Working the Outer Thighs

After years of debate, everyone should know by now that there is no such thing as "spot reduction." In other words, if you exercise one area of your body harder than the rest, it will not necessarily get smaller. You have to work the entire body, and even then those "trouble" areas are sometimes the last to change. Amazing transformations do happen, though, so don't give up on those trouble spots.

That said, if you want to see results particularly in your legs, you should include exercises that work your hips and outer thighs. This two-step workout is one of many great routines that can work your outer thighs.

1. Standing squat with side leg raises. Start with a traditional squat because it involves many big muscle groups and builds great heat in the body. Begin with your feet parallel and about hip distance apart. Squat by bending at the hips, knees and ankles as if you were lowering your body into a chair, and then stand right back up again. When you stand up, lift your left leg directly out to the side. Repeat the squat and lift your right leg directly out to the side. This will work the hips and outer thighs and will also involve the core because you'll be balancing on one leg. Repeat for 20 squats, including 10 leg raises on each side.

2. Elbow-knee reach. While standing a bit wider than hip-distance, draw your left elbow to your right knee so they meet in front of the mid-stomach, and then extend your left arm and right leg as far away from each other as possible, lifting your leg high. Hold the lift for 3 seconds if possible before touching down. Repeat one side 10 times and then switch and repeat on the other side. This is a great movement because it works your balance and core and even involves some rotation of the spine, which is great for trimming the waist.