Yoga is a low-impact method of toning muscles and gaining flexibility throughout the body. While you will notice more tone in your thighs from the practice of yoga poses, calorie expenditure is what will help you lose fat in the legs, according to research cited by the American Council on Exercise. Yoga can transform you internally and externally. So, along with your thigh exercises, try a variety of yoga, including poses, meditation and breathing.
Supported Shoulder Stand
You can use supported shoulder stand not only to tone your legs and buttocks but also to help stimulate your thyroid, according to "Yoga Journal" magazine. Lie on your back with a folded blanket or a fitness mat underneath your back, to the top edge of your shoulders, so your neck and head hang off the edge toward the floor. Bring your knees in toward your chest, and then stretch your feet toward the floor behind your head. When you feel as if your hips are a couple of inches off the floor, gently support your back by placing your palms against each side of your spine, close to your hips. Keep your head relaxed as you point your legs straight up. Contract your thigh muscles to keep your legs together. Hold shoulder stand for up to three minutes. Come out of the pose if you feel discomfort, especially in your neck.
Crescent Lunge
To work your thighs, place your right foot on the floor between your hands. Stretch your left leg far out behind you and stay propped up on the ball of your left foot, so your knee does not touch the floor. Keep your posture straight up and sink your hips toward the floor. Your hands can stay in prayer position at your heart or raise your arms toward the ceiling. Hold on each side for up to 10 breaths.
Standing Splits
Standing splits is an intense yoga pose that tones and stretches the thighs. From crescent lunge, pose with your right foot in front, lean forward and walk your hands out until your left leg floats off the floor. Lengthen your spine as your torso hovers above the ground, and then fold yourself toward your right leg. Keep your hips square as you raise your left leg up as high as you can. Contract your gluteal muscles to raise your leg higher. Focus on the energy and strength in both legs, as you hold the pose up to one minute for each side.
Balanced Half Moon
Balanced half moon opens your hips and chest as you build strength in your inner and outer thighs. Practice against a wall, with your support hand on a block, if necessary, for balance. From standing splits, lower your left leg halfway back to the floor. Bring your left hand to your side and right hand to the floor in front of your right foot. Slowly open your torso, so it faces the left side of the room. Raise your left arm to the ceiling and continue to lift your left leg higher. Contract your thigh muscles on your right leg to help support the pose. Hold on each side for up to 10 breaths.
Member Comments