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You are here: Home / Physical Kitchness / One Simple Move for Insanely Toned Legs

One Simple Move for Insanely Toned Legs

28 Jul

I haven’t bought a single maternity clothing item this time around. And I really didn’t have much during my first pregnancy either. Call me cheap – whatever. I’ll sport my shorts sitting way too low, exposing the bottom part of my tummy like a a bad plumber’s crack scene. Luckily for all the pregnant ladies of the world, legs don’t need special maternity clothing. So expose them – prego or not! And do this one simple move for insanely toned legs.

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SERIOUSLY it takes this one simple, barre-inspired move to get insanely toned legs. No equipment or gym required. This will tone your thighs and calves like none other!

This barre-inspired isometric move will not disappoint. I’m telling you, if you want to work your legs in a way you never thought possible, THIS IS IT. Squats are great and all, but if you want to work ALL the muscles, big AND little, you have to do is one simple move for insanely toned legs. Plus it’s a lower impact workout than most lower body exercises.

The best part? You can do this anywhere, any time. No really, ANY time. Got two minutes while brushing your teeth? Do it. Two minutes may seem short, but it will feel like forever doing this leg-sculpting move. Or try it while doing dishes, watching TV, waiting for your husband (oh wait, he’s always waiting for me) – bottom line, just do it all the time. Here’s how:

One Simple Move for Insanely Toned Legs

This barre move is simple but so effective. Better than squats or plyometric jumps, this simple move will completely transform your legs. Do it anywhere, any time.

To start, stand with your feet hip-distance apart. If you’ve never done a barre workout before, or this move is new to you, use the back of a sturdy chair or hold the end of a countertop for stability. Lift your heels and roll up on the balls of your feet, then bend your knees as low as you can for a good challenge.

Now you have two options:

  1. Keep your knees bent, heels high, and hold in this position for a set amount of time (start at 30 seconds and build up). If you aren’t feeling challenged, lower your body closer to the floor. You make start shaking or feel burning in your legs. That means it’s working!
  2. For an added challenge, keep your body as low as possible then push yourself lower 1 – 2 inches closer to the ground, then back to the original position. Continue to execute these very small, controlled pulses.

Once you have mastered your form and can do this for an extended period of time, try taking a balance by releasing your hands from the surface you are using to stabilize your body.

Notes on form:

One move for insanely toned legs - step #1: stand high on the balls of your feet

Keep your heels high the entire time. This will keep focus not only on your thighs, but calves too. If you feel your heels lower to the ground, try to lessen the bend in your knees so that you can keep your heels lifted.

One move for insanely toned legs - step #2: feet and knees parallel

Make sure your feet and knees are parallel to the front the entire time. Your weight should be distributed on the balls of your feet.

One simple move for insanely toned legs - step #3: hips stacked under shoulders

Be mindful not to stick your butt out behind your body and push your belly forward. You may be able to tell if you are doing this if you feel like you are leaned forward slightly. Stand upright with your hips stacked directly under your shoulders.

Don’t forget to check out other barre-inspired workouts you can do at home like this barre booty home workout, lower body barre plyo fusion, say see ya to saddlebags, and barre 101 for beginners.

 

Yes, ONE barre-inspired move will tone and sculpt you legs like no other exercise out there. Check out the full tutorial for this workout you can do anywhere.
Chrissa
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61 Comments Filed Under: Physical Kitchness, Workouts Tagged With: barre, legs[heart_this]

About Chrissa

I'm Chrissa - a lover of cooking, hater of spiders, fitness enthusiast, red lipstick wearer, mom and wife. Here you will find healthy recipes the family will love, step-by-step workout tutorials, meal planning guides and wellness tips.

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Comments

  1. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    July 28, 2016 at 5:17 am

    Never underestimate the little movements (when done correctly!)

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      You got it girlfriend!

      Reply
    • ali says

      September 21, 2016 at 1:37 am

      will this tone calves too? my calves are big sadly 🙁

      Reply
      • Chrissa says

        September 22, 2016 at 7:59 pm

        This will tone your calves because you are holding a releve position, but it won’t ‘bulk’ them up. You’ll feel it the most intensely working in your thighs. Let me know what you think Ali!

        Reply
      • Codi says

        October 22, 2016 at 2:23 pm

        Barre is amazing! You can see your body changing very quickly. You should try classes.

        Reply
        • Chrissa says

          October 23, 2016 at 1:13 pm

          Totally agree Codi! I’m actually a barre instructor 😉

          Reply
          • Mj says

            March 29, 2017 at 8:48 pm

            Are you aware that this “Barre” move is actually a “Callanetics” move originated by Callan Pinckney? ?

          • Chrissa says

            April 1, 2017 at 2:30 pm

            I have the super super old school callanetics DVD!!! Yes, love both my barre and those classics. Fun fact! Thanks MJ

  2. Megan McCarrin says

    July 28, 2016 at 5:28 am

    Awesome! We just tried this move in my office to get our morning flowing!! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:15 pm

      Hahaha seriously!? I LOVE it Megan!

      Reply
  3. Lauren says

    July 28, 2016 at 7:07 am

    Thanks for this! I’ve been looking for ways to workout/tone at home in whatever spare time I can find! This looks really effective!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:13 pm

      Of course!! You can’t beat a isometric move you can do in just a few minutes and feel the results!

      Reply
  4. Kate says

    July 28, 2016 at 7:15 am

    All those instructional pictures are super helpful! I’ve always been interested in barre workouts too so I will have to try this move out the next time I go to the gym.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:12 pm

      I’m glad Kate! Wanted to make sure everyone who wanted to try has correct form and can rock this move!

      Reply
  5. Mikki says

    July 28, 2016 at 7:34 am

    Looks simple but I bet it kicks butt. LOL. Going to try these.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      It DEFINITELY does! I hope you tried it Mikki!

      Reply
  6. sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says

    July 28, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Oh those isometric moves are ALWAYS killer!! i need to find a barre studio close to me ASAP!

    Reply
  7. Ange // Cowgirl Runs says

    July 28, 2016 at 9:44 am

    Yes!!!! I’m SUCH a HUGE fan of barre for strengthening and toning. It’s my new favourite workout.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:10 pm

      That makes my heart happy Ange! Barre is the bomb!

      Reply
  8. Shann Eva says

    July 28, 2016 at 10:27 am

    Your legs look amazing! I am just so impressed how active you have been during your pregnancy. I was so sick and lacked energy that the couch was my best friend. Anyways, if my legs can look half as good as yours, I’m going to do this move every chance I get 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks so much Shann! Luckily I haven’t been sick in months which is awesome. Definitely taking plenty of naps though! I hope you give this a whirl – I think you’ll love it and the fact that it’s so quick and do-able anywhere is clutch for a busy momma like you!

      Reply
  9. Carmy says

    July 28, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    I’m already sore looking at the photos! Great move!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:07 pm

      Thanks Carmy!

      Reply
  10. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    July 28, 2016 at 2:52 pm

    Great idea! Everyone has a spare few moments to do this!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Seriously! I mean, 2 minutes?! YES, everyone has 2 minutes!

      Reply
  11. Ilka says

    July 28, 2016 at 3:41 pm

    Amazing how little moves like this bring such great results!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      It’s the best! And yes, so true!

      Reply
  12. Casey says

    July 28, 2016 at 6:53 pm

    Ohhh! So adding this to my workout tomorrow! My legs are burning just thinking about it:)

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:03 pm

      Ooh you go girl!! How was it?!

      Reply
  13. Erica says

    July 28, 2016 at 6:58 pm

    It’s so obvious that you put so much time into making these posts so detailed and helpful! Your pictures are so informative! I wish you could be my personal trainer! 🙂

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 3:00 pm

      Awe thanks girlfriend! That means a lot! I’ll workout with you anytime – just come to Cali! 😉

      Reply
  14. RFC says

    July 29, 2016 at 3:52 am

    Interesting! I’ll have to give this a try. I’ve never taken a barre class…it looks tough! I’m more of a run all day in the woods kind of gal, haha!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 2:55 pm

      Barre seemed wussy to me, even though I’m a prior dancer I always preferred hardcore HIIT workouts. Until I really started going to a barre studio and saw my body SHAKE! But I totally get where you are coming from – you are pretty bad @ss!!

      Reply
  15. Laura says

    July 29, 2016 at 6:11 am

    LOVE this! I have an early day off work today and was planning on hitting a leg day! I’ll work in some barre now!

    I’ve been so lazy the past month (okay, month and a half…) 🙁 must get back to it!

    xxox
    Laura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 2:54 pm

      Summers are hard to stay in the fitness-motivated routine! I totally get it. Hope this gave you a great burn session Laura! You got this (fist pump).

      Reply
  16. Emily says

    July 29, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Yowch!!! That hurts after just a few seconds.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 2:51 pm

      RIGHT?! It really really does!

      Reply
  17. Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says

    July 29, 2016 at 10:35 am

    I have a ton of friends that are pregnant, so I’ll be passing this on to them! Thanks girl!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 30, 2016 at 2:49 pm

      Awesome, thank YOU Natalie!

      Reply
  18. Ninette Saghbini says

    August 22, 2016 at 1:09 am

    How many times shall we repeat this exercise ? and it’s for 2mn each time right ?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      October 1, 2016 at 1:29 pm

      You can repeat as MANY times as you can, throughout the day. It’s really up to you and how much shaking you can handle 🙂 I like to do 3-5 rounds (hopefully that helps) 😉

      Reply
  19. Eileen says

    September 28, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    I’ve become addicted to this especially when brushing my teeth in the morning!!. I have super SKINNY Legs I’m hoping this will get me some nice calfs and ankles .!!! Tired of wearing pants. I dream of wearing short skirts and dresses

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      October 1, 2016 at 8:31 am

      That’s the BEST time to do it! Oh girl, wear those skirts and dresses! Some women I’m sure would DREAM of having your legs. Hoping this move tones in all the places you want! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

      Reply
  20. sharon saunders says

    October 10, 2016 at 11:35 am

    Thank you so much for this tutorial! I am 64 and like to do low impact moves, I will be doing this one!

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      October 10, 2016 at 3:52 pm

      That’s awesome Sharon! I have had students at my barre classes 70+ years old. It’s a great workout (and great moves) for all levels of fitness and all ages!

      Reply
      • Kelley Ramsey says

        February 11, 2017 at 11:40 am

        HI,
        I have never heard of Barre? :-0
        I am soon to be 54 and really need some help with my legs.
        I used to run daily. My knees aren’t cooperating these days.
        So I have an inside thigh problem from where I used to have
        muscles. They aren’t completely gone, surprisingly but I figure
        I better get on it quickly!
        Any tips?!
        And thank you.
        Kelley

        Reply
        • Chrissa says

          February 12, 2017 at 1:37 pm

          Barre will definitely help tone your thighs Kelley! Thighs are a BIG focus of most barre classes. You may want to try the exercise in this post first, to make sure this move isn’t hard on your knees, since a majority of barre work you’ll be in a position just like this. Good luck!

          Reply
  21. Aran says

    January 13, 2017 at 5:12 am

    Hi! Trying this exercise I feel I’m hurting my knees.

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      January 14, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      Hi Aran – make sure you are not leaning forward and placing undue stress on your knees. Stacking your shoulders directly above your hips will help, but if you do have knee issues, this may not be the right fitness routine for you!

      Reply
  22. Debbie says

    March 24, 2017 at 5:08 pm

    Hi ! Been off a year from exercise (power walking ) do to 2 foot surgeries, is this going to n hard on my foot , and how fast will I c results, my legs went to flab in the last year ?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      April 1, 2017 at 2:57 pm

      Hi Debbie – I’m not sure what kind of foot issue you’ve had, so it’s hard for me to say. But I would think that standing on releve (on the balls of your feet with your heels lifted) might be hard for you. You could try it without standing on the balls of your feet to start?

      Reply
  23. Brianna says

    June 30, 2017 at 1:41 pm

    I’ve recently lost a lot of weight (20# since Feb) and need to tighten up. This looks back and hip friendly (crushed disc and practically bone on bone for hips) and I have just a couple questions. Should these be done every day or every other day or…? And will it work the abs too? Looks like it will with the posturing but if it doesn’t is there another iso technique that will work abs?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      July 8, 2017 at 9:45 am

      This isn’t really an ab specific workout but you will use your core to maintain stability! You could do this every day or every other. Up to you!

      Reply
  24. Mandy says

    July 29, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Is there a barre move for total upper body? And does this one work glutes and hips too?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      August 1, 2017 at 10:18 am

      Yep, I have a sculpted barre arms workout as well! Great for upper body! This particular one is aimed more for quads, but I have many others that are booty-focused 🙂

      Reply
  25. Nicole says

    September 23, 2017 at 7:34 am

    How many times should I do this move in a day or in a week?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      September 25, 2017 at 9:41 am

      I feel comfortable doing it every day, multiple times a day. It’s so short, that the frequency works for me.

      Reply
  26. Marla says

    October 13, 2017 at 10:34 am

    This is great! Can you recommend an exercise to tone arm muscles??

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      October 15, 2017 at 8:34 pm

      Sure! I have tons and tons in the ‘workouts’ section of my site.

      Reply
  27. Mairi says

    April 16, 2018 at 7:28 am

    Does this do anything to help with the glutes, butt, or inner thighs?

    Reply
    • Chrissa says

      April 16, 2018 at 8:44 pm

      Mostly just quads and calves but I have plenty of other workouts that help with those areas too!

      Reply

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