We're back this week with another exercise - this time for the thighs! Here to show you how to tone the thighs is our owner Emily. At Fifty 5 Fitness classes in Winnipeg, we look for ways to improve muscle strength in ways that are low-impact and safe for the knees - and this inner thigh blaster is no exception! This strength training exercise can be done at home with or without weights which makes it a great complement to your aerobic activities on days when you don't attend fitness classes.
Did you know that any standing exercise is also helpful for developing your balance? The Fifty 5 Fitness ladies are getting vey good at their balance work. Seeing how far many of them have come from a year ago since launching Fifty 5 Fitness is incredible! This multitasking exercise will help you improve your balance as you work on your thighs!
Start Here (A)
Stand tall with your feet together and an upright posture holding one dumbbell in each hand. 2-5 pounds would be a great place to start! Engage your abdominal muscles and squeeze your shoulder blades slightly together, letting your arms rest beside your hips. Keep your spine long from your tailbone to the crown of your head.
Movement (B)
Take a lateral step to the left with your left foot and bend into your left knee. Maintain the slight squeeze in the shoulder blades and bring your arms slightly over to the left - imagine that you're framing your left knee with your arms! Keep your shoulders squared toward the front and split your weight evenly between both feet. For proper alignment, check that your knee stays over your heel and all ten of your toes continue to point forward. Pause for one second, then step your left foot back in line with the right to return back to start. Continue stepping the left foot out while leaving the right foot glued to its original spot!
If you choose to use weights, start with a set between 2-5lbs and try 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions on each side to blast those inner thighs! This exercise increases in difficulty depending on how far out to the side you step your foot. For more strength training thigh exercises, join us at Fifty5Fitness, a gym for women in Winnipeg!