Slimming down your thighs requires a whole leg approach, and your legs are complex muscular entities. The secret to slimmer thighs is finding the perfect exercise combination to reduce and elongate without adding bulk. While you can't spot reduce a particular part of the body, a low-intensity, beginner’s workout mixing yoga and strength training will focus on stretching and toning while slimming your thighs and providing muscle definition.
Items you will need
- Yoga mat
- 3-pound dumbbell
Move from all fours into a pushup position and tighten your abdominal muscles for Downward-Facing Dog, a popular thigh slimming yoga position. Inhale, and as you exhale, bring your hips toward the ceiling. Imagine a string attached to your tailbone, pulling you upward. Lock your arms and slant your upper body downward, your face looking toward your toes. Relax your head while inhaling and exhaling, keeping your heels pressed to the floor and your knees straight. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Inhale, lower your hips and then move onto your knees. Slowly sit back, your buttocks resting your feet, feeling the stretch in your upper thighs.
The dumbbell step-up is a go-to strength training move that works the thigh muscles to trim away fat. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand in front of the step with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shoulders pulled back. Keep your back straight. While holding the dumbbells at your sides, step up onto the step or stair with your left foot. Using the left leg for support, bring your right leg up. Imagine you are stepping onto a higher step and then lower the right leg to the ground. Step off the step and switch legs.
The High-Lunge is a relaxing yoga position that tones the thighs and glutes. Begin in a pushup position, using your arms to support your weight. Loosen your knees, inhale and bring your right knee to your chest. Rest your chest against your right thigh. Your left foot should be flat against the floor. Straighten your knee, pushing your thigh upward. Inhale and exhale throughout. Feel the stretch and exhale as you step your right foot back, switching legs and repeating the steps.
- Wear appropriate workout attire. Shoes are not advised for the yoga positions, but are recommended for the step-up portion.
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