How to Do Thigh Exercises

You can keep your thighs in optimum shape just by doing a few simple exercises. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Exercise mat or comfortable floor space
• Chair, counter, or other support

Learn How to Do Thigh Exercises

1. Spend a few minutes doing some general stretching of each leg in preparation for targeted thigh exercises.
2. Start with an inside stretch. Lie down on the floor on your left side, making sure that your back, head and neck are aligned. With your left hand, support the side of your head and place your right hand in front of you for stability. Now, bend your right leg and stretch it in front of you so that your right foot is positioned in front of your left knee. Finally, raise your left leg slowly as far as you can go without straining. Hold for 3 to 4 seconds, then bring your leg back to position. Repeat eight times, then flip over and do the same exercise on your other side.
3. Exercise your adductors (inner thigh muscles) with an easy leg press. While standing with your back straight and holding in your abdominal muscles, grasp the back of a chair or counter for balance. Now, slowly bring your right leg in front of your left while contracting the inner thigh muscles. Repeat eight to 10 times, then repeat this exercise with the opposite leg.
4. Switch to working the outer thigh muscles. Assume the same position in Step 1 only this time you'll be lifting your right leg straight up above your hip, with your foot held straight and your toes pointing away from your body. Do eight to 10 reps, then reverse sides and repeat with the left leg.
5. Practice an outer thigh press by getting into the same position as Step 3. However, this time, slowly raise your right leg straight out and away from your body, keeping the foot rigid as before. Repeat eight to 10 times, then switch to the other leg.