Ask the Personal Trainer

Joni Hyde is a Certified Personal Trainer and owner of WorkoutsForWomen.com

Holly writes, "I have what most people refer to as "chicken" legs. Is there any way to alter or at least help shape my legs to where they look normal?"

A. I am assuming the when you say "chicken" legs, that you are referring to the fact that you feel that your legs lack muscle tone and that the skin on your legs may appear to sag. If this is the case, then strength training / lifting weights is the answer.

Lifting weights will reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass, which will increase the appearance of muscle tone in your legs. This will fill out your legs and give your legs a more pleasing appearance, as well as offer you the health benefits that come along with strength training.

My advice for women regarding their strength training program is to work out at least 3 days a week and train the entire body each workout session. Use a weight that allows you to do 15 to 20 repetitions of each exercise and do 3 or 4 sets.

In about 4 weeks, you should start to notice some visible results. Keep your body challenged and increase the weight when it becomes easier for you. Also, keep in mind that consistency is key.

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WorkoutsForWomen.com provides home exercise programs for today's busy women, under the guidance of a certified personal trainer.