The Secret To Great Legs
We’re all a little guilty of having unrealistic expectations of what we can achieve by working out; a few squats and hey presto – one size smaller! Sadly nothing works that fast, but I reckon I’ve found the secret to getting results pretty quickly.
For the past few weeks I’ve been using the Nike N TC app at home to strengthen and tone my legs and I’m definitely starting to see a difference. My legs are quite strong but they’ve always been the least favourite part of my body because they’re not as lean or as toned as I’d like them to be (first world problem I know). I am a member of a gym but no matter how hard I try I never seem to find the time to actually get there so I decided to commit to doing four 30 minute N TC workouts a week to see what happened.
My go-to workout on the app is the 30 minute Squat Party. I love that it’s short and sharp and includes five different types of squats and lunges to really target my legs.
WARM-UP
The workout starts with a few fairly easy exercises to get your heart going – that’s not hard for me. The straight leg kicks (below) are a lot harder than they look which is why I’m kind of grimacing in a few of the pics!
Above: Warming up with a minute of straight leg kicks – by the way I do normally work both legs.
Above: I have a love/hate relationship with planking. I know it’s good for me but it’s SO hard.
LUNGES
Then you crank into a series of walking lunges. I’ve even started doing these around the house – okay my boys think I’m nuts but they really do seem to work.
Above: Walking lunges
RECOVERY TIME
The Squat Party workout includes regular 30 second recovery breaks and boy do I need them. It’s amazing how taking a few seconds to catch my breath and re-centre myself makes all the difference.
LET THE SQUAT PARTY BEGIN
I should be holding dumbbells for these shoulder press squats but haven’t quite worked up to adding in weights yet. Give me a few more sessions and I’m sure I’ll get there.
Above: Squats with a shoulder press.
Above: I always add in a few sumo squats at the end for good measure too!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
You really don’t need much to get started on your own N TC training programme and that’s why it’s so good. But there are a few things that will make it a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
A great pair of shoes
I’ve been trialing the new Nike Free 5.0 TR shoe. These shoes are specifically designed for cardio, strength and core training. While it’s temping to just wear your running shoes for everything, they won’t offer the lateral (side to side) support you need for doing these type of workouts. These new Nike Frees have strategically placed rubber pods on the sole for extra traction (no slipping) and durability (longer wearing) and the unique flywire system helps to support your foot and keep it stable. The shoe includes hexagonal grooves in the sole so it can flex in different direction so your foot can move in a natural motion. They’re also super comfy and they mighty cool too – so they tick all the boxes for me.
Your phone or device
You’ll need a device to access the N TC app and when you’re starting out it may be a good idea to use an iPad because each exercise has a small video showing you exactly how to do it so it may be easier to follow on a larger screen.
A killer playlist
The N TC app syncs with the music on your device so it becomes a really personalised workout. I always find it much easier to get motivated if I’ve got great music so I’ve set up a special playlist for my Nike Training Club workouts.
Feeling inspired to get moving and feel healthier?
Then download the N TC app HERE
Remember if you have a body you are an athlete!
WIN WIN WIN
To kickstart your workout routine and kit yourself out in some fab new gear we’re giving you the chance to win a $200 Rebel Sports voucher. To enter to win simply tell us in the comments below why you’d like to win and you’re in the draw. A winner will be announced here on Thursday 7 April.
Good luck
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