Shapely thighs can be obtained with a regular exercise routine, which does not require any special equipment or gym memberships. This is a guest post as I am not happy with my thighs just yet but am determined to try these exercises!
Why choose thigh exercises?
Having well-defined shapely thighs is a goal for a great many women and a struggle for almost as many. There are a number of exercises that can help tone and shape the thighs.
Many of these exercises require no special equipment, no spa or gym membership, and just a bit of dedication and sweat.
The best thigh exercise, as with any exercise, is the one that works for you. What’s more important is that it has to be the one which you will stick to, which fits into your schedule and lifestyle. It is also important to set goals, both short-term and long-term.
Make the long-term goal as difficult as you like, but the shorter-term goals must be achievable in a reasonable period of time.
If the goals are too difficult or take too long to achieve, the tendency is to give up and revert back to the old lifestyle. Achievable short-term goals can help prevent this as you’ll be able to see the progress you’re making.
It is also important to be certain that you are physically able to start a new fitness programme. A routine check with your doctor can confirm your ability to start a new programme, and your doctor may have some helpful advice or input concerning your intended course of action.
Good Exercises For Women in general
There are a number of exercises which are good for the thighs, which are also a good cardiovascular workout and will help tone other parts of your body as well.
Walking
The simplest of these is walking. You only need a good pair of walking asics nz shoes and a place to walk. A stroll around your neighbourhood or time spent on a treadmill will help tone and shape your thigh muscles.
Walking is also a low-impact exercise so a great one to start with and it won’t hurt your knees.
You should start slowly, then work up to walking a minimum of 45 minutes at a time, three to four times a week. For best results, try to maintain a speed of no less than three miles per hour.
Running
Jogging or running will burn more calories and tone your thighs faster, but is a much more strenuous exercise. It is a high-impact exercise which can cause problems with your feet, knees, and other joints.
A running routine can also be much harder to maintain. It is so easy to be a bit of a fair-weather runner and avoid the rain!
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact exercise which works nearly every part of your body. Unfortunately, it is one of the hardest regiments to stay with as it requires dedication to travel to the pool for every workout.
There is also the problem of having facilities available on a year-round basis.
Thigh Specific Exercises
A number of exercises will target your thighs and require very little special equipment if any at all. They can also be done in your home, so there is no need to travel to the gym.
Lunges
Lunges are some of the best thigh exercises. The further you stride forward, and the longer you hold the stretch, the better the results. Simply step one leg forward, bending your knees and then alternate your front leg.
You should start slowly, then work up to 25 to 35 repetitions per set. Complete three to four sets with short breaks in between each set.
Squats
Wall squats and Standing Dumbbell Squats are also excellent for shaping the thigh area. The dumbbells do not need to be large; five pounds will generally be plenty. Hold a dumbbell in each hand or one at your chest.
Again, start slowly and work up to three to four sets of each exercise. You should start out by exercising two to three times per week. Eventually, you want to work up to exercising four to six times per week.
Choosing the best exercise for you
As a reminder, the best exercise program for you is the one that you will stick to. A programme that makes too many demands or is too strenuous will soon be abandoned unless you have more willpower than me.
Even if the exercise programme you select is not the most effective overall, any exercise is an improvement and will be beneficial.
If you stick with your programme, you may eventually extend it and start doing more and more, and you will see the results in your thighs, as well as your overall health.
Other articles about exercising at home you may find helpful
If you are looking to get the most out of exercising at home these articles may help you.
4 reasons you should invest in home gym fitness, home gym equipment advice and how to workout without leaving the house
How to exercise indoors whatever the weather
How to choose an exercise bike
How to get back into exercise after giving birth
How to put together your own fitness program and budget home workout equipment whilst buying gym equipment you will actually use
How to make time for workouts and how other parents fit in exercise
8 ways to start exercising regularly in just a week
Tips to help you achieve 10,000 steps a day
Ways to make your home more conducive to exercise and how to exercise in a small home
Home workout routine without equipment