Let’s be honest, during the winter time, for most of us, it’s hard to get outside to exercise and the cold weather gives you even one more excuse to stay in bed. So while many Americans are sitting more often during the day, why not tone up your lower body right there from your chair?!
That’s right, just because you’re sitting down does NOT mean you have to be fat. Tone your upper and lower thighs, calf muscles and your buttocks with these five simple exercises. Take a look below:
Exercise #1: The Alphabet
Sit at the edge of your chair. Lift one leg with your toes slightly touching the ground.
Simulate painting each letter in the alphabet on the floor with your toes.
Then repeat the alphabet, but with your heel slightly touching the ground. Switch legs after completing the alphabet with your toes and heel at least one or two times through.
Exercise #2: The Body Weight
1. Sit in a chair with your back straight, and your core engaged. Grip the seat of the chair lightly for support.
2. Cross one leg over the other, at the ankles. Exhale and extend your bottom leg until it is completely straight and parallel to the ground. (The top leg will lift as well, but keeping it relaxed will allow it to act as a “weight” for the active leg.)
3. Do 5 reps of lifting and lowering, then hold at the top for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
4. Straighten both legs and lower to the ground, pause, then re-cross with the opposite leg on top. Repeat the exercise with
