How to Get Sexy Legs: Recipe from Hollywood Stars

Hollywood stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Shakira all have amazing and in-shape legs.  What do they do to get those sexy legs?

Sorry ladies but there is no easy answer; they all work hard to get these legs!  A trainer, Tracy Anderson, trains them all. 

Kate has a fit dancer’s body and, as Tracy says, their workouts are all about toning strategically without creating bulk.  Kate does side leg lifts that target the outer hip, butt and inner thighs.

With Gwyneth, Tracy focuses on maintaining her “perfect” butt, toning her post-baby lower abs and defining her legs. She loves exercises that hit multiple areas at once.  For example you start in a high plank position.  The first move is to bring one knee into your stomach, then point your leg out to the side to hit your butt, hamstrings, lower abs and arms simultaneously.

The energetic pop star, Shakira, already has a great butt and sexy legs, so Tracy says their work is all about “keeping that perfect.”  One of Shakira’s exercises is to begin on all fours and bring your right knee to the back of your left, then kick the same leg out to the right side without rotating your hip at all. Not easy.

There are many leg exercises that you can do at home.  Doing them at least three times a week will shape your legs quickly. 

Leg Exercise 1: Lunges
Lunges work most of the muscles in your legs with one simple exercise:
1. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and then take one giant step forward with your right foot.
2. Place your hands on your hips for balance and then lower your body straight down until your back leg forms a right angle at the knee.
3. Using your leg muscles, slowly raise yourself back up.
4. Repeat the movement for three sets of 30 repetitions for each leg.

Leg Exercise 2: Pliès
Pliès are one of the best ways to tone the inner and outer thighs.
1. Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart.
2. Take one small step out with each foot and then turn your feet outward like a duck.
3. Place your hands on your hips or hold the back of a chair for support.
4. Keeping you back straight, gently lower your entire body down about six inches and then raise it back up slowly.
5. Repeat the movement for three sets of 30 repetitions.

Leg Exercise 3: Heel Raises
Heel raises work the calf muscles. Calves tend to respond to strengthening very quickly and gain definition in a matter of days, so this exercise can be rewarding for people who like fast results.
1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. You may want to place your hands on your hips to help with balance.
2. Raise your body up onto your tiptoes and hold it for a few seconds. Lower back down slowly.
3. Repeat this leg exercise for three sets of 40 heel raises.

Leg Exercise 4: Squats
Squats are an excellent choice for firming and shaping the buttocks and upper thighs.
1. Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and arms by your sides.
2. Keep an upright posture and slowly lower buttocks as though about to sit down in a chair. Lower several inches and then slowly stand up.
3. Do three sets of 20 squats.

Leg Exercise 5: Lateral Raises
For the outer thighs:
1. Begin with your weight on your left foot and your right foot pointed out at an angle.
2. Hold on to a chair or wall for balance and slowly raise and lower your right leg out to the side. You do not have to lift your leg high; just raise it as far as is comfortable.
3. Do at least 3 sets of 20 repetitions for each leg.