challenge Group on Facebook to keep motivated. Then let us know how your workouts are going. Comment below with #StayFitforSummer.
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