How to Do Inner Thigh Exercises

How to Do Inner Thigh Exercises

Some focus more on thigh reduction and muscle toning; others focus on muscle growth supplementing fat-burning.

Depending on what you find most comfortable and effective, you can choose from these basic exercises that any healthy person can perform.

For each exercise, however, remember to stretch first to reduce the risk of pulls and strains.

Try varying the Step 1 exercise by using a stability ball. Instead of using a handheld weight, hold the stability ball with your upper hand on the inner thigh of your straight leg. Raise and lower the ball in a measured movement. Perform 3 sets of 10 reps.

Stand with your feet slightly more than shoulder width apart and toes pointed comfortably outward. Maintain a straight back and rest the hands on the hips. Bend at the knee into a pliƩ position (ballet movement) with knees bent to 90 degrees. Return to start position. Your movements should be slow and measured with emphasis on maintaining an upright posture by pulling in the stomach muscles.

Leg Lunges: - Standing with your back straight, stomach tight and feet together, step 3 feet in front of you with your right foot and steadily lower your body until your right thigh is parallel to the ground (your right knee should be just over your toes).

Stand with a straight back with feet placed slightly apart. Hold onto a wall or chair for balance, if necessary. Beginning on the right side, lift your right foot off the floor, point your toes and sweep the foot in front of your body to a crossover motion in front of your standing leg. Keep this movement fluid and return to your start position. Complete 10 sweeps for each side, increasing as your thighs get stronger.

Spread out your exercise mat and lie on your side with your bent arm supporting your head. Bend your top leg and place your foot on the floor in front of you. Focus on your posture--straighten your back and tuck in your stomach. Lift your bottom leg straight into the air, keeping your foot flexed. This movement should be controlled as you tighten your thigh muscles with the movement. Lift the foot about 6 to 8 inches, hold for a three counts and return to the start position. Try for two sets of 10 reps for the first week, working up to three sets of 10 reps as your legs get stronger.

Incorporate cardiovascular exercise into your routine. You cannot tone your inner thighs unless you exercise to burn fat. Your exercise regimen should include three to five days of walking, running, aerobics or swimming to really burn calories. Remember that you need to burn fat to make it disappear. While you're burning fat, work to strengthen and tone the underlying muscles.

Article Source: a1articles.com