The muscles of your inner thigh, commonly referred to as adductors, help pull your legs together. The National Academy of Sports Medicine reports that they also work in conjunction with your abductors, the outer thigh muscles, to help with stabilization during some movements. Some types of squats, lunges and adduction exercises can help you strengthen your inner thigh muscles.
Lying Hip Adduction
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) recommends side-lying hip adduction as an exercise to work your inner thigh muscles. To do this exercise, lie on your side with your legs extended and your lower arm bent and placed under your head. Move your lower leg forward until it is in front of your other leg. While exhaling, lift your lower leg off the floor without bending or rotating your knee. Gently lower your leg while inhaling. ACE reports that you only need to lift the leg a few inches off the floor to do this exercise correctly.
Wide Leg Squat
Another exercise that can work your inner thigh muscles, other thigh muscles and buttocks muscles is the wide leg squat. Start this exercise by standing with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders and crossing your arms in front of your chest. While keeping your neck, back and head in a straight line and your chest lifted, slowly lower yourself to a seated position. Lift yourself up slowly, and make sure your knees do not move in front of your toes.
Side Lunge
The side lunge is also an exercise that works your inner thigh muscles. Start with your legs hip-width apart and shift your weight to your heels. Slowly step to one side; when your foot is firmly on the floor, bend at your hips and shift your weight towards the foot you moved. Continue until your shin is vertical and over your foot. Your other leg should be fully extended or close to it. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the movement for the opposite side. ACE reports that a common mistake when performing this exercise is stepping too wide. If you cannot align your knee over your foot, shorten the width of your step.
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