Yoga for Slimmer Thighs
Say good bye to thunder thighs with these yoga poses.
Swimsuit season is right around the corner and it’s time to get those thighs in shape! With a little yoga, it’s easy to tone your thighs and keep them looking good in that bikini all summer long. The poses below are designed to specifically target all the muscles in your legs and butt. Try the full sequence and by the end you’ll see why it’s nicknamed the “Burning Thighs Yoga Sequence”. Remember to hold each pose for at least five breaths!
By Jenny Sugar
Down Dog
Come onto the hands and knees with your wrists underneath your shoulders and your knees underneath your hips. Inhale as you tuck your toes under your heels. Then exhale to lift your hips, coming into the classic upside-down “V” shape called Downward Facing Dog. Spread your fingers wide, and create a straight line between your middle fingers and elbows. Work on straightening your legs and lowering your heels toward the ground. Relax your head between your arms, and direct your gaze through your legs or up toward your belly button. Breathe deeply for five breaths.
Warrior I
From Down Dog, inhale to step your right foot forward between your hands. Turn your left heel in, press into your feet, and lift your torso up. Raise your arms up and press your palms together. Draw your shoulder blades down toward your hips, and gaze up toward your hands. Stay here for five breaths.
Rotated Side Angle Prayer
Hold your legs in Warrior 1 position, and on an exhale, cross your left elbow over your right thigh. Press your palms together firmly, and push into your bottom arm to lengthen the spine and increase the twist. Gaze over the right shoulder, breathing for five full breaths.
Side Fierce
Hold Rotated Side Angle Prayer arms, and inhale to step your left foot forward to meet your right. Stay for five breaths, keeping weight in the heels.
Open Side Fierce
Hold Rotated Side Angle Prayer arms, and inhale to step your left foot forward to meet your right. Stay for five breaths, keeping weight in the heels.
Side Crow
From Open Side Fierce, plant both hands to the right side of your mat so they’re parallel with your thighs. They should be shoulder-width distance apart with fingers spread wide. Lean into the palms, and rest your right hip on your right elbow and your outer right knee on your left elbow. Try to keep your knees together as you shift all your weight into your hands and slowly lift your feet off the floor. It’s OK if you lose your balance and fall over. Just keep trying until eventually you can hold this pose for five even breaths.
Bound Revolved Side Angle
Bring the lower body back into Warrior position by stepping the left foot back. Stay twisted to the right, and cross the left elbow over the right thigh. Bring your right arm behind your lower back, and try to hold hands. If it’s easy, your left hand holds the right wrist. If this is too hard, repeat Rotated Warrior with hands in prayer position. Gaze over the right shoulder for five deep breaths.
All images courtesy of POPSUGAR.
