Exercise can be frustrating, especially when the physical changes you want to see aren't happening as quickly as you'd like.
Sometimes, it's not about the amount of effort you're putting in, but about the type of exercises you're doing.
To target the thighs, for example, exercises need to be geared to the gluteus and thigh muscles.
If slimmer thighs are your goal, try the following exercises for more measurable results you can see:
Crescent kicks
You won't need any special equipment for crescent kicks. Take your cue from The Today Show, and stand with your feet hip-width apart with arms falling to your sides. Step onto your left foot, and lift your right leg off the floor, brushing it while kicking forward and around. Create a circular sweeping motion from left to right. Then step onto your right foot and repeat the same.
Reverse crunch
Take a load off in a sitting exercise meant to target your core and tone your thighs from O Magazine. In a comfortable chair, sit upright and extend your legs in front of you. Place your palms down, flat, alongside your body on the chair. While squeezing your legs together, lift them one inch off the floor. Separate your legs up to three-inches apart and bring them back together. Repeat 15 times.
Credit: CHRIS HUNT / AJC
Credit: CHRIS HUNT / AJC
Plie
Per SHAPE Magazine, this ballet-inspired exercise is sure to make your thigh muscles feel toned and tighter. Stand with your hands on your hips and toes tilted to the sides, at about a 45-degree angle. Then plie: Bend your knees over your toes and lower your body to the floor. Be sure to keep your back straight and your core tight as you plie.
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Credit: Chris Hunt / Staff
Credit: Chris Hunt / Staff
Ball squats
Use an exercise ball in this Fitness Magazine move. Squats are known to work your glutes, obliques, abs and thigh muscles. Position an exercise ball on the wall in the crook of your lower back. Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and lower your body 5 to 10 inches, being careful to keep hips square and shoulders steady. Hold for 3 seconds. Repeat for each rep.
