My Top 10 Thigh-Slimming Exercises

One of the biggest things I’ve learned the past few months is the importance of incorporating plyometric movements into your leg workouts. These consist of all the different exercises you can do with your body weight that will get your heart rate up quickly. Plyometrics burn fat faster and build lean muscle more efficiently than weight-lifting alone, especially if you’re looking to “slim” and “tone” rather than “bulk.”

So here are my top 10 favorite, tried-and-true, and proven thigh-slimming exercises! You can use these as a circuit. Do each set one after another without a break, then pause for 30 seconds, and repeat the circuit 2 more times.

1. Curtsy lunge (15 ea. leg) (skip to 1:16 for demonstration)

2. Box frog jumps (10) (skip to 0:25 for demonstration)

3. Bodyweight squat, feet together (20)

4. Russian hops (15 ea leg) (skip to 2:18 for demonstration)

 (Keep hands in front of you if that’s more comfortable. Hold the lunge position for one second before switching.)

5. Lateral side lunge (15 ea leg) (skip to 0:27 for demonstration)

6. Jumping jacks (50)

7. Weighted step-ups onto bench (15 ea leg) (Use a light barbell or dumbbells)

8. In and out low jacks (20) (skip to 0:12 for demonstration)

9. Reverse lunges (15 ea leg)

10. Squat jumps (20)

Note: Click on the exercises that are underlined for a video demo of the exercise.

5 Thigh Slimming Exercises

There’s a reason why so many of us steer clear of spandex pants. In order to look good in something so tight, one has gotta be rockin’ some pretty killer legs. Don’t think you have what it takes to pull it off? You could. These 5 Thigh Slimming Exercises will help you get the gams you’ve always wanted!

Equipment Needed: step or bench, yoga mat or soft surface

Squats

Muscles Targeted: Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves, Hip Flexors, Hip Adductors, Abs

Side Lying Leg Lifts

Muscles Targeted: Hip Abductors, Hip Adductors, Hip Extensors, Hip Flexors

Walking Lunges

Muscles Targeted: Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings

Step Ups
Muscles Targeted: Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves

Side Lying Hip Adduction
Muscles Targeted: Hip Adductors, Quads, Hamstrings