What are some exercises to tone up legs and stomach?

[TexanCowgirl]

So, I've lost a lot of weight and now, I just need to focus on my legs and stomach (all I did was cardio stuff to lose weight, no strength training).

I don't want to buy expensive workout equipment. All I have right now is a pair of dumbbells that weigh 3 pounds lol.

Also, I am not looking into building a lot of muscle at all. I just want to tighten up my belly and legs, maybe gain a bit of muscle on my arms as well.

Updates

+1 y

One more question: about weights, is it okay if I just use my 3 pound dumbbells or should I buy heavier ones? I'm kinda small lol 5'2" and 105 pounds.


Thanks for all the suggestions!

[totalcycleghurl]

Heya :-) congratulations on losing weight! Well lets see... For your legs you can try jogging, running or stair climbing.. It builds muscle on your lower extremities and enhances your cardiorespirary function as well. Try exercising for 30 mins. A day, depends though on your health history, if you think 30 min is too strenuous for you then limit the number of minutes. For your abdomen, the usual belly crunches or sit ups..When executing this exercise don't push yourself on a full forward motion do it midway, you should feel your abdomen muscles contract, try doing 10 counts for now since your body has only lost a lot weight and is not used to too much stress in regards to your muscles.. :-) when you have adopted to this then you can increase the number of counts on your exercises. Make sure though before you begin any of your exercises you should have already executed warm up exercises for 5-10 min GOOD LUCK ON THE NEW YOU! :-D

[RideThroughTheRain]

I don't know much about leg exercises, but I know planks can tighten up your stomach on all sides. They are way better than crunches! Put your hands straight down on a chair or a low bed, but your feet on the floor, and stretch out your body like you are going to do push-ups. But then, let your body sag in the middle as much as you can, and then use your stomach muscles to lift your body straight again while you breathe out. You can do the same thing for either side or for your back, by using one hand or turning over and putting your hands behind you. You just have to make sure that the part you want to tighten is the part that sags down when you start.

[martyfellow]

I'd get a Thera Band, the stretch plastic band, and a medicine ball, and do exercises with them; carrying the ball upstairs, and using the theraband around your feet while lying on the floor, lifting your legs to the ceiling , and pulling your torso up toward your legs with the TheraBand.

but it will get boring..that's why people go to the gym. Some aerobics classes include a LOT of focus on your midsection, and they are definitely a lot more fun.

The gym isn't free, but then you don't need to buy any sort of equipment. They gym will have more options than you could ever have at home.

[martyfellow]

The weights are fine, in fact, at the beginning, you can just use your body weight to tone up your arms and legs.

[beastman88]

start walking 5 miles a day at a brisk pace, simple yet most effective. you can also use ankle weights or whatever you wish as well. walking increases over all body and muscle strength, helps fat loss and weight gain prevention. also do calisthenic exercises, so basically get fit for free. just gotta make sure you put the work in

[TexanCowgirl]

I run 6 days of the week and I'm at the point where I think I need to add strength training into my routine because even though I'm not "fat", I have like no muscle at all. I just want more defined abs mostly.

[beastman88]

well running and excessive cardio has been linked to muscle loss. walking builds strength. you aren't working as hard so your body will burn more fat instead of muscle while toning and sculpting. pushups, dips, sit ups, squats will also help to shape and build strength. also not everyone can get abs that has a lot to do with genetics some people just have to live with having a lean flat stomach, which there's absolutely nothing wrong with that

[beastman88]

also look into explosive exercises if you want strength and some more muscle mass, but also make sure you're getting plenty of protein and are eating well

[MikeGaultier]

Squats. Although you may need some more weight to do them.

When going down (squat position) you contract your abs and engage the thigh and butt area. When you're going up, it does the same.

[AlwaysBelieving]

Squat and lunges. Jackknives and mountain climbers also help (boy to I hate these)

[GeorgeMack]

Look into calesthenics/body weight exercises.