Exercises to Tone Thighs

If being able to fit into that chic pair of skinny jeans (like you once used to) is what your new year resolution is, then you would undoubtedly be aware of the importance and the necessity of 'ETTB' (Exercises to Tone Thighs and Buttocks). Thigh toning exercises are one of those exercises which can easily be performed within the comfort of your home (and with nearly the same the efficacy, as compared to other thigh exercises which require a gym).

When it comes to exercises for toning the thighs and buttocks, there are two ways of performing them - using weights and without using weights. Regarding the former, if you have a pair of dumbbells at home, then you can perform quite a few weight-related thigh exercises. However, not all weight-related thigh exercises can be performed at home (simply because they require specific exercise equipment, which normally you would not bother purchasing, unless you wish to have a proper home gym).

Side Leg Raises
This is a simple exercise and one which does not require any weights. Lie down on the floor (on a floor mat) on your right side with your legs stretched straight. Rest your right arm on the ground and support your head using your right palm. Keep your left hand near your waist. Now raise your left leg (without bending it at the knees) and bring it upwards (towards you) in an arc. Stop at a point where your leg makes an angle of approximately 90 degrees with the ground. Hold that position for half a second, and then lower your leg back to its initial position. Hold it an inch above your right leg (do not let it rest on your right leg). Now repeat this 20 times. Once you're done with the left leg, repeat the same for your right leg.

V-shaped Leg Raises
Lie down on the floor mat on your back. Keeping your legs together and without bending them at the knees, raise them and bring them towards you so that they form a 90 degree angle with your stomach and upper body. Rest the palms of your hands on the floor (for support and balance). Now, split the joint legs sideways, so that they make a 'V'. The objective is to make the 'V' as wide as possible (without bending your knees or losing your balance). Once your legs have reached the furthermost possible position (i.e. the widest possible 'V'), hold that position for half a second, and then bring your legs back to the initial position (i.e. legs joint together). Repeat this 20 times. This is an excellent inner thigh exercise.

Squats
Squatting is an extremely effective exercise to tone thighs fast. It is one of the most popular thigh exercises and one that is commonly performed by each and every person who is interested in toning his or her thigh and buttock muscles. You can perform squats in a variety of ways:

• Chair squats
• Wide stance squats
• Box squats
• Squats using dumbbells
• Squats using a barbell

If you plan on performing each of these variants, then you should initially begin with 2 sets (10 repetitions each). Over a period of time, as your stamina increases, you can then go about increasing the number of repetitions or the number of sets.

Lunges
Lunges too, are an excellent way of toning not just your thighs and buttocks, but also your calves and your hamstring muscles. Lunges too can be performed in a variety of ways:

• Forward lunges
• Alternate leg lunges
• Reverse lunges
• Side lunges
• Walking lunges

Begin with 2 sets (10 repetitions each) of each type and increase the repetitions gradually over a period of time. You can also perform these exercises using a pair of dumbbells.

Leg Presses
This exercise is performed using a leg press machine. It works on your thighs, hamstrings, and buttocks. If you are a regular gym goer, then you would be aware of this exercise and how to go about it. Consult your gym's fitness trainer as to what weight load you should begin with. Start off with 2 sets (12 repetitions each), and gradually increase the number of repetitions over time.

These were a few exercises to tone thighs. Remember, it's extremely important to maintain a regularity, and follow a routine. Also, do not forget to maintain a well-balanced diet, so that it doesn't reverse your hard work on your body. All the best!