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By Jeanette Shinn
When the long wedding gown comes off we want sexy toned legs to give us confidence. Whether we are talking about putting on a shorter gown for the reception and dance or for our first appearance in lingerie that night, we want our legs to be stunning. The good news is that there is something that can be done to improve, if not perfect, the appearance of your legs.
First, vary the routine. When you are trying to achieve any type of fitness goal our primary difficulty is usually motivation. That is to say that it is easy to get started on an idea that excites us but keeping it going can be a struggle. That's where variety comes in. If you can help it, don't do the same thing every day (and don't fight it when circumstances limit your options for a while either - just push through and change what you are doing when you can) or even necessarily maintain a set rotation throughout the week.
Second, eat lean proteins. That means fish, egg whites, and poultry breasts. Our body needs protein to build and repair muscle so we must be sure to take in plenty protein so that our body has what it needs to sculpt our legs in time for the wedding.
Third, cut overall calorie intake. Let's face it, getting sexy toned legs in time for our wedding day is as much about uncovering them as it is about shaping them. They can have great tone, but if they are covered by extra weight we will have gained very little.
Finally, choose among leg specific exercises:
Biking - Ever see a serious cyclist whose legs are not toned and shapely?
Note: Stationary bikes are fine, but real bikes out in the real world are better. The starting and stopping, the hills and valleys, etc all do more to give your legs a work out than a stationary bike. Plus, the variety of scenery helps to combat boredom. Just remember to wear a helmet.
Walk Up Inclines - Walking is obviously what our legs were meant to do so it make sense that using them the way they were intended would help get them in top condition, the incline simply accelerates the process.
Step Ups - There are a ton of DVD's that help us to step up and down off a little platform to the beat of music. This is a great activity for when outside is just not an option.
Run Stairs - For those who have adequate conditioning running stairs is a great way to achieve those toned legs we all desire.
Jump Rope - the jumping is great for our legs.
Play Basketball - The game of basketball involves running and jumping which are among the primary functions of the leg muscles. This can't help but build the leg muscles.
Play Tennis - Tennis does not include as much jumping as basketball, making it better for people with knee or hip problems, but the lack of jumping does cut it's effectiveness somewhat.
Do Squats - Yes, squats. Don't worry unless we have an inordinate amount of testosterone in our system we gals simply will not develop those massive muscles that men do. We are simply not built that way. But the squat works the largest muscle in our legs in a way that nothing else does. Just be certain to get proper instruction and supervision.
Include a Cardio Routine - This will help with weight loss and offer protection against any tendency to bulk up and will often help to incorporate some of the other exercises included in this list.
Drink Plenty of Water - Water is an essential nutrient and most of us do not get enough which causes us to be in less than the best condition we can be in. Drinking extra water is a simple way to help our bodies achieve those fitness goals.
Ultimately, don't give up. We all want to look great for our wedding day - or night. Just remember, getting sexy toned legs in time for our wedding takes work, but is so worth the effort. We can't let an apparent lack of immediate results discourage us. Persistence does pay off. Besides, with all these options we should never get bored as we pursue those sexy toned legs.
Darling Duo Garter
A stylish union of rich colors, and voilà! The perfect garter with an ivory chiffon ruffle is available in brown and aqua, or fuchsia and orange. Fits legs up to 18". If unsure about size, wrap a string around your leg just above the knee, measure the string against a ruler.
Nostalgia Garter Set
One to throw, one to keep. Of course you'll keep the fancy one. Wide French satin ribbon is layered with two of our eight sumptuous shades, gathered with a seed pearl or faux diamond accent button and set on a white or ivory garter. The matching toss garter is a smaller, simpler version made to match in white or ivory. Fits legs up to 24". If unsure about size, wrap a string around your leg just above the knee, measure the string against a ruler.
Seashell Garter
Your seaside theme plays out right down to the prettiest little details. Our crisp white satin and delicate tulle garter is embellished with a tiny starfish and a "rope" ribbon. The look is simple and playful. Lightly elasticized so one size fits all.
Gia Bridal Garter
Pretty enough to wear on its own for your "something blue", this garter can also be worn with a more elaborate one and then used for your garter toss. Available in white or ivory with a pale blue ribbon and a rhinestone ring embellishment.
