Written with love, by Nikki Lian

Rise and shine!! Here's a way to add a little kick to your leg workout (pun intended) and to get yourself going in the morning. This workout should be done two to three times a week in addition to your normal routine, and will help you tighten and tone those lovely stems for your summertime wardrobe.

Toe Touches

Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, simply reach for your toes until you feel a stretch in the back of your legs (hamstrings). Hold for a second and then stand all the way up straight with your shoulders back and chest out. Repeat 20 times as a set.

Plié Squats

Feet turned out in a wide stance, squat while keeping your back straight. Once you feel a stretch in your inner thighs come all the way up from the squat and straighten your legs. If you notice your knees passing your toes when you squat, try to widen your stance a little bit more. Repeat 15 times.

Pulse Lunges

Take a big step forward and bend your knees so the back one is almost touching the floor and the front knee is not passing your toe five times up and down. After the fifth bring your front foot back to the starting position and alternate legs. Repeat 5 times each leg.

Slow Mountain Climbers

Starting in a downward dog position, bring one knee in to your chest and then kick the leg back up as high as you can in the air. Controlling your movement place the foot back down next to your other one and repeat with the other leg. If you know how to do mountain climbers this is more of a controlled motion. Repeat 10x each leg.