Legs: they’re easily neglected and, although it might not seem it after being hidden away for so long, quickly saved. All it takes is a little effort, so here are Wylde Grey's guide to getting summer-ready legs (quickly).
Regular workouts count for a lot, but the right products and an extra five minutes of body care each day can go a long way to helping your limbs look their best. Here, Wylde Grey explains how to put in the leg work.
1. Tone Up
First thing’s first, the sooner you can get your legs moving, the better they’re going to look come warm weather. Dance-inspired workouts – think ballet and tap – are low impact, which means they’re good for even the weakest of legs and can help tone quickly, not to mention they are a lot of fun, too. If dancing isn’t your thing, then just get moving in some shape or form – even walking more than usual can help tone up and there are plenty of quick exercises you can do at home too
The puffy ankles massage
Elle Macpherson says she raises her legs against a wall for 15 minutes when they feel heavy.
Kate Shapland, founder of Legology, takes this a step further, using her Netflix time to depuff ankles and shape her legs:
“Ten minutes on the sofa in front of the television can work wonders on neglected legs. Sit upright with one foot flat on the floor and the other raised and resting on your holding leg. Start on the sole of the foot, using your thumbs to push up in lines from the ball of your foot, from toes to ankles. Use your thumbs to trace around the anklebone, where the puff manifests the most. Push around the bone and up over your lower calves and shins. Think of it like pushing toothpaste out of a tube, with medium to deep pressure, and repeat on the other leg.”
2. Prep and Prime
The best limb-related advice we've heard is from leg expert and Legology founder Kate Shapland. “If you want to see a real difference, think about prepping your legs in the way that you regularly prime your face,” she says. Her routine (try it twice weekly) starts with a good skin scrub. “Crunchy salt and oil scrubs are great, especially those with diuretic Himalayan salt, as they help shift trapped fluid.” Adding salts to your bath (Epsom in particular) will also aid the de-puffing process. “Next, give heavy legs the Scandi spa treatment by using the shower head to alternate warm (not hot) and cold water over feet, ankles, legs and buttocks.” Try 20 seconds on each section, repeating three times.
3. Lean into your lymph nodes
Currently the most in-demand Brazilian body therapist in London, Flavia Morellato takes a focused approach to contouring limbs and shifting puffiness. “Every time you use anything on your legs – whether it’s a soap, scrub, body lotion, gua sha or massage – work with purpose. After gently stimulating the lymph nodes in the groin and at the backs of the knees (by gently pressing about 10 times), massage upwards from the knee to the hip, then work from the ankle to the knees.” Morellato also advocates drinking more water: “The more water you drink, the less water your body retains,” she says. “Aim for 35ml for every kilogram you weigh [approximately 1floz for every 2lb], and if you know you have a party or a sushi dinner, plan ahead and drink more water. It will prevent puffiness the morning after.”
4. Streamline with an at-home treatment
To make end-of-the-day, heavy legs look and feel lighter and more streamlined, body therapist Kirstie Garratt suggests alternating warm and cold water on the lower legs (great for kick-starting circulation and the lymphatic system) and then applying your treatment oil or gel – ideally, chilled in the refrigerator beforehand. “Circle your hands quite firmly around the ankle and either slide them up slowly to above the knees or press and release as you work upwards. Do this five times on each leg and you’ll see a difference.” Finally, lie on the floor with your legs elevated at a right angle up against the wall for 10 minutes. “This takes the pressure off the valves and gives real lightness in the legs.”