You don’t need an expensive gym membership to slim and tone your hip, thighs and legs. These exercises just need a latex cord (found in sporting goods stores—and very cheap) and about 10 minutes a day. By the time beach season rolls around, you’ll be proud to show off your gorgeous silhouette in a bikini and shorts. Now let’s get ready to stretch and step your way to a newer, sexier you!
Frequency
Try 20 repetitions of each exercise in the first workout, but stop if you tire excessively before reaching that goal. Adjust the tension in the cord before each exercise by wrapping it around your hand. The cord should provide enough resistance to tire your muscles by the 20th repetition. Rest no more than one minute between exercises and you can complete everything in less than 10 minutes.
First exercise
Find a thick catalogue, phone book or any firm object high enough to elevate your heels four inches above the floor. Double the stretch cord and place the catalogue on top of the two strands. Hold the ends of the doubled cord in your hands and stand on the edge of the catalogue with the balls of your feet. Lower your heels as far as possible and take up the black in the cord until you feel the tension. Raise your heels as high as possible then lower back to starting position.
Second exercise
Double the cord and hold two strands in each hand. Stand on the middle of both strands and allow the knees to bend no farther than 90 degrees. Take up the lack in the cords with your hand so you feel a slight tension. Keep back straight and unbend your legs to a straight stand, then lower to starting position.
Third exercise
Double the cord. Place one foot inside the loop then bring two ends around a doorknob. Hold on to them in one hand and move away from the doorknob until the cord supports your leg at a 45 degre angle. For balance, place the other hand on the back of a chair. Keep the leg straight and pull the foot down to touch the support foot. Return to starting position. Repeat on both sides.
Fourth exercise
Wrap the cord around your left ankle and again around the middle of the left foot. Loop cord over a doorknob and use the hand opposite the exercising leg to hold the cord in place. Stand on the cord with your support foot and the exercising leg. Lift your leg sidewards as high as possible, then return to starting position. Repeat on both sides.
GIve your legs (and the rest of your body) a good workout with regular walking.
Photo from sheknows.com