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Let’s be honest—there’s just something about strong, sculpted legs that we all love and want. Whether you’re wearing leggings, denim, or shorts, toned legs give us that “worked for it” look.
It’s not all about aesthetics, though. Toned, muscular features speak to strength and confidence. After all, our legs (literally) carry us all day, giving our bodies support to do whatever our daily activities consist of.
So because of this, they deserve the love and support of intentional movement, smart training, and consistent care. The best way to accomplish this? The right leg exercises.
You can do them at home, at the gym, or even around the neighborhood. All it takes is knowing which habits to adapt and which tips to follow. That’s why today, we’re sharing our guide for toning your legs in a way that actually works. It’s time to look and feel your best.
How to Tone Up Your Legs: Exercises, Tips and Habits That Actually Work
In this post, we’ll tell you the best leg workouts for building muscle in your legs, so you can strategically fill up your workout routine with things that will help you reach your goals.
We’ll also share tips beyond exercise that’ll give your body everything it needs for a sculpted, strong, and toned figure.
Here’s how to get toned legs ready for any chic ‘fit or powerful moment:
What Do Toned Legs Look Like?
When we say toned legs, we don’t mean jacked legs. So many women get scared by strength training because they think they’ll look bulky and masculine. This is not the case.
Toned legs are muscular, but lean. The muscle development and healthy body composition give the calves, shins, ankles, thighs, hips, and butt visible muscle definition, a firm appearance, a balanced shape, and an overall healthy, sculpted look.
Basically, your legs look like that of a runway model, strong and beautiful.
How to Tone Legs
Do mostly strength training, but sprinkle in cardio.
The best exercises to tone muscles are strength training exercises. They build muscles to improve body composition and overall health, giving you the figure you’re looking for.
Do some cardio, too, to help support weight loss and stress relief. However, cardio alone won’t tone your legs. It just doesn’t build muscle like that.
For more on the benefits of strength training, jump into the episode of the Him & Her Show called Why Women Don’t Lose Weight, Gain Muscle, & Stay Motivated Ft. Celebrity Trainer Senada Greca.
Gradually increase weight and resistance.
Start by just doing exercises that use your bodyweight as the “weight.” Then, add dumbbells, resistance bands, and machines over time.
Always increase in small increments. You should feel challenged, but you shouldn’t be straining. This will help you get the most of your workouts.
If you need recommendations on tools and machines, here are our favorite women’s at-home workout equipment.
Make sure you maintain proper form and technique.
Proper form is so important. Not doing exercises correctly can lead to injury, soreness, and underwhelming results.
Consider working with a trainer or downloading fitness and diet apps to see and mimic correct movements and techniques. And always use slow, controlled movements instead of rushing through reps.
Engage all muscle groups.
To maintain good body composition, all your muscle groups need attention. The goal is to be proportional, not have huge calves or glutes. (Well, actually, maybe we do want that second one.)
The point is, give all your muscle groups attention. Quads, hamstrings, calves, thighs, and glutes all benefit from targeted exercises that build strength, improve balance, and enhance overall lower-body definition.
Schedule recovery days to let your muscles rest.
Don’t workout the same leg muscles every day. Rotate your routine and give your body time to rest and recover.
On days you don’t do any strength training or cardio, still do light movement activities like yoga, stretching, or foam rolling—anything that doesn’t elevate your heart rate and overwork your muscles.
This helps prevent injury by giving your body time to bounce back after a week of consistent exercise.
Drink lots of water with electrolytes.
Muscles need hydration to respond appropriately to your workout. For muscles to contract while you’re training, they need plenty of moisture for contraction.
Drink plenty of water, but consider leveling up your hydration with electrolytes. This will help your body use the water more efficiently to prevent cramping and enhance your results.
Not sure how to up your electrolyte intake? Check out our Beauty Salt. This once-daily scoop uses colostrum, pure electrolytes, and stimulating pearl powder to help you hydrate and detox.
Eat plenty of protein throughout the day.
Ever heard of Lauryn’s big bowl of meat? It’s famous for its high protein content, which is exactly what you need to lose weight, tone muscles, and feel your best.
Aim for lean sources of protein like chicken, fish, eggs, or beans. All this protein helps repair muscle fibers and enhances recovery.
Take strategic amino acids and creatine.
Creatine is not just for the boys. It’s a research-backed supplement that helps with energy, exercise performance, lean muscle mass, cognitive health, sleep hygiene, and even beauty.
Amino acids are what bodies use to repair tissue, build lean muscle, and support a healthy metabolism. You can get these nutrients from plant and animal products, but we’re big fans of amino acid supplements, too.
Need a good brand? We love Kion Creatine and Kion Aminos. Use code SKINNY for 10% off.
Stay consistent with all your lifestyle changes.
We can’t get perfect, toned legs overnight. It takes weeks or even months to see visible results.
Stick with your exercise and continue to make small adjustments to your lifestyle to promote your health goals! For more healthy habits beyond exercise, listen to the episode of Him & Her called How to Lean Out, Boost Your Metabolism, Build More Muscle, & Increase Your Longevity with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.
What Are the Best Exercises to Tone Your Legs?
Barbell Squats
How to: Place a barbell on your upper back, feet shoulder-width apart. Lower your hips back and down into a squat position, keeping your chest up, then return to a standing position by pushing through your heels.
Benefits: Strengthens quads, hamstrings, and glutes; builds overall leg tone—here are more benefits of squats.
Dumbbell Lunges
How to: Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Step forward into a lunge, lowering your back knee toward the floor, then push back to return to the start. Alternate legs.
Benefits: Tones thighs and glutes; improves balance and stability.
Single Leg Deadlifts
How to: Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in one or both hands. Stand on one leg with a slight bend in the knee. Hinge at your hips to lower the weight toward the floor while extending the other leg straight behind you for balance. Return to standing, keeping your core engaged and body in a straight line.
Benefits: Strengthens hamstrings, glutes, and core; improves balance and stability; tones the back of the legs.
Step-Ups
How to: Step onto a sturdy bench or surface, pressing through the heel, then step down. Add weights for more intensity.
Benefits: Strengthens quads and glutes; improves balance and coordination.
Bulgarian Split Squats
How to: Place your back foot on a bench, front foot on the floor. Lower your back knee toward the floor, then rise.
Benefits: Isolates quads and glutes; improves single-leg strength and symmetry.
Side Lunges
How to: Step to the side, bend your knee, keep the other leg straight, then return to the start position.
Benefits: Tones inner and outer thighs; improves hip mobility.
Leg Press
How to: Sit on the machine, place your feet on the platform, push away, then return slowly.
Benefits: Strengthens quads, hamstrings, and glutes; builds the stability you need to lift heavier, safely.
Hamstring Curls
How to: Using a machine or stability ball, curl heels toward glutes, then lower slowly.
Benefits: Isolates hamstrings; builds muscle definition in the back of the legs.
Glute Bridges
How to: Lie on your back, knees bent, feet on the floor. Lift your hips toward the ceiling, squeeze your glutes, then lower slowly.
Benefits: Strengthens glutes and hamstrings; improves leg shape and lift.
Calf Raises
How to: Stand with feet hip-width apart, lift heels off the ground, then slowly lower. Variations include single-leg or slow tempo.
Benefits: Tones calves and strengthens lower legs.
Resistance Band Side Steps
How to: Place a resistance band just above your knees, step side to side while maintaining tension.
Benefits: Targets glutes and outer thighs; improves hip stability.
Leg Lifts
How to: Lie on your side or back, lift one leg toward the ceiling, then lower slowly.
Benefits: Tones outer thighs and hips; helps leg definition without weights.
Daily Walks
How to: Walk briskly for at least 20–30 minutes daily.
Benefits: Burns calories, strengthens legs, and supports overall toning.
Toning your legs is all about mindful strength training.
We all want those perfectly structured legs that look good in anything we wear. To get that toned look, you need to shape your legs with strength training, plenty of protein, and other healthy habits.
Just remember it’s not just about the way you look, but the way you feel too. Building muscle in the legs literally supports your body better, making you feel confident and strong in any situation!
If you’re ready to get started, here’s our weight training tips for beginners. We can help you reach all your health and beauty goals.
x, The Skinny Confidential team
+ Learn how to sculpt the ultimate butt with Sandy Brockman.
++ How to master hip mobility for the best glutes ever.
