Get ready to work up a sweat with this lower body and leg toning workout by fitness trainer Nikki Fodgen-Moore.

 

Nikki-Fodgen-Moore- Women's Health and Fitness magazine

For an express 15 minute session go max out on each exercise for 50 seconds, then rest for 10.

Step-Ups

nikki-leg-workout-lower-body-step-ups - Women's Health and Fitness magazine

Perk:
The move combines the action of the lunge with stepping upward, like climbing stairs, to really target your butt and upper hamstrings. All you need for the move is a short bench, sturdy chair, or solid coffee table to step onto. Benches or plyo boxes and outdoor stairs are often the right height, but a dining room chair can work too for an at-home strength-training session.

Work:
1. To start, place your entire left foot onto the bench or chair. Press through your left heel as you step onto the bench, bringing your right foot to meet your left so you are standing on the bench.
2. Return to the starting position by stepping down with the left foot, then the right so both feet are on the floor.
3. Complete 15 steps leading with the left foot, then repeat another 15 steps leading with your right foot. Do three sets.

Words: Nikki Fodgen-Moore; Photography: Keith Hamlyn; Wardrobe: Newton Running, Lululemon.

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