The thighs tend to be one of those trouble areas of the body when it comes to weight loss. Sometimes it feels like that fat is just clinging on, despite the best efforts. Although eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise is the best way to burn fat, there are some exercises that you can do to speed up the slimming efforts. Many of the best exercises can be done from home with little or no equipment, saving you both time and money.
Squats
Squats are a very effective exercise for the leg muscles. According to "Fitness" magazine, there isn't an exercise that is better. For a standard squat at home, stand about 24 inches from a wall, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lean your back to the wall and bend your knees to a half squat, feeling the thigh muscles begin to work. Hold this for 10 seconds then lower a couple more inches and hold 10 more seconds. Move lower once more, hold another 10 seconds, then slowly raise back to standing and rest before repeating again.
For an alternate squat exercise that uses a fitness ball, place the ball between the wall and your lower back, then lower down to a squatting position--similar to sitting in a chair--and hold for three to 10 seconds then return to standing. Do five to 15 reps, depending on your fitness level, then rest briefly before doing another two or three sets.
Leg Circles
Leg circles can be an effective thigh workout, listed on "Fitness" magazine's top 10 for thigh exercises. Begin by laying flat on your back, your hands resting at your side, palms downward, and toes pointed. Lift your left leg, keeping both legs straight, and slightly turn your lifted leg out. Breathe in deeply and draw a circle with your toe, using your whole leg and hips firmly on the ground. Repeat for five clockwise circles, then switch directions. Switch to the right leg and repeat. For a more difficult workout, try to write the entire alphabet with one leg before switching to the other.
Lunges
Lunges are another classic leg-toning exercise. To begin, stand with your shoulders pulled back, chest out and eyes facing forward. Take a step forward with the right leg and slowly bend your knees, lowering toward the floor until your left knee is almost touching the ground. Your right knee should be lined up with your right toes to prevent knee damage. Take a larger or smaller step next time if this isn't the case. Slowly return to a standing position and repeat the motion 10 to 15 times, then switch legs. Do three or four sets for each leg, resting between sets. For a more intense workout, hold dumbbells in each hand while lunging.
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