Wish your legs were more toned and looked better in shorts and swimsuits? Today I’ve got 5 moves that specifically target your thighs in the most fat blasting way. To get the thighs you want, you’re going to have to get moving. With these five exercises, your thighs will be on the way to toned in no time.
Toned Thigh Move #1: Squat
It’s basic, you know how to do it, and it will give you incredible results. Whether you choose to go with or without weights, squatting is the fundamental move you should cling to if shapely thighs are your goal.
To perform a squat, have your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the knee until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat.
Of course, if this is too easy, you can add more weight or turn your regular squat into a jump-squat for extra thigh-trimming power. When you reach the bottom of your squat position, jump as high as you can, land in the starting position and repeat.
Toned Thigh Move #2: Lunges
Another classic move, lunges will get your thighs tight and toned to perfection. To do them right, start by standing as you would normally, feet placed approximately hip-width from one another. Take a lunging step with your right foot, bend you left knee so that it almost touches the ground and your right knee is at a 90-degree angle, and return to the starting position. Repeat with the other foot stepping forward in a lunging motion.
Still need more burn? Grab a couple dumbbells and go at it again!
Toned Thigh Move #3: Leg Circles
Sure, it looks ridiculously easy, but if you think leg circles are a cinch you’ve not given them a try lately. Starting out, you’ll need to lie on your back on top of a soft surface, such as carpet or a yoga mat. Bending your left leg and keeping your left foot flat on the ground, lift your right leg into the air with your toes pointed and no bend in the knee. Then draw large circles in the air with your leg. Make the circles in a clockwise motion five times and then do five more in a counter-clockwise motion. Swap legs and repeat.
When you feel particularly powerful, try spelling out the entire alphabet with each leg and see how far you get.
Toned Thigh Move #4: Stiff Leg Deadlift
This move is not reserved for body builders. In fact, performing stiff leg deadlifts a couple of times a week is an effective way to increase the thigh toning power of your routine.
Here’s how it’s done: Stand with your feet shoulder width apart with a slight bend in your knees. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, hanging down at your sides. Bend at the hips, keeping your chest out and back flat, and lower down until the dumbbells reach the tops of your shoes. Exhale and straighten back up to a standing position.
Toned Thigh Move #5: Scissor Jacks
With your feet shoulder-width apart, stand with your hands facing the ground and arms extending out to either side. Jump into the air. While in the air, cross your right arm over your left arm and right leg over your left leg. Jump again, this time returning to the starting position, and then repeat with your left arm and leg going in front of your right arm and leg.
