How to Shed Inches Off the Hips & Thighs

Consult with your doctor before starting a workout program.

A common trouble spot that plagues women is the hip and thigh area. Start a cardio program that includes at least 30 minutes of cardio five times a week. You will not be able to lose inches in your thighs and hips if you are not losing calories. Try an interval cardio program mixed with a healthy diet for maximum calorie cutting. Then tackle this problem area with toning exercises that target these trouble spots.

Things You'll Need

• Yoga mat or towel
• Wall

Instructions

Outer-Thigh and Hip Trim

1. Stand with right hip a few inches away from a wall. Place right hand against the wall for support.

2. Slowly lift left leg to a 45-degree angle with knee slightly bent.

3. Lower leg so that left foot touches the floor.

4. Complete 10 reps with left leg. Then switch sides and perform 10 reps with right leg.

5. Rest for 60 seconds and complete another 10 reps on right leg and another 10 reps on left leg.

Inner-Thigh and Hip Trim

1. Lay down on right side on a yoga mat or towel.

2. Prop body up slightly by placing right elbow and forearm on mat.

3. Cross left leg over right leg so that left foot rests a few inches in front of right knee.

4. Slowly lift right leg off floor while keeping right foot flexed. Extend leg 6 inches above mat and then slowly lower leg until it touches mat.

5. Complete 10 reps with right leg. Then switch sides and perform 10 reps with left leg.

6. Rest for 60 seconds and repeat another 10 reps with right leg and left leg.

Hydrant Lift

1. Get down onto hands and knees on a yoga mat or towel.

2. Lower upper body so that you are supported by elbows and forearms. You will now be on your elbows and knees.

3. Swing right leg out and upward while maintaining a 90-degree bend in knee. This move is called the hydrant because the left lifts resemble the same lift a dog does when using a fire hydrant as a bathroom.

4. Slowly lower leg.

5. Complete five reps with right leg, then complete five reps with left leg.

6. Rest 60 seconds and perform another five reps with left leg and right leg.

Tips & Warnings

• Use ankle weights for additional resistance.

• Avoid injury by stretching before and after completing these exercises.

References

• Women's Fitness: Top 10 Thigh Trimmers
• Food and Diet: Hips
• Waist, Hips and Thighs: She's Got the Look and So Do You