4 Ways to get lean legs and a tight tush

Who doesn't want stellar stems and a firmer backside? Nothing complements a hiked-up hemline quite like a pair of gorgeous gams. And getting them is easier than you may think. This workout, created by Marcela Ceselka, a personal trainer at Club H Fitness in New York City, targets every inch of your lower body--glutes, quads, hamstrings, hips, inner thighs, and calves--to build lean muscle in your bottom half and boost your metabolism, while also improving your core strength and balance.

What to expect: Three days a week, do two or three sets of this routine, resting for 60 seconds between each exercise. Shorten your break time (or get rid of it completely!) to increase the challenge even more. Here are the four moves and how to do them with great form:




1. STEP UP WITH LEG LIFT
Place your right foot on a step or bench and put your hands on your hips (a). Push yourself up until your right leg is straight and you're standing on the bench. Squeeze your glute to raise your left leg as far behind you as possible without arching your back (b). Reverse to return to start. That's one rep. Repeat on the left leg. Alternate sides for a total of 12 to 15 reps.

More Ways to Increase Metabolism






2. REVERSE LUNGE WITH FRONT KICK
Keeping your abs tight, step back with your right foot and lower into a reverse lunge (a). Squeeze your glutes as you push down through your left heel and kick your right leg in front of you as you straighten your left leg (b). That's one rep. Do 12 to 15 continuous reps, then repeat on the other side, kicking your left leg.

Weight Loss Success Stories that Will Amp Up Your Motivation







3. LATERAL LEG LIFT
With your hands on your hips and your feet hip-width apart, bend your knees to lower into a squat (a). Pause, then stand and lift your right leg out to the side as high as you can (b). Return to start. That's one rep. Repeat with the left leg, and continue alternating until you've done 12 to 15 reps on each side.


10 Exercise Machines to Avoid







4. PLIE SQUAT JUMP Stand with your legs about two feet apart, toes turned out, and hands on your hips. Rise onto your toes, bend your knees, and sit back, lowering yourself until your thighs are parallel to the floor (a). Jump off the ground, bringing your feet to hip-width apart and landing softly on your toes (b). That's one rep. Continue quickly jumping your legs out and in for 15 to 20 reps.

Get These 4 Lower-Body Moves as a Printable Workout





Tell Us: What body part do want to make more fit???

More from Women's Health

10 Things You Can Do With a Tomato

Why Weight Training for Women is a No-Brainer

The Hidden Benefits of a Good Rub Down

Drink and Still Shrink: Recipes for Decadent Low-Cal Cocktails








Track and Personalize Your Workouts: Try the Women's Health Online Personal Trainer













Want more Women's Health? Subscribe today for only 99¢ an issue!