I used to have calf envy like you would not believe.
That might make me sound crazy(-er than usual), but calves are one of the first attributes I notice on other women. And other men, come to think of it. I’ve uttered the phrase “ooh she has such nice calves” more times than I’d like to admit. See that picture up there? I think my face literally turned green when I saw it. I would look at nice calves and think I WANT.
Well, friends, calf envy no longer.
In my efforts this past year to get fit, I solemnly vowed to improve my calves. While my genetics blessed me with an athletic build, my utter lack of physical activity hindered me from ever getting the toned muscular look I always longed for. Turns out muscles don’t just grow themselves. You gotta earn ‘em.
Since I have an aversion to working out at the gym, I’ve developed a pretty decent exercise routine at home. Along with getting my ass whooped into shape by Jillian Michaels and her 30-Day Shred, I like to incorporate some exercises targeting areas such as my calves.
Calf raises
I do these on the steps leading up to my doorway at home, often with weights in each hand for a little extra pain and gain.
Nicole from SparkPeople shows one of her favorite calf workouts:
I likey. Quick and pretty painless.
Lest We Forget, Lunges and Squats
In every article you’ll read or interview you’ll watch on the topic, everyone always says lunges and squats are the key to gorgeous legs. They are correct. But ugh, the thought of them used to be so dreadful. I could never get myself to do them. Never ever. So I got someone else to make me do them. ‘Cause really, I work much better when someone’s telling me to get something done. And when it comes to workouts, I like being led by someone sexy who makes me want to amp up my own sexiness.
Enter: the Fit In Your Jeans By Friday: Ultimate Butt Body Sculpt DVD.
My girl-crush on Kim Kardashian (Kimmy K, as I like to call her) went to a whole new level when I picked this up at Target a few months ago. I can’t speak for her other two workouts, but this one works ridiculously well for toning your legs and butt. Or mine at least. And guess what? It’s basically a bunch of lunges and squats(!) led by Kim and trainer Jennifer Galardi. It also includes a short 5-minute “Bonus Butt Blast” (teehee) that is quick, effective, and easy to do anywhere — as you’ll be reminded of several times throughout the DVD. I love it. Minus the cheesy music. (Note: Part Two of the workout requires a step, which I don’t have, so I always skip it, but the first part alone — plus a dose of Jillian or another equally sweat-inducing workout — seems sufficient.)
In summation, my lesson learned from seeking nicer legs: They’re not easy. But they’re worth it.
I sound a little like L’Oreal now. That’s my cue to get out of here. 
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*If you can name the movie from which my title comes, you win five points.
