Thigh Blessings

As we learn to love ourselves we can work on self-improvement, in which exercise can play a major role. With the right leg workout plan, you can reduce your cellulite and make your lower body look smoother and feel firmer. The trick is working all your lower body muscles from every angle, reducing the underlying fat stores and replacing lost muscle tissue to give the area a taut, toned appearance throughout. Here are a few exercises that firm and smoothen the thighs.

Side lunges: work the legs and hip muscles.

Start with a standing position. With your feet and knees together, stand straight.

Taking a wide step sideways, spread your legs apart, as far as you can go comfortably.

Now bending to your right, lunge towards the floor.

Make sure your left leg remains straight and stable.

As you lunge, take care that your right knee does not extend past your right toes.

Stay there for three breaths and then come back to the original position.

Repeat on the other side. This completes one rep of a side lunge. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side.

Curtsy lunge: Work the hamstrings and thigh.

Start from a standing position, and step your left leg behind you and to the right so your thighs cross, bending both knees as if you were curtsying.

Return to standing, and switch sides to complete one rep.

Do three sets of 12 to 15 reps per side.

Step-ups: This works the muscles of your upper leg.

To start, place your entire right foot onto the bench or chair. Press through your right heel as you step onto the bench, bringing your left foot to meet your right so you are standing on the bench.

Return to the starting position by stepping down with the right foot, then the left so both feet are on the floor. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps per side.

Donkey kicks: This exercise works all of your glute muscles.

Assume the starting position on all fours: knees hipwidth apart, hands under your shoulders, neck and spine neutral.

Bracing your core, begin to lift your right leg, knee staying bent, foot staying _ at, and hinging at the hip.

Use your glute to press your foot directly toward the ceiling and squeeze at the top. Ensure your pelvis and working hip stay pointed toward the ground.

Return to the starting position. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to

Sumo Squat Jumps Stand with your feet wide enough so that they point outwards at a 45 degree angle. Make sure your spine is in a straight, neutral position. Make sure your weight is through your heels.

Squeeze your leg and core muscles as you lower your body downwards, use your hands for balance if needed. Lower yourself until your butt is an inch or two off the ground. Hold for 1-2 seconds.

Explosively squeeze your leg and core muscles to raise yourself up into a jump. Landing softly before slowly moving into your second squat. This is one rep. Do 2-3 sets of 10 to 12 reps.

These _ ve exercises, coupled with a healthy diet will aid in making your thighs look smoother and more youthful in appearance.