As the temperature slowly crawls up, so does the hemline of our summer frocks. It’s the time to show off your tan and your legs. Though Barbie legs are not achievable, we have the ability to target a certain problem area so that we may put forward our most confident selves! Here are five common issues women have about their legs and how to tackle them.
Cankles
This shape, sometimes referred to as “piano legs,” reflects an ankle about the same size or as large as the calf. People with cankles will have almost no calf definition, making the leg in its entirety appear wider and less toned. Oftentimes, these swollen ankles are caused by extra weight, pregnancy and hormone imbalances. To decrease the appearance of cankles, try reducing the salt in your diet to help with swelling and start practicing calf-strengthening exercises like plies and calf raises when you are idle.
Top heavy
Top-heavy legs will carry a lot of weight on the thighs and buttocks, while the calves and ankles appear slimmer in comparison. Many women store fat in these areas, which is also the region that holds fat content for the longest. To reduce fat in the upper and inner thighs, increase the number of fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet and cut down on processed and sugary foods. Along with this, you can also do fat-burning cardio that targets the thighs, such as stair-stepping or training on the elliptical.
Chicken legs
Women who are apple-shaped may notice that they carry all their weight on their torso although their legs appear stick-like and undefined, loosely resembling the shape of a chicken. To create a more even distribution, cut down on sugar, which will increase the glucagon hormone and break down fat in the stomach, creating a less drastic difference between the top and bottom half of the body. In addition, try doing thigh-building exercises like squats and lunges.
Cellulite
Cellulite is the dimpled, textured skin that you may notice on the squishier parts of your legs. Its appearance is often compared to that of cottage cheese under the skin. Between 80 to 90 percent of women have cellulite, especially on the legs. It is thought to be caused when the connective tissue influences the fat layered below it, and the appearance becomes more dramatic when the fat becomes more concentrated in a certain area. Avoid foods high in carbohydrates and salt which are said to contribute to the appearance of cellulite. In addition, throw out tight elastic in underwear and clothes that can also form cellulite due to its restriction on blood flow.
Overall, it is important to be patient and loving with your body and understand that certain leg goals are simply impossible. Genetics and metabolism have a huge influence on the build of your body and the way that you carry weight and muscle. Many of these problem areas are insecurities that women have and may want to target but do not necessarily need to be changed or fixed. So go out there and flaunt those legs!
Sources:
https://www.shape.com/blogs/working-it-out/two-powerful-calf-exercises-prevent-cankles
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/149465.php
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/health/get-rid-of-cellulite/
https://www.webmd.com/men/features/strength-training-building-leg-muscles#1
https://www.livestrong.com/article/461700-the-fastest-ways-to-tone-slim-your-legs/
