You think your legs are fat or just too thin to sport shorts and skirts in the rains? Maybe experts can bail you out ...
Rains are the perfect excuse to sport shorter shorts, mini skirts and higher dresses. But alas! The legs! Even an inch away from the perfect shape is like a wash down on the sexy plans.
Exercise to shape them up
Many ladies think that their legs are too fat or too thin. Some leg exercise can help tone the muscles and make them look better. "Walking and cycling are wonderful exercises for shapely legs," says fitness instructor Navendu Sawant. At the office, walk up the stairs, instead of taking the lift! "Step-up is great to burn calories, tone up muscles as well as gain muscles."
Agrees Cosmetic Physician Dr Jamuna Pai. "Working in the gym is an essential part for having and maintaining well-toned legs. As outdoor walks may be restricted due to the rains, yoga, which again helps in maintaining those shapely legs, should be continued on a regular basis," she says.
Internal balancing
Also, sometimes legs may not be fat, but look heavy because of bad circulation. Put your legs and feet up. In case, you have a feeling of water retention, drink about six glasses of water, and get the wastes out. Apart from a good exercise regime, a healthy diet is also very important, advise fitness experts. A well balanced nutrition is good for your venous health (for keeping varicose veins at bay). So have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grain and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like fish, seafood, flax seed oil. Add to that an anti-cellulite diet. Opt for foods that contain good fats (polyunsaturated and monounsaturated) like as olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil.
All in vein?
Varicose veins tend to make women very conscious of flaunting their legs, even if they have the perfect shape. It's as if tributaries are claiming place all over your legs. What happens is, the superficial veins of the legs, which are subject to high pressure when standing become enlarged. To avoid this wear elastic stockings in early stages, advises Dr Rupal Shah. "And along with it, a regular calf exercise regime and anti-thrombotic medications should help," she says.
Dr Pai lists some more options, "The traditional surgical treatment has been vein stripping to remove the affected veins. Newer, less invasive treatments, such as ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and endovenous laser treatment, are slowly replacing traditional surgical treatments. Get in touch with a good and experienced phlebologist for a proper treatment regime."
For a facelift
- Bleach, once a month. It helps in lifting off the tan, exfoliating the skin and maintaining a uniform skin tone.
- Go for an oil massage done once a month, as it helps in keeping the legs well moisturised and hydrated.
- A simple sugar, milk powder and lemon juice scrub once a week helps in exfoliating the dead skin cells and keeps the skin supple.
Source: TNN
