Why do we need to exercise our legs? After all, they already do pretty much most of the work carrying our entire body weight and bringing us to where we want to go. That is precisely the reason why our legs need to be exercised. Since they are so important to our daily activities, they have to be kept strong and toned in order for them to continue carrying us around. Besides, our leg muscles have to be kept in the best shape so we can prevent those unsightly varicose and spider veins from developing. The healthier our legs are, the longer we can benefit from them, even when we have already reached our twilight years.

These simple leg exercises can be done right in the confines of your own home. They don't require any equipment except yourself (and your legs, of course). For more shapely, well toned legs, do these exercises three to four times a week.

One of the most common leg exercises that work the muscles of your legs and butt is the lunges. Begin in a standing position with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Step forward (a big step) with your right foot. Using your hands on your hips to balance your body, lower your body straight down until your back leg forms a right angle at the knee. Then, slowly raise yourself back up using the power of your leg muscles. Do 30 lunges before returning to the initial position and doing the same with the other leg. To get the maximum benefit for this exercise, always keep your upper body aligned over the knee that is bent. Do slow raises. Those with knee injuries, however, cannot do lunges as part of their leg workout since it puts a strain on the knee cap.

Another leg exercise to try out is the plies. It tones the inner and outer thighs without being as stressful on the joints compared to other exercises. Begin plies by standing with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart, putting your hands on your hips like a ballerina or if that's too feminine, simply holding the back of a chair if you need support. Then, slowly take small steps out with each foot and then turning your feet outward like a duck at the third step. With your back straight, slowly lower your entire body down about six inches before raising it back up slowly. You can do 30 plies for starters. And there are endless variations too, like keeping your feet farther apart or closer together or dropping down more.

For exercises that work the calf muscles, heel raises are perfect. Begin by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. You can put hands on your hips for balance. Raise yourself on tiptoes and hold for a few seconds before lowering your body back down slowly. Begin by doing 30-40 sets of heel raises and increasing the number as you get more used to it. This defines your calves more quickly than any other exercise.

One of the good things about leg exercises is that they tend to produce results in a short amount of time. Do these leg workouts at home for firmer, more shapely legs.