Leg Lifts For Thinner Thighs

For anyone who lives a sedentary life, a little extra weight around the thighs can be a persistent problem. With leg lifts, you can strengthen the relevant muscles for a trimmer appearance and also improve your core stability. However, targeted exercises, such as leg lifts, work best when used as a supplement to a balanced diet and a general aerobic regime.

Push Aways

Lie down on your side on a hard floor, with your lower arm stretched up and away from your body, and your remaining hand palm-down on the floor in front of your chest to stabilize you. Bend your lower leg up toward your body until the knee is almost level with your hip. Raise your upper leg off the floor, straighten it and point the toes. Without letting it drop, bend the leg up toward your body and bunch the toes. Then push away, straightening your leg and leading with the heel of your foot. Flex your toes upward toward your body. Perform two cycles, one for each side. This exercise will strengthen your thighs as well as work on your calves and buttocks.

Leg Circles

Assume the same initial position as in a push away, with your leg extended and your toes pointed. Draw a cycle of 10 small circles – five clockwise, five counterclockwise – in the air with your foot, controlling the motion from your hip rather than your knee or ankle. Repeat the exercise with the other leg. Leg circles are a good strengthening exercise for your thighs.

Hamstring Stretch

For this exercise, you'll need a towel. Lie on the floor with feet flat on the ground and your knees bent up toward your body. Wrap a towel around one thigh and pull it tight. Without arching your back, push with your thigh into the towel, and then slowly straighten the leg, pointing the toes. Unbend your other leg, then slowly return both to the starting positions. Perform the exercise twice for each leg.

Wall Stretch

Lie on your back with your hands at your sides and feet leaning up against a wall -- and your buttocks against the skirting board. Pointing your toes, splay your legs a little at a time until you become conscious of your inner thighs taking the strain. Don't let one foot tilt further than the other – keep them symmetrical. Hold this position for a maximum of two minutes, then push against your legs with your hands to return them to their starting position.