No matter what season it is, there’s always a reason to get outside. Whether it’s an unplanned hike, a vacation at the beach, or just a day at the park, you never know when you’ll be pulling the shorts and tank tops from the bottom of the drawer.

Before we head out, many of us want to work on toning or strengthening our legs, whether to look good or for keeping up with the increased level of activity. Here are four exercises, activities, and equipment suggestions that will help you and your legs look and feel great this season

1. Squats

The squat is perhaps the best exercise for your entire set of leg muscles. It also sculpts your butt and hips. When done correctly, the core stabilization will even tone your abs. As an added bonus, free-standing squats are incredibly safe. Since squats are done while standing up and without extra weight, they won’t strain the back.

For balance or extra support, perform your squats standing alongside a wall or next to a chair or the edge of a table with one hand on the object.

2. Single-leg deadlifts

This exercise is a bit more advanced than the squat, but once again it is an incredibly effective way to tone your legs. Begin by standing, with your feet no wider than shoulder-width, and finish as pictured below. Keep your hips from rotating outward. For extra benefit, you can also do this while holding a light dumbbell in each hand or grabbing a single kettlebell. For balance, if you have a free hand, place it on a wall or chair.

3. Step-ups
Step-ups are like one-legged squats. The repetitive movement will work your thighs, hips, and butt. You’ll need something to step on to of course. A box or step bench that’s high enough to make your upper leg parallel to the ground before the step (as pictured below) is ideal. Make sure the object you step onto is stable. Once again, feel free to hold some weight if you want an extra challenge and faster results.

4. Resistance band leg press

For just a few dollars, you can get resistance bands that will give you options for some excellent leg toning exercise – such as the leg press. Be careful to use shoes with non-slip soles or do the exercise barefoot.

Perhaps you want to do something more dynamic than the exercises described above or you want to incorporate some other activities into your leg-toning routine. Here are a few additional suggestions.