Hip & Thigh Toning Exercises

After you've lost a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise, you may need to tone your hips and thighs. Hip and thigh exercises work the major muscle groups to strengthen, define and tone these areas. Losing weight in any target zone comes with the total weight loss achieved through diet and exercise. Toning exercises for your hips and thighs will not burn fat.

Resistance

Lower body workout machines at the gym are designed to add resistance to your hip and thigh movements. You can also employ this concept by using elastic exercise bands or hand weights. Hold hand weights on your legs or wear ankle weights to help you safely work the necessary muscles, advises ShapeFit. Lie on your right side, securely hold a hand weight on your left thigh. Keeping your knee straight, lift your left leg until it's even with your shoulder, holding for a count of five. Slowly lower your leg back to starting position and repeat for up to 15 repetitions. Switch to your other side to work your right leg.

Dirty Dog

The dirty dog works your outer and inner thighs as well as your hips. Kneel on all fours. With your right knee bent at a 90-degree angle, slowly raise your leg outward to your side. Do not overextend your leg or you risk injury. Slowly return your leg to the starting position. Do 12 to 15 repetitions, instructs the American Council on Exercise. Switch legs after working your right leg for the full set. Once you have completed one set on both sides, rest, and repeat the exercise for two to three more sets.

Leg Curl

The leg curl effectively tones your back, thighs and hips according to Joyce L. Vedral, in her book "Bone-Building/Body-Shaping Workout." Begin by lying on your stomach on a flat surface. Place a light hand weight in between your feet, holding it securely with the soles. Extend your legs straight out and place your arms above your head. Slowly bend at the knees until your legs are at a 90-degree angle while flexing your thigh muscles. Repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions then rest. Do two more sets.

Lunges

To tone and strengthen your thighs and hips, this old gym favorite may be in order. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. You can hold hand weights to add additional resistance, however, this is optional. With your arms at your sides, step out with your right leg, bending at the knee. Do not bend far enough to touch the floor with either knee. With a quick kickoff, bring your legs back to starting position, then switch to your left leg. Repeat for 15 to 20 repetitions on each leg.