Starting in the 1990s, Suzanne Somers famously marketed the ThighMaster as a leg- and thigh-toning tool. This compact piece of exercise equipment is nothing more than a coiled resistance spring, acting as a hinge between two sturdy handles. While the ThighMaster doesn't provide the variety of possible exercises that dumbbells do, you can use it to tone your upper body and arms if you're willing to get creative.
Pecs
Your pecs, or chest muscles, are responsible for pushing and squeezing motions that move the upper arm. Hold one of the ThighMaster's handles in each hands, arms extended straight out in front of your chest, with the ThighMaster's middle spring pointing away from you. Squeeze the ThighMaster's handles together, then release. You can also do this exercise with your elbows bent, holding the ThighMaster close in front of your chest.
Triceps
Toning your triceps firms the back of your upper arm and also strengthens your arm for pushing motions. Tuck the ThighMaster's middle spring against your ribs, with one handle pointing down along your left thigh and the other jutting out in front of you. Stabilize the ThighMaster against your body with your right hand as you place your left arm on the forward-jutting handle. Keep your left elbow stationary as you press your left forearm down to squeeze the ThighMaster handles together. Don't forget to repeat on the other side.
Lats
Your lats are the most powerful pulling muscles in your back, the counterpoint to your pecs. To work your lats, tuck the ThighMaster's spring into one armpit, with your upper arm resting on one handle--sticking out to the side--and the other handle tucked down against your body. Squeeze the ThighMaster's handles together by bringing your elbow down toward your side, then slowly release.
Biceps
Toning the biceps tones the front of your upper arm and strengthens your arms for pulling motions. To work your biceps, tuck one of the ThighMaster handles into your right armpit and stabilize it with your left hand. The middle spring should jut out behind you. Grasp the other--lower--handle with your right hand, then bend your right arm at the elbow to squeeze the lower handle up toward your armpit. Release slowly, and remember to repeat on the other side.
Inner Thighs
No ThighMaster workout would be complete without working your inner thighs--the exercise that made the ThighMaster famous. To work your inner thighs, sit forward on the edge of a sturdy chair. Place each of the ThighMaster handles between your thighs, just above your knees, with the middle spring pointing down. Use your hands to stabilize the handles on your thighs if need be as you squeeze your knees together against the ThighMaster's resistance.
Member Comments