The inner thighs represent one of the most neglected areas of the body when it comes to fitness and exercise. Most people focus on their abs and arms, and forget to work the inner thighs, even though they are key to developing strong, toned legs. Strengthening and toning the inner thigh muscles can help to improve balance and stability, as these muscles act as a bridge that connects the lower and upper body.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the best inner thigh exercises out there, so you can get the most out of your workouts and strengthen those inner thigh muscles.
Benefits of Inner Thigh Workouts
Before getting into the actual exercises, let’s look at some of the benefits of doing regular inner thigh workouts.
• Improved posture and balance. Strengthening your inner thigh muscles can help to improve your posture, as the muscles support the thigh bones and the knee joint. Stronger muscles also help to reduce any imbalances and promote a balanced frame overall.
• Reduce the risk of injury. When the inner thigh muscles are weak, it can cause an increased risk of injury as the muscles can no longer support the joint properly. Strengthening the inner thigh muscles can help to reduce this risk.
• Improved overall strength. Strengthening the inner thighs can also help to improve overall body strength and stability. The inner thigh muscles are connected to the hip and core muscles, and that connection can help to promote movements that are more stable, balanced, and powerful.
• Improved aesthetics. Who doesn’t want toned, sculpted inner thighs? Working on your inner thigh muscles can help to sculpt the muscles, giving you a beautiful, toned look.
Top 10 Inner Thigh Exercises
Now that we’ve looked at some of the benefits of inner thigh workouts, let’s get into the actual exercises. Here are some of the top inner thigh exercises you can do to make those muscles stronger and more toned.
- Scissor Kicks
Scissor kicks are a simple and effective exercise for the inner thighs. To perform this exercise, lie on your back on a yoga mat. Lift your legs up to a 45-degree angle and begin to move them side to side in a scissor-like motion. Do 15 reps of this exercise, and then rest for 30 seconds before starting again.
- Lateral Lunge
The lateral lunge is a great exercise for toning and strengthening the inner thighs. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart. Take a big step to the right and lower your body down into a lunge. Push off with your right foot to come back to standing, and then repeat on the left. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Squats
Squats are another great exercise for targeting the inner thigh muscles. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart and your toes facing forward. Lower your hips down and back, as if you are about to sit in a chair. Keep your chest up and your weight focused in your heels as you press back up to standing. Do 20 reps of this exercise.
- Plank Inner Thigh Lifts
Plank inner thigh lifts are an effective exercise for targeting the inner thighs. To perform this exercise, start in a plank position with your body straight and your hands and feet touching the floor. Bracing your core, raise your right foot off the floor and lift it toward your chest. Slowly lower the foot back to the floor. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Curtsy Lunge
The curtsy lunge is a great exercise for toning and strengthening the inner thighs. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Take a big step back with your left foot, cross it behind your right, and lower your hips down into a lunge. Push off with your right foot to come back to standing. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Reverse Lunges
Reverse lunges are another great way to tone and strengthen the inner thigh muscles. To perform this exercise, stand with your feet hip-distance apart and your toes facing forward. Take a big step back with your left foot and lower your hips down into a lunge. Keep your chest up and push off with your left foot to come back to standing. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Side-Lying Leg Raises
Side-lying leg raises are an effective way to target the inner thighs. To perform this exercise, lie on your right side on a yoga mat and rest your head on your right arm. Bend your knees and place your left hand on the floor in front of your chest. Keeping your feet together, raise your top leg up toward the ceiling, and then lower it back down. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Fire Hydrants
Fire hydrants are a great way to tone and strengthen the inner thigh muscles. To perform this exercise, get down on all fours on a yoga mat. Bracing your core and keeping your knee bent, lift your left leg out to the side. Squeeze your inner thigh and glutes, and then lower the leg back down to the floor. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Standing Hip Abductions
Standing hip abductions are an effective exercise for targeting the inner thigh muscles. To perform this exercise, stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart and your toes facing forward. Lift your left leg out to the side as far as you can, and then lower it back down to the floor. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
- Step-Ups
Step-ups are a great way to target the inner thigh muscles. To perform this exercise, find a step or an elevated surface that’s knee-height or lower. Place your left foot on the step, press through your heel to lift your body up, and then step down with the right foot. Do 15 reps of this exercise on each side.
Inner thigh exercises are a great way to strengthen and tone your legs, improve your balance and stability, and reduce the risk of injury. From scissor kicks to lateral lunges, there are a range of exercises you can do to target those inner thigh muscles. So the next time you’re at the gym, make sure to add some of these exercises into your routine!
