Many women desire to have nice, well-toned legs, but not many of them know how to get thinner thighs. Many turn to diets that leave them hungry and weak. Instead, the best way to get the thighs you’ve always wanted is through exercise and a balanced diet. Here are several exercises that specifically target the hamstrings and the quadriceps, the muscles that make up your thighs.

1) Power Walking

The rationale behind this is pretty obvious. This exercise must be the simplest to do because it’s one activity you do everyday.  But to get thinner thighs, you must change your routine a bit. Walking at a faster rate and with bigger strides will surely get your thigh muscles engaged. This is also good for your cardiovascular health, so, walk, walk, walk!

2) Squats

Of all the ways on how to get thinner thighs, nothing will get your quadriceps pumping like squats. Squats also train and lift your buttocks but one must do it properly to avoid injuring the knee. Make sure that you keep your knee joint above your ankle as you bend. This will protect the knee joint from injury.

Chair Squats

For simple chair squats, stand in front of a chair with your back facing it. Keeping your movements slow and controlled, make a move to sit on the chair. Don’t let your buttocks touch the chair as you go down. Then return to your original position, with your legs not fully extended.

Wall Squat

This exercise will target your front thighs. Stand in front of a wall with your upper back against it. Place your feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly upward. Keep your weight center and distributed to both your feet. Lower yourself into a squat position, making sure that you do it slowly while keeping your heels at the floor. Slowly straighten your legs and go back to your starting position. Repeat.

3) Lunges

Still wondering how to get thinner thighs? Then try lunges. These exercises engage your quadriceps (front thighs), hamstrings (back of the thighs) and your buttocks. Stand up straight by pulling your abdominals in and shoulders back. Step forward with one of your legs and leave the other behind. Squat down slowly, keeping control. Make sure that you keep your weight evenly distributed to both your legs and push your hips back. Keep your knees above your ankle to lessen the strain on the knee, and return to your original position, stopping just before you straighten out your legs. Repeat.

To intensify your thigh muscle training, you can use resistance tubing or hold on to dumbbells. These ways on how to get thinner thighs will be useless if you don’t watch what you eat. To get the most results, it is wise to eat healthy food. Also, be sure to consult your doctor before getting into any exercise program.