Tone Your Arms and Legs in Time for Summer

As fun as summer can be, what with the warm weather, vacations and the beach, it can also mean insecurity, desperation and low self-esteem for those who are unsure about their bodies. Well, no more! Say good-bye to flab and hello to muscle. Use these easy steps to toning up your arms and legs so you can proudly show off your sexy limbs.

Arms

Whether you want to tone up or try for Madonna-like power muscles, the following arm exercises will definitely get the job done.

Tone-Sit on the edge of a chair. Make sure it is stable and won't tilt. Place palms on the edge of the chair and bring your fingers forward next to your thighs. Bend knees directly over your ankles to create a right angle. With the majority of your weight on your hands, move slightly forward and slowly lower yourself off the chair. Bend your elbows and knees until your upper arms are parallel to the floor, keeping your knees over your ankles. Raise your body upwards until arms are straight. Don't lock your elbows. Start with 10 reps, pause, then do 10 more.

Weight lifting-Start by standing with your left leg 12 inches in front on your right one. Make sure knees are slightly bent. Hold the ends of an 8-12 pound dumbbell with both hands. Hold it near your waist with your upper arms locked at your sides. Keep your elbows bent. Slowly curl dumbbell up to your chest. Hold for one second. Leisurely, lower back to the starting position and repeat 10 times.

Legs

Who doesn't want sexy legs to show off in a skirt, shorts or bikini? Now sexy, toned legs aren't just for Hollywood celebrities.

Lunge-Use your right leg to lunge forward, keeping your left leg extended behind you with your knee slightly bent. Place your right hand on your hip and point left pointer finger towards the ground (this helps with balance). Press through right heel and slowly stand. Repeat 10 times.

Fancy lunge-Place hands on hips and cross your right foot behind your left one. Slightly bend knees. Press through your left heel, slowly rising. Squeeze your right outer thigh as your lift that leg to the side. Essentially, you'll feel like you're performing a curtsy.

Universal squat-Start by standing with your feet a shoulder-width apart. Hold a weight in each hand, arms by your side. Gradually bend knees and squat. Avoid your knees going past your toes. Stand back up and lift weights out to your sides so that they are perpendicular to your shoulders. Lower arms and repeat 10-15 times. Bonus: This exercise not only tones your calves and thighs, it targets your abs, butt, back and shoulders. Talk about an all-encompassing workout!