1. Tip Top Tops
Side exercises are the best way to tone the legs with pilates, but there are a few things you should remember. As you lie on your side, support your head with your hand and make sure that your entire body, from head to ankle, is in a straight line. Place your upper hand on the mat in front of you to help stabilize your body, but use your abs for balance as much as possible. Finally, when performing more than one pilates side exercises, it is best to complete all exercises on one side before switching your position.
2. Killer Kicks for the Hips
One of the best pilates exercises for the butt and upper legs is the laying side kick. Flex your top foot, pressing your heal down and pulling your toes up. Lift the leg a few inches and slowly swing the leg as far in front of you as you can without bending the knee. When you reach your full extension, perform a very small kick, pulsing up towards your head. Slowly extend the leg back behind you, only going as far as you can without sacrificing posture and then return to the front. Repeat the pilates exercise 5 to 10 times, only kicking as you swing your leg forward.
3. Take a Licking, Keep on Kicking
The lifted kick is another great pilates exercise for the legs. With your abs engaged and the toes of your top foot point down away from you, slowly lift your leg up as high as possible. As you lift, make sure that your hips do not begin to roll back. When your reach the highest comfortable lift, perform another small kick and then lower the leg. Repeat 5 to 10 times to tone the outer thighs with pilates.
4. Leg Lifts for a Leg Lift
Flex both feet now, pointing your toes down and away from you and engage your abdominal muscles. Inhale deeply and as you exhale, lift both of your legs as high off of the ground as you can while keeping your body straight. Hold your legs in the highest position for one full breath and then slowly lower them to the ground, repeating 5 to 10 times.
5. Thighs to Die For
Bring the foot of your top leg in front of you, resting your foot flat on the ground in front of your hips, trying to keep your knee lifted and toes pointing away from you. Support the leg by wrapping your upper arm under your knee and around your ankle. Point the toes of your lower leg away from you and then lift the leg a few inches off of the ground, holding for one full breath and then lowering it gently. Repeat 5 to 10 times for toned inner thighs.
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