If you're getting started with your workout program, one goal that you very likely have is to firm up your lower body while increasing your strength to make everyday tasks easier.

The good news is that you can achieve your goal with the right training approach. Some people are fast to put off doing strength training activities for their legs thinking it will make them look thicker in the thighs but this isn't the case at all. Weight bearing activities will help to add more muscle tone and definition, while increasing the rate of fat burning that you experience. Let's take a look at some of the top moves to help you achieve the best results and get those legs looking sexy.

Squats

By far, one of the most effective lower body exercises is the squat. This movement is going to target the quads (front of the thighs), hamstrings (back of the thighs), glutes (butt), as well as all the muscles lining your core so not only will it burn up a massive number of calories while you perform it, but it'll strengthen the entire lower body as well.

To perform a squat, hold a set of dumbbells up by your shoulders, or if you have knee pain perform the exercise without weights. From an upright standing position, begin to lower the body down by bending your knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Pause at the bottom of the exercise and then press up back into the standing position to complete the rep. Aim to complete a total of ten repetitions per set and do two sets per workout.

Be sure when you're performing the squat that you move the full way down through the movement otherwise you're going to short yourself from seeing the best results. If your strength does not allow you to squat all the way yet, that is ok. Start with what you can do and work your way to a full squat. For good form, ensure that your knees are aligned over your toes, keep your eyes forward and not looking down and keep your back straight throughout the movement.

Lunges

Lunges are excellent to tone the legs and really target the butt region as well. To increase the intensity, lunges can either be performed with a set of dumbbells or a barbell. Choose whichever method is most comfortable to you.

If using weights, hold the dumbbells in your hands next to your hips or the barbell across the back of your body. Lower yourself fully down in to the lunge, pausing at the bottom for maximum effect and then rise back up into a standing position, stepping forward with the next leg to do the next rep. Complete a total of 10 reps on both legs before resting and performing another set.

To help prevent injury on this exercise, be sure that your knee is in direct alignment over the toes at all times as you move forward into the lunge position just as you did with the squat exercise.

Step-Ups

Step-ups are a good way to end off your workout to fully fatigue the muscles and really help firm the back side.

This exercise can be done with or without dumbbells depending on your exercise level. To perform a step up, simply hold a set of dumbbells in your hands at your hips or a barbell across the back of your neck. From there, step one foot up onto a bench or stair and bring the second up to meet it. Pause for a second and then lower back down, switching sides.

Perform ten to twelve repetitions on one side and then switch legs and repeat for the second time through. When doing this activity make sure to keep the back in an upright position the entire time in order to prevent injuries from developing.

These are the best exercises to make sure are included in your workout program for maximum results. If you are determined to reshape your lower body and add more muscle definition, do these exercises two times a week and you will see noticeable differences in one month's time. Remember to listen to your body and work at an effort level that's comfortable for you so that you can stay safe and enjoy yourself.