10 Easy Exercises for Thinner Thighs And Sculpted Legs

The thighs are often one of those problem areas that many workouts don't seem to effect. When extra flab starts to build up in the thigh area, it doesn't always go away with just running or jogging. If you want to slim down your thighs, try squeezing these quick and easy exercises into your workout routine.

1. Thigh Lifts

1. Lie face down and prop up your head and shoulder by placing your forearms flat on the floor.
2. Raise your legs from just above your knees until your feet are a few inches off the ground.
3. Keeping your legs off the ground, bend your knees slightly and hold the position for a few seconds.
4. Slowly unbend your knees and lower your feet to the ground.

2. Inner Thigh Lifts

1. Lie on your left side with your elbow on the ground to prop up your torso.
2. Bend your right leg so that you can comfortably place it behind your left leg during the exercise.
3. Flex your left leg and raise it up an inch or two. You only need to raise your leg very slightly to perform this exercise correctly.
4. Lower your leg back down to the floor slowly.
5. Switch to your other side and repeat with the opposite leg.

3. Leg Circles

1. Lay on your back with your legs straight out in front of you on the floor. Place your arms on the floor at your sides for stability.
2. Lift your right leg until it is about six inches off of the floor.
3. Point your toe and draw five small circles clockwise.
4. Switch directions and draw five small circles counterclockwise.
5. Slowly lower your leg back to the floor. Repeat with the opposite leg.

4. Pony Kick

1. Get down on your hands and knees, placing your forearms flat on the floor straight in front of you for balance. Your legs should be hip-width apart and your back should be straight.
2. Slowly lift you right leg until your thigh is at about a 45 degree angle and your heel is pointing up towards the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds.
3. Lower your leg back down slowly until you are back on all fours. Repeat with the opposite leg.

5. Leg Raise

1. Sit on the floor with legs straight out in front of you. Lean back slightly, placing your hands on the ground behind you for balance.
2. Bend your right knee so that your right foot is flat on the floor next to your left leg.
3. Lift your left leg slowly, keeping it straight, until your foot is about six inches off the floor. Hold for a few seconds.
4. Slowly lower your leg back down to the floor. Repeat with the opposite leg.

6. Wall Sits

1. Stand with your back against a wall. Place your feet about a foot away from the wall slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
2. Slide your back down the wall until your thighs are perpendicular to the floor. Place your arms against the wall behind you for balance. Hold the position for at least 30 seconds.
3. Slide your back up the wall again until you are in a standing position. Rest and repeat.

7. Lunges

1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. For added intensity, hold two small dumbbells at your sides throughout this exercise.
2. Keeping your back straight, take a large step forward with your right leg and bend down slightly. Try to keep your weight evenly distributed between your legs.
3. Push down on the floor with your right foot and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg.

8. Side Lunges

1. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. For added intensity, hold two small dumbbells at your sides throughout this exercise.
2. Keeping your back straight, take a large step to the right with your right leg. Bend down slightly using both knees.
3. Push down on the floor with your right foot and slowly return to the starting position. Repeat with the opposite leg.

9. Plies

1. Stand up straight with your feet together and arms extended in front of you at shoulder height for balance.
2. Point your toe out away from your body, keeping your feet together.
3. Lower your body into a squatting position, keeping your back straight.
4. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat for at least one minute.

10. Walking

When added to a workout routine involving some or all of the exercises listed above, walking can be a great way to burn off calories and maximize your thigh-thinning activities. The Daily Mail recommends walking one to three miles six days a week at a brisk pace for optimum results. Make sure to wear good walking shoes and to stretch before and after walking.

Sources:

• Daily Mail
• Fitness Magazine