The Gorgeous Legs Guide
Once the warmer weather creeps in, only the brave (and the extremely well-prepared) break out the dresses immediately. "You're still wearing tights," one woman said to another on the elevator.
"Me, too," her friend responded. "My legs are so pale."
There's enormous pressure when one is showing a little leg, especially at the office. The ideal look is hairless, tanned and toned, which leaves us scrambling for the gym so we're not still wearing pants when the temperature hits the 80s. In order to whip you into shape in no time, we consulted skincare, self tanning and fitness pros on their best tips for gorgeous legs.
THE WORKOUTS:
"You have to approach it like it's art," says personal trainer Rich Barretta. "Youre trying to shape the legs."
"You have to approach it like it's art," says personal trainer Rich Barretta. "Youre trying to shape the legs."
The common mistake most women make, Barretta explained, is using the same routine as the boys. "Don't do things that bulk up the legs—squats, leg presses, etc. Their emphasis is to work the glutes, but the majority of the work is done by the legs, which actually thickens them."
And if you're a SoulCycle devotee, maybe it's time to rethink the bike. "Be careful about the resistance. It will make your legs look bigger. And if you need proof, just look at the instructors' legs. Also, Crossfit is a great workout, but a girl goes in there and unfortunately, she'll bulk up her legs."
Barretta has a variety of ultra-informative workout videos on his homepage including the basics on leg lifts, stiff legs, and balance routines that help to tone the legs and the glutes. (Don't worry—they're beginner friendly.) But there are a few simple workouts he recommends. "Yoga, pilates, and running are all fine," he said. "Toe raises are great for the calves, but most girls get great-looking calves bywalking in heels." Consider your Manolo BB's your new bicycle.
But the ultimate, hands-down, best thing you could do for a better butt and better legs? "Rollerblading makes legs look great. Five to ten miles three to four days a week of rollerblading will give you a great butt," he said.
THE DIET:
Yes, unfortunately, all that working out means nothing if you're not eating properly, it doesn't matter. Barretta has a darling term—"meat blanket"—for that five extra pounds we tend to carry around. "You'll see firmness but not shape if you don't follow what I do eating-wise," he said.
Yes, unfortunately, all that working out means nothing if you're not eating properly, it doesn't matter. Barretta has a darling term—"meat blanket"—for that five extra pounds we tend to carry around. "You'll see firmness but not shape if you don't follow what I do eating-wise," he said.
So, what are the Sergeant's orders? There are four basic rules that will probably make you cry.
1. No fried foods.
2. No alcohol.
3. No processed foods—white flour, artificial sweeteners, diet sodas, processed sugars, etc.
4. No carbohydrates in the evening.
2. No alcohol.
3. No processed foods—white flour, artificial sweeteners, diet sodas, processed sugars, etc.
4. No carbohydrates in the evening.
"The program usually takes 4-6 weeks to see a major difference if you need to just tone up," Barretta said. Good luck, brave soldiers. Your legs will thank you.
THE QUICK FIX:
We get it—spring has already sprung, meaning you can start all the leg workouts you want, but you want to break out that great floral number before it's summertime.
We get it—spring has already sprung, meaning you can start all the leg workouts you want, but you want to break out that great floral number before it's summertime.
"If you can't tone it, tan it!" said James Read, self-tanning genius and the owner of an eponymous cosmetic line sold at Net-a-Porter.
"When you have a tan, it adds more definition and makes your legs look longer and toned. You can highlight the fronts to make them look longer and silhouetted." He recommends James Read Gradual Tan—a subtle glow—to hydrate and tan at the same time. "Always use a tanning mitt to make it even," he cautions, "and always use excess tan from the legs to do the feet. Never apply directly to the feet."
If you're looking for a bit of extra shine, the James Read Liquid Tan is the way to go. Read gave us a couple tips for a warm-weather weekend: "Once you've applied Liquid Tan on day one, use just one layer and then do a second layer twenty minutes later. On day two, mix a thick moisturizer with Gradual Tan and apply to the fronts of the legs. This will make them more defined and will reflect the light to give the illusion of shiny legs."
THE PROBLEM AREAS:
According to The Scientific American, about 90 percent of women have cellulite. So whatever problem patch you're worried about, you should probably know that you are far from alone. But still, that doesn't mean that a little extra work on those areas won't help.
According to The Scientific American, about 90 percent of women have cellulite. So whatever problem patch you're worried about, you should probably know that you are far from alone. But still, that doesn't mean that a little extra work on those areas won't help.
Bliss Spa Technician Laura Ann Conroy explains, "Our fatgirl line aims to increase circulation, promote lyphatic drainage, and firm the skin." The wildly popular range just received an update: The Lean Machine.
"It helps visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite and assists in smoothing and toning the skin. It gives the legs, buttocks and even abs a more contoured look." Basically, the machine has a lifting function designed to stimulate the skin, which then leads it into a vacuum unit which beging a deep massage. The theory is that stimulating these areas encourages circulation, which will in turn, diminish the appearance of cellulite. When used in conjunction with the range's other products, including the scrub and the slimming cream (packed with caffeine molecules), you'll only see better results.
Anyone who's ever tried an anti-cellulite regimen knows that the effects can be temporary. "Consistent use will deliver better results," she said. That means you can't trade your leg lift session for the Lean Machine. "Exercise promotes systemic circulation and can amplify the effects of our products."
Conroy advises to finish the treatment with "strokes towards the heart—from your knees towards the hips and buttocks—to further promote lymphatic circulation."
But paying attention to the leg area is something women rarely do—except when shaving. You'll be surprised how far a little love can go.
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