The Skinny Jean Workout
November 10, 2014
It’s official. It is leggings and skinny jeans time. There is no going back until next summer. Feel confident and get toned with some killer inner thigh moves. Each one will be worth the effort for the strength you feel and the toned legs you can show off this cold weather season. Besides, who doesn’t want a leg up on the holiday season? I know that I do.
Know Your Squats
Squats are your thighs best friend even if they feel like your worst enemy while you are doing them. These exercises will work any time and all year.
Gliding Side Lunge:
Using a disc like a Valslide makes this move slide and glide. If you don’t have a Valslide, try using a plastic lid from a large container on carpet. Feet should be hip-width apart. One foot (the right) should be on the plastic disc. Put your weight on your left leg and slowly bend the left knee and go into a squat. As you squat, the right leg should slide out to the side. Slowly straighten the left leg and simultaneously bring the right leg back to start. Do three sets of 10 reps on each side.
Narrow Squat with Overhead Press:
Feel the burn on the inner thigh, inner hamstring and inner quad muscles with this tight move. A set of 3, 5 or 10 lb. weights will also be needed. Start with your legs together. Arms should be at shoulder level, elbows bent with a weight in each hand. Next, squat down like you are sitting in a chair. As you squat down, raise your arms up over your head in a parallel position. Slowly stand up straight and bring your arms back down to their original position. Repeat for three sets of 15 reps.
Work those side pelvic muscles with your inner thighs. Start by holding 5-10 lb. hand weights, one in each hand, stand with your legs and feet together. Take a step out to the side with your right leg and lunge towards the floor. Don’t extend your right knee past your toes. Left leg should be straight. Return to your original position. Do for three sets of 10 on each side.
Circle Time
This last exercise singles out each leg for long, lean muscles.
Single-Leg Circle:
Strengthen legs by circular motion. Lie on your back with your legs straight in front of you, palms on the floor. Point your left foot to the ceiling with your leg rotated outward slightly. Trace a circle on with the left leg using the whole leg. Keep your hips still and don’t move them off the floor during this move. Trace the circle five times in a clockwise direction and then repeat in a counter-clockwise direction. Do this five times on each leg.
