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While toning shoes may help tone your butt and legs, they are no replacement for regular exercise
Studies have shown that toning shoes can help tone your butt and legs by engaging your muscles more effectively when walking. However, toning shoes like Shape-ups are not a replacement for regular exercise and bold statements regarding their effectiveness are not backed by conclusive research.
One benefit of wearing toning shoes like Shape-ups is that they encourage more frequent walking, and walking certainly improves muscle tone in the butt and legs.
What are the best exercises for toning my butt and legs?
Combining strength training with cardio is the best way to properly tone and firm up your glutes. Add high-rep strength training to your fitness routine, aiming for 15-20 repetitions each set with lower weights.
Remember that consistency is key. The Physical Exercise Guidelines Advisory Committee recommends at least:
- 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week.
- Muscle-strengthening exercises at least 2 times a week.
The following exercises can be done as body weight movements or with resistance from barbells, dumbbells, or kettlebells.
Squats
Squats are one of the best butt-toning exercises since they focus on stimulating the glutes, core, lower back, and legs. To do a squat:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold your hands straight out in front of you.
- Bend your legs 90 degrees with your back straight.
- Push up through your heels and extend your legs.
- Repeat 15-20 times.
Lunges
Lunges tone your butt in addition to muscles in your legs such as your quads and hamstrings. To do lunges:
- Stand with your feet close to each other.
- Stare straight ahead with your arms at your sides.
- Take a large step forward with one leg.
- Stop when your knee is at a 90-degree angle.
- Using your front leg, push through your heels and rise until your legs are extended.
- Repeat 15-20 times.
Deadlifts
Deadlifts engage muscles in your entire body and are great for toning your butt and legs. However, unlike squats and lunges, deadlifts require the use of weights (barbell, dumbbell, or kettlebell). To do a deadlift:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold a kettlebell with both hands.
- Bend your knees and lower your body until the kettlebell passes between your knees.
- Stand up slowly, driving through your heels while keeping your abs tight.
- Pause at the top of the movement.
- Repeat 15-20 times.
What lifestyle changes can help tone my buttocks and legs?
Apart from exercise, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes into your daily routine can help encourage muscle strengthening:
- Eat a well-balanced diet: In order to burn fat and build muscle, it is crucial to eat a healthy diet rich in fiber, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and foods high in fat and sugar.
- Reduce stress: When you are stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol that can affect your metabolism and increase your cravings for sugar and processed carbs. This can affect your weight and make you fatigued, which can affect your ability to tone muscle. Practicing relaxation techniques can help you minimize stress and improve your overall fitness.
- Get enough sleep: Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your metabolism and affect your hormone levels, which can cause you to gain weight. Fatigue can also make you less likely to workout consistently. Practice good sleep habits and aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep a night.