6 Simple Moves for Toned, Sexy Legs

Summer is just a few weeks away, and while this should inspire serious excitement, I have to admit I'm dreading the warmer weather.

Related: 9 Ways to Fake a Toned Body

Don't get me wrong -- I'm psyched for all of the weekends I'll spend poolside and at barbeques and the beach. But thanks to a winter and spring spent dodging the gym, I'm not as eager about the bikinis, short shorts, and skin-baring dresses that come along with the sunny season.

If you're like me and have also been procrastinating on your attempts to get "bikini-ready," here's some excellent news: Toning your butt, thighs, and legs can happen more quickly than you think, says celebrity trainer Ky Evans. "Since the muscles in your legs and butt are the largest in the body, you'll blast calories when doing leg exercises," he says. Translation: You'll see fast results.

Related: 6 Best Butt Workouts for Women


Check out this easy routine created by Evans and nutrition and fitness consultant Ashley Borden. Just 15 repetitions of each of these six simple moves will give you dramatic results in mere weeks. Even the mere thought of doing them is getting me just a little more psyched for summer.


FIRST, GEAR UP

Here's the equipment you'll need to do these moves:
• 2 15-pound dumbbells
• Bench/step (must be at or lower than hip height)
• Exercise band (try Heavy Thera-Band Exercise Band, $14.95)





MOVE 1: WEIGHTED REVERSE LUNGE

What it works: Quads, glutes
How to do it:
• Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
• Hold one 15-pound weight in your right hand, next to your body.
• Step back with your left foot bending your knees until you're in a lunge position.
• Squeeze your glutes as you step back to the starting position.
• Repeat nine more times, for a total of 10 reps.
• Switch sides; place the weight in your left hand and step back on your right. Again, do 10 repetitions.











MOVE 2: WALL SQUAT WITH LEG EXTENSION


What it works:
Glutes, hamstrings, quads, core
How to do it:
• Stand about a foot away from a wall, feet shoulder width apart, hands by your sides.
• Squat down as if you're about to sit in a chair. Your back should be against the wall, hamstrings parallel to the floor. Note: Don't lean against the wall.
• From this position, straighten the right leg and hold for three counts, then switch legs. Continue switching leg raises while holding this squat for one minute -- or until you can't hold the squat any longer.



MOVE 3: STEP UP

What it works: The area where your glutes and hamstrings meet
How to do it:
• Step up onto the bench, leading with your right foot, 10 times. Make sure your knee is directly above your ankle as you step up.
• Switch feet and step up leading with your left foot 10 times.
• Want to challenge your abs while you do this? Interlace your hands behind your head.
Note: If your spine is curving when you step up, the bench you're using is likely too high.


Related: 11 Easy Ways to Lose Those Last 10 Pounds



MOVE 4: ONE-LEGGED SQUAT

What it works: Glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves
How to do it:
• Stand with feet hip width apart, knees slightly bent, hands on your hips. Lift your right leg a couple inches off the floor, balancing on your left foot. If you're having a tough time balancing, place one hand on a wall for support.
• Squat down as if you were about to sit in a chair for a count of four, continuing to balance on your left foot.
• Return to the starting position, keeping your right foot in the air.
• Repeat 15 times or until your left leg is fatigued, then switch sides.




MOVE 5: SIDE STEP

What it works: Outer glutes, hips
How to do it:
• With both feet, step onto the center of your band and pick up the ends of the band in each hand.
• Crisscross the band so each end is in the opposite hand.
• Stand up tall and take 15 large steps to the right.
• Reverse directions and take 15 large steps to the left.










MOVE 6: DEADLIFTS

What it works: Base of hamstrings to your glutes
How to do it:
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your body. Weights should be resting on your quads.
• With your back and legs straight, reach toward the ground with your weights (flat back position).
• Stand back up and repeat nine more times for a total of 10 repetitions.

• Do two minutes of cardio and repeat this routine (all four moves) three more times.


More from TotalBeauty.com:
11 Tips to Whipping Your Body into Shape for Summer
How to Get Your Legs Summer Skirt Ready
The 5 Workouts Celebrities Swear By