How to Tone Your Hips and Thighs

The lower body is a big trouble spot for many people, especially women. Hips and thighs are where most of the unnecessary fat comes home to rest to make your figure unattractive. Hormones, genetics and an unhealthy lifestyle are the top causes of fat accumulated in these areas.

Fortunately, there are certain tips that can firm your thigh and hip muscles, get rid of stubborn fat and give you toned, sleek legs.

Also, there are many effective techniques, simple lifestyle changes and dietary choices to reduce fat from your hips and thighs and tone them up.

Here are the top 10 ways to tone your hips and thighs.

1. Cardio and Strength Training Exercises

A proper exercise regime is the best way to lose fat from your entire body. Certain cardiovascular and strength training exercises can work out fat from your thighs and hips. You can do most of the strength exercises at home without any equipment. You simply need an area that allows you to move around easily.

• Work out on cardio equipment, such as a stationary bike, treadmill or elliptical trainer, for 30 to 40 minutes at least 5 days a week. Most gyms have these basic machines. You can also check second-hand sporting goods shops for good deals on home equipment.
• In addition, do strength-training exercises, including regular squats, one-legged squats, jumping squats, lunges, leg extensions and leg curls, for 30 minutes at least 3 or 4 times a week.

2. Aerobic Exercises

Along with strengthening and cardiovascular exercises, you need to do aerobic exercises to tone your hips and thigh muscles. These exercises help burn fat on your inner thighs and the rest of the body as well.

• Stair climbing is a simple aerobic exercise that you can do daily. This particular exercise raises your metabolism and works your thigh muscles. While stair climbing, keep your back straight.
• Cycling is another great form of aerobic exercise that works your legs, especially your thighs. It will also help build stamina and endurance.
• Brisk walking is another excellent toning exercise for your thighs and hips. It will help burn fat in areas more than just your legs. Enjoy brisk walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week.

3. Yoga

You can also try yoga to reduce fat and tone the muscles in your hips and thighs. Apart from reducing fat, yoga will increase strength and flexibility, and calm your mind.

• The Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) is a well-known asana in yoga that will help tone the entire body, including your hips and thighs. It can be very useful for reducing thigh fat. Practice Surya Namaskar twice daily.
• Other yoga poses include Baddha Konasana (Cobbler’s pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose), Ananda Balasana (Happy baby pose), Utkatasana (Chair pose), Paschimottasana (Seated forward bend pose) and Veerabhadrasana (Warrior 3 pose).

If you have any questions, consult a yoga practitioner to learn about the postures.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps breakdown fat and hence prevents the accumulation of body fat. Containing minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, it also helps flush out toxins and prevent water retention.

• Mix 3 parts raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with one part olive oil or coconut oil. Use it to massage your hips and thighs for 10 minutes. Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Follow this remedy 2 times daily.
• Another option is to mix 2 teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and a little honey in a glass of water. Drink it daily in the morning, preferably before having your breakfast.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great for losing extra fat from your body, including your thighs and hips. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil get absorbed directly into the cell membranes and are immediately converted into energy instead of being stored as fat. Moreover, coconut oil improves your metabolism and reduces hunger cravings.

• Massage your thighs and hips with warm coconut oil for 10 minutes twice daily.
• Also, use extra-virgin coconut oil for cooking.

6. Coffee Grounds

Coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine, which tighten, smoothen and tone the skin. It also promotes circulation and reduces accumulated fat. Coarse coffee grounds work as an amazing scrub that helps tone the muscles around your hips and thighs.

1. Take 1 tablespoon of leftover grounds of coffee after brewing it.
2. Add some honey to get a thick paste-like consistency.
3. Before taking a bath, apply it on your hips and thighs and allow it to dry.
4. Then with wet hands, scrub it off and then rinse it with water.
5. Follow this remedy 2 or 3 times a week.

7. Sea Salt

Sea salt will help tone and tighten the skin on your hips and thighs. You can swap your normal refined salt with Celtic sea salt. Celtic sea salt is packed with minerals, which help reduce excess body fat and keep your body hydrated.

Moreover, you can prepare a detox bath at home with sea salt.

1. In a tub of warm water, add 2 cups of sea salt and mix thoroughly.
2. Add 6 to 8 drops of any essential oil.
3. Soak your body in this relaxing water for 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy this bath a few times a week.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Being a fat-burning food, cayenne pepper can help reduce fat accumulated on your hips and thighs and tone them up. Moreover, it boosts metabolism and helps eliminate toxins from the body.

• Add 1 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper powder and grated ginger along with the juice of 1 lemon to a glass of warm water. Mix well and drink it 2 times daily.
• Also, use cayenne pepper in your cooking.

9. Dietary Changes

A healthy diet is a key factor in losing weight and maintaining a healthy and toned body, including your thighs and hips. To keep a check on your diet, here are some guidelines:

• Eat low-calorie foods. Restrict your daily intake of calories between 1,200 and 1,500 calories. If you are a man, restrict your calorie intake between 1,500 and 1,800 calories.
• Follow a low-carbohydrate diet as excess carbohydrates contribute to weight gain.
• Avoid high sugar intake by eliminating sodas, energy drinks and juices that have high sugar content. To sweeten your tea or any other dish, opt for natural sweeteners like honey.
• Drink a few cups of green tea daily, as it has antioxidants that aid weight loss.

10. Drink Enough Water

It is important to drink adequate amount of water throughout the day because your liver needs water to convert fat into energy and keep your metabolism high. Plus, it helps maintain optimal physical performance and aid your body in getting rid of harmful toxins.

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water daily. In fact, start your day with a glass of water. To enhance the taste of plain water, add a little lemon juice or honey.
• Also, eat foods with higher water content like melons, cucumbers and leafy green vegetables. At the same time, stay away from excessive alcohol and coffee that can dehydrate the body.

Additional Tips

• Get a good night’s sleep every night to achieve your goals.
• Do not skip breakfast. Eat a healthy breakfast before leaving home each day.
• Never starve yourself to lose weight.
• Dry brushing on a regular basis helps decrease fat deposits and tone up problem areas.
• Drink 1 to 2 glasses of fresh grapefruit juice to help you burn more fat.