Want to shape up for summer? Target your legs, thighs and calves with this leg workout from fitness model Joleen Axworthy.

calf-raise

 

How it works: The exercises capable of cutting and polishing your pins are plentiful and – boredom-phobes rejoice – interchangeable. Don’t be afraid to change the order and increase the level of difficulty once you’ve nailed a move. You can even incorporate some jump rope between sets of exercises to up the caloric burn and add some leg-defining cardio. This workout should only be done two to three times per week with 48 hours or more rest between (build in an upper body workout or yoga session on off days). Consistency paired with cardio and a clean-ish diet is key.

B=beginner; A=advanced

The rules: To amplify the cardio benefits, perform this workout circuit style (going from one move, e.g. squat to another, e.g. step-up with little rest). Limiting rest time also equals a shorter workout. If you’re a newbie, try the more traditional straight sets completing a full set of one move (squats), rest one minute, and starting set two of squats, to prescribed sets (for squats, three sets).

Remember: There are many more factors to take into consideration. First and foremost is of course, clean eating. It doesn’t matter what you do for the hour in the gym if the remaining 23 hours aren’t supportive.

Click next to view the first exercise!

Photo credit: Jamie Watling