nutrition – MattsBabes https://mattsbabes.co.uk Women's Health - Fitness, Nutrition, Sex, and Weight Loss Tips for Women Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:34:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 30 ways to get slim legs – nutrition, life hacks, and home exercises https://mattsbabes.co.uk/30-ways-to-get-slim-legs-nutrition-life-hacks-and-home-exercises/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:34:28 +0000 https://mattsbabes.co.uk/?p=2606

Strong legs are the key to excellent physical shape. Thanks to pumped-up muscles, it will be easier for you not only to play sports but also to walk a lot and do everyday activities. If you want to get your feet in order, follow our advice.

Changing the shape of the legs through training is much easier than other parts of the body. The fact is that the legs are almost always involved in physical activity. And even ordinary daily activities can affect their improvement. 

If you want to pay special attention to your legs and quickly get them in order, try these exercises. The beauty of the legs with their regular performance is guaranteed! The main thing is to learn the rules for their implementation and choose your effective pace of classes.

10 exercises for slimming legs 

1. Squats

Squats are one of the best exercises for toning your legs. It also improves the shape of the buttocks, thighs, and abs. In addition, squats are ideal if you have back problems. If you perform them standing up and without additional weight, there will be no back strain.

For balance or extra support, do squats while standing against a wall, next to a chair, or on the edge of a table, holding an object with one hand. The main thing is to try not to transfer all the weight on your hands, focusing on the lower body.

2. Lunges

Lunges target the hips, glutes, and abs. This movement strains both legs at the same time, developing strength and endurance.

3. Plank with leg raises

Regular planks target the upper body, core, and thighs. To make the exercise more challenging, you can add leg raises to strengthen your glutes and upper legs.

4. Deadlift – no weights

The single-leg deadlift will build your glutes, thighs, and upper legs. Place your hands on a wall or chair for balance.

5. Bending the knee with the ball

Bending your knees on an exercise ball quickly tone your legs. This works the calves, shins, and abs. But, of course, you have to spend money on the ball.

6. Steps up

Steps are like squats, but only on one leg. Repetitive movements engage the hips, thighs, and buttocks. To perform the exercise, you will have to buy a special platform for aerobics.

7. Box jumping

In addition to the usual steps, you can jump on the aerobics platform! This explosive workout is one of the best ways to tone your legs, glutes, and core. The main thing is to put maximum emphasis on the upper part of the legs, so as not to damage the knees while jumping. It is best, before starting such workouts, to consult with a trainer so that he shows you how to properly tighten your muscles when performing this kind of exercise.

8. Skater jumping

Skater jumps or side jumps work the leg muscles well. This high-intensity movement also improves lunge strength and physical ability.

Start with small jumps, and over time you can increase the load.

9. Band Leg Press

A regular training rubber band will help to simulate classes on a professional simulator. This exercise targets the glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. First, try to work out with a well-stretched tape, and over time it can be replaced with a tighter version.

10. Bridge

Bridge tones thighs, thighs, buttocks and core. To make the exercise more difficult, you can tighten your thighs with a rubber band.

4 leg exercises 

1. Downward facing dog

The downward-facing dog works on stretching the whole body. This is a standard yoga pose that is great for strengthening the legs.

2. Touching the toes while sitting

This exercise involves the thighs, calves, and shins. Try to reach the end of the legs and touch the hips with the stomach. By the way, it also improves stretching!

3. Chair posture

The chair pose is a powerful stretch in the yoga system. The exercise works the hips and ankles, making it a great option for toning your legs.

4. Warrior I

Another yoga leg stretch is Warrior I. This full-body asana works the buttocks and thighs and improves posture.

5 ways to tone your legs fast 

1. Walk more

The simplest aerobic activity, such as walking, is one of the best exercises for toning your legs. Go whenever you can refuse transport. Over time, you can switch to running or start walking uphill.

2. Cycling

Now fashionable cycle training is one of the fastest ways to get your legs in order. It’s a high-intensity workout, but it’s a lot more joint-friendly than standard jogging.

3. Sprint uphill

Hill sprints are the best way to put your legs to work. This powerful exercise will build muscle strength and improve endurance. It is not necessary to arrange long runs. For starters, 4-6 sets of 10-20 seconds are enough, on a high hill. Take 3-minute breaks and continue your workout.

4. Dancing

Dancing is a fun and fast way to tone your legs. You can attend classes or study by video at home. Choose what is closer to you – hip-hop, twerk, classical or pop dances. All kinds of dances will be good for the legs and for all other muscles of the body.

5. Jump rope

Jumping rope also trains leg muscles. They act on the calves while increasing the heart rate.

To get started, jump rope for 20 seconds in a row. Aim for 60 seconds and multiple sets.

4 ways to increase the load on the legs

1. Pause and hold

When doing leg exercises, pause for muscle contraction. Thanks to the contraction, additional muscle involvement occur, and at the same time, there is even more strength for further training! 

2. Do not forget about the rest

Do not overexert your legs – this can slow down recovery and weaken, “hammer” muscles. Instead, let your feet rest. A short break will restore strength and improve training results.

3. Focus on your weaker leg

From time to time pay attention to the non-dominant side of the body to improve its endurance. It is especially easy to do this when walking up the stairs. If you always do everything from the dominant leg, muscle imbalance can develop.

4. Don’t Forget the Workout Mat

Perform all exercises on a soft mat. So you will not damage your knees, reduce discomfort, but at the same time increase the load on your legs, because performing tasks is much easier than on a hard surface.

4 nutritional tips that affect slim legs

1. Stay hydrated

The body stores carbohydrates as glycogen and uses them as an energy source during exercise. But poor hydration accelerates the use of glycogen, which leads to rapid muscle fatigue and reduced performance. Try to drink water every day or even more. This is especially important on hot days.

2. Eat enough calories

Eating enough calories is key to building muscle mass. It gives energy and maintains strength in the legs and body.

To find out your calorie intake, use online calorie counters or contact a nutritionist. And do not forget about the correct ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the diet!

3. Eat a balanced diet

To maximize the strength of the body and legs, in particular, eat a balanced diet. This includes adequate hydration and proper intake of macronutrients.

Eat more protein and carbs after your workout. Carbohydrates replenish muscle glycogen stores, while protein promotes muscle recovery.

4. Avoid Added Sugar

Foods with added sugar contain low-quality calories. This can contribute to an undesirable increase in the volume of the legs.

In general, limit or avoid foods with added sugar in your diet. This category includes sweetened drinks, breakfast cereals, and shelf-stable snacks. Instead, eat more unprocessed whole foods.

3 Simple Tips to Improve All Those Efforts 

Of course, training, high activity, and proper nutrition are the main components of a slim figure. But these factors are also important for maintaining the beauty of the legs.

1. Wear compression leggings

Wear compression leggings and tights between workouts. This improves blood flow and supports muscle recovery after exercise.

2. Get up often

A sedentary lifestyle is the main problem of modern people. This can contribute to muscle loss and weakness in the legs.

To keep your legs strong, get up every 20-40 minutes. You can also stretch or do light exercise every 60 to 90 minutes.

3. Get some sleep

Sleep is an important part of muscle recovery. During deep sleep, the body releases hormones that repair cells and tissues. Sufficient rest also maintains optimal performance during leg workouts.

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The 7 Best Exercises That Will Tighten Your Chest Fast https://mattsbabes.co.uk/the-7-best-exercises-that-will-tighten-your-chest-fast/ Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:32:45 +0000 https://mattsbabes.co.uk/?p=2604

The chest muscles are actively involved in many of our daily activities. They are involved even when opening doors – imagine how many times a day you perform this simple movement! If they are in good shape,

doing other physical exercises becomes much easier. And we’re not talking about the fact that tightened muscles are responsible for the beauty of the chest as a whole! Search this material for the most effective exercises for this body part – some of them you can start doing today.

For those interested in the overall “muscular” aesthetic, pecs are a defining part of muscle mass and visual impact. But it is the functional point of view that is more important to us now because the muscles of the chest provide daily arm movements.

Chest muscles – what are they?

The chest is made up of three main muscles:

  • Pectoralis major;
  • Small pectoral muscle;
  • Serratus anterior.

A lesser-known chest muscle is called the subclavian. This is a small accessory muscle, mainly involved in the process of breathing.

  • The pectoralis major is a unique muscle because it has two heads: the clavicle and the sternocostal. They are antagonistic to each other, which means that when one contracts, the other, on the contrary, relaxes.
  • The task of the pectoralis minor is to stabilize the scapula by pulling it forward and down towards the chest. 
  • The serratus anterior muscle has a sawtooth beginning on the outer anterior side of the first to eighth ribs and ends on the medial edge of the scapula (closer to the spine).

The shape of the muscles becomes noticeable when they increase. This is called hypertrophy and involves the gradual tightening of the muscles after they have been at rest – this causes them to grow. It is also important to consider that the amount of protein used to build muscle mass is large enough.

In general, if your goal is muscle relief, then you need to train the pectoral muscles for their hypertrophy, and also reduce the daily calorie intake to see them better.

Let’s talk about nutrition

Protein is what muscles are made of. Proteins are the building blocks of muscle, and the more of these nutrients you consume (to a certain extent), the greater your ability to build muscle is what is called muscle protein synthesis.

General recommendations for reducing body fat include a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of protein sources. Make a diet under the supervision of a nutritionist!

Also, take a closer look at the supplements: whey protein and casein (also after discussion with a specialist!). They help control appetite and build mass.

And now to the exercises.

1. Push-ups on an incline bench

Required equipment: no

This is a good warm-up to prepare the chest for the main load. Studies have shown that dynamic warm-ups help prevent pre-workout injuries by preparing the muscles for work.

  1. Lean on a wall or tabletop.
  2. Take your legs back so that your body forms an angle of about 45 degrees with the floor.
  3. Keep your body straight and lower your chest to the surface you are leaning on.
  4. Pause briefly, then return to the starting position.
  5. Repeat 20 times.

2. Bench press on a horizontal bench

Required equipment: barbell or dumbbells, horizontal bench

  1. Lie on your back on a bench with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Grasp the barbell, clasping it with your thumb and palms to your feet.
  3. Press your arms straight up to the ceiling to take the weight off the rack.
  4. Shift your weight to chest level.
  5. With your elbows bent at a 45-degree angle, slowly lower the weight towards your chest.
  6. Pause briefly, then return the weight to its original position.
  7. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps

It is better to perform under the supervision of a trainer – for safety.

3. Incline Bench Press

Equipment needed: barbell or dumbbells, incline bench

  1. Lie on your back on an incline bench with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
  2. Grasp the barbell, clasping it with your thumb and palms to your feet.
  3. Press your arms straight up to the ceiling to take the weight off the rack.
  4. Place your weight over your collarbone.
  5. Slowly lower the weight down towards your chest.
  6. Pause, then return the weight to the starting position.
  7. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps, and again, better under someone else’s supervision.

It is better to perform under the supervision of a trainer – for safety.

4. Incline Bench Press

Equipment needed: barbell or dumbbells, incline bench

  1. Lie on your back on an incline bench with your knees bent and your ankles secured behind the ankle supports.
  2. Grasp the barbell, wrapping it around your thumb and palms to your feet.
  3. Press your arms straight out to lift the weight off the rack.
  4. Position the weight from the bottom of the chest to the top of the abdomen.
  5. Slowly bend your elbows to lower the weight onto your chest.
  6. Pause, then return the weight to the starting position.
  7. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

5. Push-ups

Required equipment: no

  1. Get on your hands and knees and return to the high plank position. Your arms should be slightly wider than your shoulders and your legs should be straight. 
  2. Keeping your core tight, bend your elbows at about a 45-degree angle to lower your chest to the floor, keeping a straight line from head to heels.
  3. Strive to get as low as you can without losing core support or the alignment of your spine and pelvis.
  4. Push your chest off the ground until your elbows are straight.
  5. Repeat 8-12 times. Do 3 sets.

Remember to keep your hips in line with your shoulders and ankles. If this is too difficult, try shifting the emphasis to your knees.

6. Chest push-ups

Required equipment: bars

  1. Stand facing two parallel bars and grab them with your palms inward
  2. Straighten your elbows and press against your palms, lifting your body up so that it is in line with your hands.
  3. Then bend your elbows and lower your chest towards your hands.
  4. Pause, then return to the starting position.
  5. Do 3 sets of 8-12 reps.

7. Pullover with elastic

Equipment needed: elastic band
  1. Attach the tape to something solid. Then lie on your back with your head towards the anchor point.
  2. Grab the band above your head so that it is slightly taut. Keep your thumbs pointing towards the sky and your palms facing away from each other.
  3. Keeping your core tight and your e
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