5 Ways To Get Toned Legs FASTER While Running!

Run Strong: How to Tone Your Butt and Thighs Even More

Running is not only an awesome form of calorie-burning, heart-pumping cardio, it also doubles as a strength training workout for your lower body. Run and you'll quickly see how it can tone your tush without bulking up your booty. Want to get even more out of your runs? Incorporate these strength training techniques and you're sure to notice a difference when you slip on your bikini bottoms.

• Start skipping, which, unless you happen to be 8 years old, is going to be harder than you think (this means it's working). Every mile or so, skip like a schoolkid for a few hundred yards. Squat down low and leap up high to get the most out of the motion.

• Make time for lateral hops. During a run, find a safe place to stop momentarily. Pick an object to use as a visual marker, such as a pebble, stick, or leaf. Stand about a foot to one side of the object with your knees slightly bent, back straight, arms relaxed. Quickly jump sideways over your marker and then jump back, landing quietly and spending as little time on the ground as possible. Do this for 30 seconds, then continue on your way, stopping every 5 minutes to repeat.