Yoga exercises for the body are called "asanas," which translates as "poses" or "postures." You can find numerous poses that work every part of your body in a variety of positions in yoga. Exercises can be performed in dedicated sequences or as needed on your own. Practice specific exercises for your thighs if you wish to only target this area.
Tree Pose
The tree pose strengthens the inner and outer thighs, respectively called the adductors and abductors, one leg a time. These thigh muscles work to keep you standing upright while you hold the pose on one leg. The exercise is begun by turning your right toes out approximately 45 degrees. The left knee is then bent and the bottom of the foot is placed on the inside of the right calf or inner thigh. Bring your hands together in Namaste or prayer pose in front of your heart with your elbows bent. Then, open your left hip as wide as you can without twisting your waist or hips. Squeeze your core and look forward. To make this exercise more difficult, extend your arms overhead and then look up.
Chair Pose
The chair pose is nothing as simple as sitting in a chair. Your own body, especially your thigh muscles, will be responsible for holding yourself in a position that resembles sitting in a chair. You may wish that you have one pretty quickly if you are unused to this exercise. Begin by standing with your feet together and your arms extended straight overhead so that your biceps are next to your ears. Bend your knees and reach your hips back as if you are beginning to sit down. Allow your upper body to incline forward slightly, but maintain a flat back and straight spine. Tuck your pelvis to avoid a lower back arch. Do not allow your hips to go lower than your knees or your heels to rise from the floor. When you feel a stretch in the front of your thighs, stop bending your knees. The thighs should quickly feel the burn.
Warrior Pose
Warrior pose or Warrior I stretches the inner thigh of your back leg and loads up the thigh muscles of the front leg. It is a challenging pose that is nevertheless a part of the much-practiced yoga sun salutations because of its many benefits. Get into Warrior I by standing with your feet together and then stepping one foot back about 3 to 4 feet. The front foot points straight ahead and the rear foot turns out to 45 degrees. Both heels should be pressed firmly into the floor. You will keep your back straight and your torso facing forward as you shift your weight onto your front leg and bend your front knee over your ankle. Then, raise your arms overhead and touch your palms together. You may include a slight back bend by arching your back and looking upward. Repeat on the opposite side.
Member Comments