Thigh-grazing hemlines and itty-bitty bikinis are two summer staples that can't be ignored, so having great legs has never been more important. Us Weekly and Gold's Gym teamed up to kick flabby legs to the curb with this Cameron Diaz-inspired workout. The 38-year-old star has been voted by Us readers with the most longed-for legs as part of the 2nd Annual Hollywood's Hottest Bodies Awards.
Us tapped Gold's Gym Trainer Tracy Mallett, author of Sexy in 6 and creator of Booty Barre, for the must-know tips and moves for scoring the star's seriously sexy stems.
Part 1: Cardio
Mallett recommends running, spinning, hiking, or swimming 3-5 times a week. "These activities work the legs extensively and help to burn fat so that you can see all the wonderful definition in your legs," says Mallett. "Choose two different types of cardio to keep your lower body challenged."
Part 2: Circuit Training
This mix of cardio and strength training is great for blasting flab on the lower body. "Try doing simple jumping jacks for a minute then walking lunges for 2 minutes, and repeat," advises Mallett. "Next do jump squats (squatting low and jumping straight up at the top of the squat) for one minute followed by ski jumps (jumping side to side) for two minutes."
Part 3: Flexibility and Strength Training
Yoga and Pilates are Mallett's go-to picks for blending flexibility into a strength-training workout. "It's important to have balance in your lower body workout," says Mallet. "A strong muscle should be flexible, too."
Part 4: The Right Moves
The Move: Walking Lunges
Works: Glutes, quads and hamstrings
Tip: "The beauty about these is that you can do them anywhere!" says Mallett.
Instructions: Step forward with your right leg and lower your body until your left knee nearly touches the floor. Make sure that your front knee does not pass the tip of your toes. Step forward with your left leg and repeat for the right side.
Duration: 3-5 minutes
The Move: Side-Leg Kicks
Works: Glutes and hip flexors
Tip: Posture is key! "Keep your body as straight as possible," says Mallett.
Instructions: Start by standing sideways and gently hold onto a chair or a counter for support. Internally rotate the outside leg and lift up and down in a slow, controlled movement. For an added challenge, add a few tiny pulses at the top before lowering the leg down.
Reps: 30 (15 on each side)
The Move: Squats
Works: Quads
Tip: "Squats are the perfect exercise to hit all the lower body muscles," says Mallett.
Instructions: Stand with your legs shoulder-width apart. Slowly bend at the knees and lower your body as if you're sitting into a chair. Don't let your knees pass over your toes. For an added challenge, add some small pulses at the bottom of your squat — you'll really feel the burn!
Reps: 3 sets of 15.
