How to Tone Your Thighs

If you weren't blessed with thin thighs, don't fret, all you have to do is to work a bit harder to achieve the results you're looking for. Don't worry though, you won't have to spend your days and nights in the gym to slim down your thighs, but you will need a bit of dedication if you want to look fabulous in your shorts. Of course being tall and naturally slender helps but even short women can lose inches on their legs. By following the thigh exercises listed below you'll be on your way to slimmer legs just in time for summer.

PLIE SQATS

Admit it, when you were little you wanted to be a ballerina, right? Well here's your chance to do a plie but instead of performing on the stage you'll be strengthening and toning your inner thighs - that pesky area that seems to wobble and rub together. The plie squat is also a great way to improve your coordination. If you have trouble at first, try holding onto something like a countertop.

While standing, spread your legs as far as you can so that your feet are further away than your shoulders - at least two feet away from your body. The further you spread your legs, the more you will work your inner thighs but it takes practice so be patient when first starting. Turn your feet so that your toes are facing outwards; you're half-way there so if you're still standing then well done!

Now here's comes the tricky part. Move your hips back and stick out your buttocks, then inhale and bend at the knee as far down as you can go. This is a real test of your balance but don't worry, you don't have to stay like that for too long. As soon as you go down as far as you can, then exhale and come back up slowly while still maintaining a straight torso.

WALL SQUAT

The easiest way to perform a squat is to lean against the wall. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and approximately two feet away from the wall before sliding down until you are in a sitting position or until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold this position for as long as you can but aim for 20 seconds before rising back up.

TRADITIONAL SQUATS

Squats can be performed with or without weights so they're the perfect at-home exercise. These thigh exercises only take a few minutes and can work wonders when trying to slim down your legs. If this is your first time then you might want to stand in front of a mirror so you can make sure you're using the correct form.

Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart. Take a deep breath in and bend your legs slowly (at the knee) so your legs are parallel with the floor as if you are about to sit in a chair. Try not to hunch your shoulders or bend your back - keeping your back straight and sticking out your butt out are the best way to perform a squat according to Acefitness.org. Try to keep a slight bend in your knees as you exhale, and come back up by straightening your legs.

LUNGES

Lunges, like squats, can be performed anywhere and can be done with or without dumbbells. Lunges require a bit of coordination but if you can walk, then rest assured, you'll be able to do a lunge.

The easiest way to get started with a lunge is to take a giant step forward with one leg and then bend at the knee all the way until your front leg is at a 90 degree angle. Hold this position for a few seconds then straighten your leg slowly before repeating the process with the other leg. You can do walking lunges if you have the room but if not, perform stationery lunges - they're just as effective.