Yoga can be much more than a way to stretch and relax. Hold a pose such as balanced half moon for a few breaths and you will start to feel yoga's strengthening and toning possibilities for your thighs. While you practice yoga, your breathing should remain even, deep and focused. For best results do poses to challenge your balance, flexibility or strength, but not to bring your body to the point of pain.
Tree Pose
Practice tree pose on each leg and you can feel balanced, relaxed and stronger in your thigh muscles. Stand with your posture tall and hands in a prayer position next to your chest. Press one foot onto your lower leg or inner thigh and draw your knee back to open your hips. To hold the pose, contract your core and leg muscles without locking your knees. The American Yoga Association recommends keeping your eyes fixed on one spot, so you feel more balanced. Hold for up to one minute, and then switch sides.
Balanced Half Moon
With practice, you will not only tone your thighs, but may be able to confidently balance in this challenging pose. Bring your fingertips to the floor and stretch your right leg straight behind you. Float your right arm by your right side as you slowly gaze toward the right side of the room. Your torso should start to face to the right, as well, as you point your right arm straight up. Raise your right leg a bit higher and contract your inner left thigh to let your hips open more. Your body resembles a star shape. Hold on each side for seven to 10 breaths.
Chair Pose
From a standing position, sink your hips toward the floor, about halfway, as if you were getting ready to sit into a chair. Either keep your knees and feet parallel, or big toes and knees lightly touching. Let your thighs and gluteals do the work as you lengthen your spine and perhaps raise your arms straight up or keep them at your heart's center. Tuck your tailbone slightly forward to engage your muscles even more. If you peek at the floor, you should be able to see your toes. Hold the pose for seven to 10 breaths, and then release. For more intense work, repeat two more times. Also try the pose while you squeeze a foam block between your thighs.
Standing Splits
"Yoga Journal" recommends this pose as a stretch and strengthener for your thighs. Start in a forward bend -- your upper body folded toward your lower half with feet flat on the floor. Raise your right leg up as high as you can while keeping your hips squared, or facing out equally. Keep folding your upper body toward your left leg as you contract your right gluteal and raise your right leg higher. Exert effort in both legs as evenly as possible and try to relax your shoulders and face. Hold on each side for 10 to 15 breaths for a challenge.
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