There are some very simple movements that will get your legs in shape without using leg exercise machines. You've seen all the commercials telling you that the most popular leg exercise machines will whip your legs into shape and even get your butt in the shape you really want it, but you're smart and see through the deceiving messages. Good for you!

If you're ready to get down to the business of developing sexy legs and a butt to match, consider three of the simplest movements to get the results you really want. No, you won't need leg exercise machines to perform any of these exercises!

#1: Lunges

The most basic form of a lunge is to stand with your feet hip width apart and then step one leg out in front of your body, lowering the back knee down toward the ground as you bend the front leg parallel to the ground. You can then bring the front leg back in line with the other and repeat on the other side.

As long as you keep your knee over your toes and do not push the front leg forward so the knee travels beyond the toe, this is a great movement that will mimic the benefits received from many leg exercise machines.

You can do a wide variety of other lunge movements to shake things up and challenge your legs even more. Some ideas to get you started:

1. Instead of stepping right back into the starting position pulse up and down in small lunge motions for 10 or 15 counts.

2. Do walking lunges where you lunge forward with one leg then pull the back leg forward into the next lunge. Make sure you have room to travel for this one.

3. Perform movements such as lunging to one side and then raising up, the foot coming up from the floor into a side kick.

#2: Squats

Many people think of squats as just a butt exercise since you are supposed to squeeze your rear end as you raise up and down, but squats actually work your thighs as well. Experiment with the positioning of your legs to work different areas of your thighs and butt. Example: Sumo squats do amazing things for your thighs because they mimic the results you receive from leg exercise machines.

#3: Step-Ups

Stand behind a bench (advanced can hold dumbbells for added resistance). Step up onto the bench with your right foot, making sure your foot is securely planted on the bench, then bring your left leg up so that the left toe of your runners taps the top of the bench as you reach standing position. Then lower your left leg down. And repeat your reps. Then swap performing the same process stepping up onto the bench with the opposite leg.

If you can't afford a gym membership or aren’t sure how to get started with whipping your lower body into shape, these simple movements over leg exercise machines can work wonders for your legs and butt. If you are consistent with your workouts and put all of your energy into every movement you will start to reap the rewards of your workouts.

© Mandy Gibbons

virtualfitnesstrainer.com