If you long to have toned legs, then there are several ways to achieve that. A good exercise regimen and a balanced diet will help you fit into your favorite skinny jeans.
One of the most common problems that people face is the accumulation of fat in the tummy and thigh area. Toned, shapely thighs that does not wobble or jiggle is what everyone desires.
But just cutting calories and following your regular workout session is not going to help you in getting slimmer thighs. For that, you need to do specific exercises that targets the thigh area. In addition to this, you also need to be mindful about your diet.
Effective Exercises for Skinny Thighs
To help you in getting shapely thighs, you can opt for pilates, power yoga, ballet exercises and isometric exercises. When such exercises are done in conjunction with cardiovascular workouts and followed with a healthy diet, it will help you in toning your legs faster.
The Plié
Target Areas: Quadriceps, Inner thighs and Glutes To do this ballet exercise, stand straight with your feet apart and toes turned slightly outwards.
Raise your heels by pressing on the balls of your feet and squat down, keeping your posture erect. Next, come back to your original position, keeping your heels off the floor. Do three sets of this exercises with ten repetitions.
Side Leg Raise
Target Areas: Inner thighs and Hamstrings Lie down on your left side. Your right leg should be on top of your left leg and they should be stretched out straight.
Slowly move your left leg as high as you can, taking care not to bend your knee. Hold this position for a few seconds and then return to your original position. Do two sets of ten repetitions for each side.
Lunge with a Twist
Target Areas: Hamstrings Stand straight with your feet shoulder-length apart. Place your right leg in front of you. Next, bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor. As you bend your knees, twist your torso to the right. Do two sets of ten repetitions for each side.
Lateral Leg Lift
Target Areas: Glutes and Hamstrings To do this exercise, stand straight and keep your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands at your hips and bend your knees so that your thighs are almost parallel to the floor.
Hold this position for a second and then rise up by lifting your left leg out to the side, as high as possible. Repeat the step with the other leg. Do ten to twelve repetitions on each side.
Scissors
Target Areas: Hamstrings and Inner Thighs To do this exercise, sit on the floor, with your legs in front of you, keeping your back straight. Bend your right knee, placing your right foot on the floor. Keep the left leg straight out in front of you.
Lift your left leg in front of you so that your foot is off the ground. Hold this position for five seconds, then lower leg to the floor. Repeat the step for the other leg. Do ten to twelve repetitions on each side.
Change your Diet
When you take in more calories than what is required by your body per day, your body stores it in the form of fat. This stored fat is meant for energy generation in future. An ideal option is to cut down on your intake of fat.
Follow a healthy and balanced diet and cut out excess fats. Increase the amount of protein and fiber in your diet. Proteins and fibers keep you full for longer periods of time. This is how they prevent you from over-eating.
You should also have only healthy snacks like fruits and nuts instead of chips and burgers. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid having too much coffee and aerated drinks.
Opt for Cardiovascular Exercises
When your body works strenuously, the cells in your body have to work rapidly to cope with the increased requirements of energy. In turn, they require increased supply of glucose and oxygen to generate energy.
But, the amount of glucose available in the body might not be enough to meet the current energy requirements. Therefore, the body starts utilizing the stored fats for energy generation. As a result, you lose fat from all over your body.
Swimming, skipping, running, jogging, cycling and aerobic exercises are some of the best cardiovascular exercises. Perform them for about 30 minutes everyday, to bring your thighs back in shape.
One of the best ways to lose fat from thighs is to opt for a brisk walk. Walking is one of the best form of lower body exercise that will help in toning your legs. With regular exercise and a balanced diet, you can have shapely and beautiful legs.