Get Shapely Legs With These Thigh Toning Exercises   by Sandy Rutherforde

in Health / Fitness    (submitted 2011-09-09)

For more shapely legs and hips, thigh toning exercises that work do not have to be tedious. There are lots of activities women could do to target the problem areas and improve all around fitness as well. Many of the exercises will not be difficult for the majority of women and can be accomplished in the comfort of home when desired.

The best advice would be to combine the lower body workout with a cardio exercise such as bicycling, rollerblading, or stair climbing. No matter which physical activity is selected it should be conducted for several minutes at an intensive pace and then followed by periods of targeted toning. This kind of activity will need to be undertaken five days per week.

The second recommendation is a yoga movement known as sun salutation. The movement begins by lying face down on the floor and slowly rolling the upper body upwards. Eventually the individual pulls one knee up and then gradually rises to a standing position. The arms are then brought straight upward and then a slightly curved position of the body produces a gentle pull on your hamstrings. The entire process reverses until eventually the person has returned to lying face down on the floor.

Yet another great movement is the flamingo. It starts by standing on one particular leg with the other stretched out behind the body. The person then touches the floor even while staying on one foot. This movement can be repeated on the same leg a couple of times prior to doing it again with the alternate leg.

Scissor kicks are thigh toning exercises that exercise both the inner and outer muscles at the same time. These movements are carried out while lying on the floor or on a mat facing upward. The legs are raised about six inches off the ground while crossing one leg over the other one and then repeating with the opposite leg.

The lying abduction movement is a simple but effective movement that has been around for a very long time. When executed properly the movement can be felt in the outer hip area. Individuals who would like to work their inner thigh can try bending the knee of the leg on the top and then lifting the bottom leg. The movement is small. Even just raising the leg several inches off the floor will produce a tension that is felt.

Leg circles exercise all the muscles of your upper leg. They can be done until eventually the leg starts to feel fatigued. Squats, side lunges, and forward lunges can also be helpful. To help keep from becoming bored these movements may be alternated. Add some music to get a basic but effective overall workout that includes thigh toning exercises that target the upper areas of the legs.

About the Author

Are you looking for exercises for buttocks? Be sure to visit my site for more information on exercise to reduce thighs and buttocks.