Having healthy legs will make you look and feel great. Leg health problems are most commonly caused by poor circulation and can include vein problems. What can you do to care for your legs? Here are a few tips so you can be health AND look great in shorts!

Exercise

20-30 minutes of brisk walking per day should be sufficient. Walking and other forms of aerobic exercise are great for your strength and circulation; weight bearing exercise is essential to protect your bones and have great looking legs.

Bone Health

Weight bearing exercise is an important part of this, but getting adequate dietary or supplemental calcium and vitamin D is also critically important.

Don’t Stand Still or Sit for Long Periods

Even if it’s difficult to do, move your legs and feet around or take walking breaks when you are travelling or standing / sitting for extended periods. Small movements will allow help circulation in your legs.

Elevation

For healthy people elevating your legs occasionally is beneficial. For pregnant women or people with circulatory problems elevating the legs as often as possible is important.

Healthy Weight

Nothing puts greater pressure on the feet, knees, hips, ankles and legs than carrying around extra weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is optimal for many health concerns. 

Don't smoke! 

Poor circulation is just another reason to add to the long list of why you shouldn’t smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of direct damage to the vein walls as well as increasing the risk of high blood pressure and osteoporosis.

Don’t Ignore Your Legs

If your legs are complaining, take them to your doctor. Leg pain, swelling; varicose veins; numbness or tingling; excessive cramping; skin discoloration or ulceration may be signs of larger health problems.