How to Achieve Thinner Thighs

To slim your thighs, a full-body approach is required. Solely focusing on your upper legs is not going to give you the desired results because reducing one area of the body is impossible. If you perform the wrong type of exercise, it can have an adverse affect and you can end up with even bigger thighs. Proper exercise is only one factor that helps you reduce your thighs. Diet also needs to be adjusted to keep your weight under control.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your thigh measurement. Place a measuring tape around the widest part of your thigh. Record the inches in a journal. Avoid tracking your results by standing on a scale because even when your thighs get thinner, your weight may go up due to the muscle tissue you may gain. Take your thigh measurement in the same manner, each time, at regular intervals; once a week, every two weeks or once a month.

• 2

  Adjust your diet gradually. Take out saturated fats, such as butter. Focus on plant-based foods because these are filling and low in calories and fat; include vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. Reduce processed foods such as white bread, pastries and cookies. Consume complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and oatmeal. Replace fatty cuts of meats, such as pork and beef, with lean alternatives, including chicken, fish and turkey.

• 3

  Perform cardiovascular exercise that puts emphasis on your legs. Ride a bike, walk or jog. Incorporate different kinds of exercise to keep from getting bored. Skip rope, go ice skating or roller skating or take a step class. Exercise five days a week for at least 30 minutes a day.

• 4

  Incorporate two strength-training sessions on two days of the week. Train your arms, legs, abdomen, shoulders, back and chest. Strength training speeds up your weight loss because muscle tissue revs up your resting metabolic rate so you burn more calories.

• 5

  Target your thighs with exercises such as the squat with dumbbell pickup. Position your legs hip-width apart and stand two dumbbells up on the floor; one at the side of each leg. Stand up straight and bend your knees approximately 90 degrees. Push your hips backward as if to sit in a chair. Pick up the dumbbells. Avoid bending your back; keep you back straight and look forward. Stand back up. Repeat this movement 12 times and complete three sets.

• 6

  Lunge your way to slimmer legs. Stand with your feet together and take a big step forward with your left foot. Place your weight on your left foot. Keep your right foot stretched behind you. Bend both knees to lower yourself toward the floor. Keep your left knee directly over your left ankle. Push through your left foot to come back to the starting position. Execute 12 repetitions before switching legs. Complete a total of three sets. Hold dumbbells in your hands, to the sides of your body, for added challenge.