Top Exercises to Tighten and Tone Thighs and Butt

That title seems so crude, but it's just as serious as those of us who want to tone and tighten those thigh, hip, and bottom areas. Thighs, buttocks, inner and outer hips have long been a problem area for most folks who gain weight. Learning about and actually doing the exercises to tone those butt, thigh, and gluteus maximus area is relatively easy.

Tighten thighs and buttocks with squats

Long known and regarded as one of the single best exercises to reduce flab and tone the muscles in the thigh and buttocks area. Squats are easily learned but may be a bit difficult for some folks when first starting out. From a standing position, remain standing and slowly lower your body by bending your legs, as if beginning to sit down.

Continue downward until the legs are fully bent, your torso now lowered to the point of your knees being bent about halfway. Go down as far as possible. If you can't make it half way down, just go as far as you can. Hold in the lower position for a three count, then go back up. Repeat the process until it's impossible to do anymore. You can increase the difficulty of a squat by using weights or taking a wider stance.

Kick-boxing for a tighter butt and thighs

Starting from a standing position, lift one leg up as high as possible by bending the knee and extending the leg slowly outward. Extend your leg away as if simulating a slow-motion side karate kick. Reverse the process until your leg is at rest in the standing position. Remember to move as slowly as possible, sort of like tai chi.

For tightening the butt, complete as many back kicks as possible. From the standing position, moving in slow-motion, lift one leg up as before, turn to take a look to the rear while slowly extending the leg up and out away from your body. Keep the leg as high as possible. Reverse the order in slow-motion and return to the standing position. Repeat until near muscle fatigue.

Power leg raises to tighten and tone thighs and buttocks

From the hands and knees position, start with your hands and knees about 12 to 18 inches apart. With your knee held in the 90 degree bent position, begin to slowly push one leg away and up from your body until it your knee is about the same distance above the floor as your hips. Hold that up position for a three count, then slowly lower the leg back to the starting position.

Of course, alternate legs and repeat until you can't do any more. Remember to always move in slow-motion and push yourself to do one or two more after you think you can't do any more. These last few pushes are where the real work of toning the thighs and butt gets done. Work it until it burns, rest, and do it again. With all of these exercises, try and do at least 3 sets of ten reps each.

Sources:

Shape.com; Tighten your Butt and Thighs

Livestrong.com; Exercises to Tighten Inner Thighs and the Butt

WonderHowTo.com; How to Tighten Your Butt, Hips, Thighs, and Legs