Everyone’s worst nightmare is the ankle. This condition is when the calf and ankle are one continuous part of the body and there is no clear distinction between the two. As a trainer, I hear this term often from clients as a target area. While it may simply be the result of less than good genetics, it is more often due to a lack of definition. calf muscles or extra fat around the lower leg and ankle. The good news? We’ve rounded up the best exercises to help you get rid of cankles.
You have the power to change your lower body through healthy eating habits and exercises to strengthen the calves. The three moves below will give you ultra-sleek, sculpted legs in no time. Plus, they can be easily added to your next exercise. Goodbye, calves!
Read on to learn more about how you can get rid of ankles with these effective moves. And then don’t miss out The 6 Best Exercises for Strong, Toned Arms in 2022, Says a Trainer.
While you’ll be targeting the calf specifically, you’ll simultaneously get an effective thigh and glute workout with this exercise. Stand with your feet wider than your hips and your toes pointed out. Bring your hands to the center of your heart. Lower your hips so they are in line with your knees and press your knees back. Hold this for just a second, stacking your shoulders over your hips and pulling the crown of your head toward the ceiling. Now, lift only your right heel. Extend your legs halfway (keeping your knees bent) and then lower back to the starting position. Repeat for 12 reps, and then lower your right heel down and lift your left heel to complete the other calf.
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Lunges are hard enough to start with, so expect this lower-body move to leave you shaky and sweaty in no time. Start with your right foot forward and bring your left leg back into a lunge, bringing your shoulders over your hips and creating 90-degree angles with both legs. Staying in this low lunge position, raise and lower your right heel for 12 repetitions. Repeat on the other calf.
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This is one of my favorite thigh bar moves as it engages not only your calves, but your glutes and hamstrings as well. It only requires the support of a chair or shelf. Stand with your feet parallel, touching, and your shoulders stacked over your hips. Place your hands lightly on the top of the chair or shelf. Squeezing your thighs together, lift your heels and place your weight on the balls of your feet. Lower your heels back down and continue repeating for 10 reps. Then speed up the movement for the remaining 20 reps for a real burn.
Craving more lower body workouts? Try 6 Minute Glutes – Optional 1lb Ankle Weights either Best loop resistance exercises to do on the go, trainer says for solid inspiration.
jaquie smith
Jacquie Smith is an IIN Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Fitness Instructor specializing in barre, yoga, and pre/postnatal exercises. read more