Healthy Living

Friday, September 5, 2008

Who doesn't want legs like a dancer?: 3 moves to get gorgeous gams

There's nothing like pulling on a swimsuit, shorts or even a swingy little running skirt to make you take notice of the legs you've masterfully swathed in wool and denim the rest of the year. Rather than focusing on all those negatives that too-easily come to mind in front of the mirror, what if we used the opportunity to show some leg to also tone some leg?

Forget all the complaints about cellulite , the sighs over varicose veins, the constant effort to raise the leg up when sitting down so your thighs don't spread out over the seat or insisting on being the last person out of the pool so other swimmers don't witness the thigh jiggle as you walk away. Let's be done with that for this summer and let's focus on feeling strong and positive about the lower half.

To set that (ahem) tone, what if you mimicked some moves by people who have fabulous legs -- dancers? Think about how quickly the celebs on Dancing with the Stars build beautiful calves and muscular quads. Envision the sinewy lines of ballet dancers and the enviable backsides of cabaret dancers. Nice, huh? Because we're too busy being positive to be jealous or bitter about why we dropped out of tap class in seventh grade, why don't we all just get up from our desk and do a few classic dance moves ourselves?

This little post has three barre moves that will pack a punch, toning your inner and outer thighs, hips and derriere. Take note that there are modifications if you need more or less intensity. You only need a willing spirit and a sturdy chair for support, so that each move can be done in the privacy of your kitchen or office.

Once we've all Rond de Jambe-ed our legs into gorgeous, tight gams, I vote we work on snagging some Olympic swimmer moves for our shoulders. Anyone else with me?



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[photo credit: Getty Images]
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From the Community…

Comments 1-4 of 4
  • Sunnyone's Avatar
    Posted by Sunnyone Thu Jul 3, 2008 7:15am PDT

    I'm 59 and have great legs. You either got'em or not! I work out and walk every day, to stay in shape, but always had dancers legs. I'm lucky.

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  • Sierra L's Avatar
    Posted by Sierra L Thu Jul 3, 2008 7:54am PDT

    Same with me. I'm 16, and I've always had good legs. Im a little hefty, but my legs have always been my strong point. This is because I have danced all my life and I run track on the side, so I have no choice. Yeah, I'm bigger than average, but my legs (except for a little of my thighs) are perfect to me.

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  • Anna's Avatar
    Posted by Anna Thu Jul 3, 2008 7:55am PDT

    I've been a dancer since I was 6 years old, and I am 21 now, I live in the city, and I walk at least an hour+ every day and I am on a strict healthy diet, but I have AWFUL legs. And it's not from lack of exercising, it's because of genetics all the females on my mother's side suffer from this. Like said above "either you have it or you don't"

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  • a.beckalicious's Avatar
    Posted by a.beckalicious Thu Jul 3, 2008 12:48pm PDT

    i'm a dancer and i have to say, my legs are definitely one of the things i like most about my body. i'm not slim or muscular all around, but my legs are because of dancing for my entire life. true it is that you either have 'em or you don't! but try squats and relelve's (standing on the ball of your toes, like tip toeing, then coming down to flat floot.) to tone those muscles.

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Weight training and walking at the same time? Can you even do that?