4 solutions that promise to firm and tone your legs
And only one of them involves exercise
While we believe every body is absolutely fine just the way it is, we also understand the desire many of you have to tone and firm your legs so they look their best whenever they’re on show. Whether you’re looking to achieve more shapely legs and aren’t sure why your standard gym session isn’t delivering the results you’re after, or simply want your dreaded cellulite to disappear, we’ve got four approaches you can take to get those smooth, toned and firm legs you’re longing for.
1
With a cream
One of the most effortless ways to subtly firm skin is with a toning body cream. Many toning creams contain ingredients such as caffeine, retinol or dimenthylaminoethanol (DMAE), which work to tighten the skin and restore elasticity. Caffeine (a diuretic) makes skin appear smoother by dehydrating fat cells and dilating blood vessels, retinol (a vitamin A derivative) increases collagen production to make cellulite less visible, and antioxidant-rich DMAE plumps and firms skin by causing muscles to contract. As a result, with continued use, body creams formulated with the right ingredients can reduce the appearance of cellulite, even skin texture and hydrate in one fell swoop. If you’re on the hunt for a firming cream, we suggest trying antioxidant and caffeine-rich Alpha-H Firming Body Therapy.
2
With exercise
There’s no doubt about it – regular exercise that combines both cardio and weights will work wonders when it comes to firming your legs (and your bum!). Next time you hit the gym, combine your standard treadmill run with a quick 10-minute weighted squat and lunge workout, making sure to squeeze your glutes each time you rise
If you need more guidance on exactly how to nail your leg-firming workout, check out the Fitness Buddy app (available on iOS and Android). The free app has been specifically designed for those who train best with explicit instructions and comes with a range of workouts categorised by body part.
3
With a body brush
While it’s not a long-term solution, dry body brushing (which you can do with Manicare Dry Body Brush) works to remove dead skin cells on the outside, while assisting with lymphatic drainage on the inside. As a result, not only is your skin left feeling smooth, the lumps of your cellulite also appear reduced.
4
With a treatment
A more intensive solution to firming your legs is with the Venus Legacy Treatment. The non-invasive body contouring treatment focuses on stimulating the natural release of collagen and shrinking fat cells through natural lymphatic drainage. In addition to firming and smoothing legs, the treatment works to reduce cellulite, contour, and lift the buttocks for a better shape – no needles required!
Want more body firming tips? Then discover why walking 10,000 steps a day will improve a whole lot more than just your fitness.
Do you have any tried and tested methods for firming your legs? Let us know in the comments below.
Image credit: @josephineskriver
Kate started working for BEAUTYcrew in early 2016, first as a contributor, and was then named Beauty Writer in 2017. She loves picking the brains of the industry's top experts to get to the bottom of beauty's toughest questions. Bronze eyeshadow palettes are her weakness and she's forever on the hunt for the perfect nude nail polish to suit her fair skin. Her words can also be found in Men's Health magazine, and she now works in PR.
