Toning Exercises Aimed At Thunder Thighs

Women routinely cite their thighs as the area they would most like to improve through diet and exercise. There are a wide range of exercises that can work together to help you slim down “thunder thighs” and minimize the appearance of cellulite. However, you do need to take advantage of a number of them in order to see the most progress in creating a leaner look in your upper legs.

Cardio

Cardiovascular workouts like elliptical training, treadmill running, trail running, hiking, swimming and riding the stationary bike can help you to tone and strengthen your legs, working the quadriceps and hamstrings as well as the gluteal muscles. However, it is important to note that a single cardio exercise – or solely performing a cardio workout – will not give you the lean, long look that you want and help you avoid the appearance of “thunder thighs.” Instead, change it up, choosing different cardio workouts and combine them with the exercises listed below.

Squats

Squats are simple to perform, require no equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. They also work the thighs as well as the core muscles, improving strength and posture. Start by standing shoulder width apart, engaging the abdominals, bend your knees and “sit” back as if you were sitting in a chair. When your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle, pause, and then slowly return to start. Add variations by doing pulse squats (sitting back only 6 inches before returning to start) or deep squats (sitting so that the hips drop below the knee).

Lunges

Lunges, like squats, work the quads, as well as the hip flexors, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles – all thigh muscles. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and step out with one foot, taking a large step and bending at the knee, and lowering your standing knee toward the ground. Make sure that your front knee stays above the toe, creating two 90-degree angles in your legs. Drive your standing leg into the ground to return to start and repeat on the opposite side.

Tips

To improve your workout and continue to fight “thunder thighs” in the long-term, increase reps as you feel comfortable or hold weights or resistance bands while performing any of the above exercises. Remember that diet plays a part as well, but crash diets won’t help; instead, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, protein, “good” fats, and natural carbohydrates like whole grains to stay slim and lean.