Thwart Thunder Thighs in 3 Steps!

Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

By Jenny Everett, Self magazine

Young women are pre-programmed to store fat around their butt, hips, and thighs. It's evolutionary (thanks, cavewoman ancestors) and genetic (thanks, Mom). But that doesn't mean you're stuck with flabby inner thighs.

You can't spot reduce fat, so the key, according to three top trainers, is a 360-degree approach in which you're burning off fat with cardio (intervals, intervals, intervals!), controlling bulge with smart food choices, and toning with smart, simple moves that isolate the inner thighs.

Here are our experts' go-to thunder thigh-thwarting moves:

The Expert: Exercise physiologist Tom Holland, owner of Tom Holland's Athletic Club in New Canaan, Conn.

You Thigh Toning To-Do: Lying Hip Abduction.
Lie on your right side with right arm outstretched beneath your head and left palm on the ground in front of your chest. Extend bottom (right) leg and bend left leg and place foot flat on the ground behind your right knee. Keeping foot neutral (90 degree to the shin) gently raise the right leg then slowly lower. Do 15 reps, then repeat with the opposite leg. That's one set. Do 2-3, adding an ankle weight for more of a challenge.

Related: Click here to build your own PERFECT leg workout!

The Expert: Exercise physiologist Amy Dixon, group fitness manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, Calif., and star of the new "Super Fit Bod" workout DVD.

You Thigh Toning To-Do: Stability Ball Squeeze.

Lie flat on your back with a stability ball between your legs. Squeeze legs together (and lift if you want to add a core workout) until inner thighs are burning and, as Dixon so bluntly puts it, "you want to cry." Ease up, rest for one minute, then repeat.

Related: Reach Your Goal! Lose 8 Pounds at Home or at The Gym

The Expert:Jessica Smith, a Florida-based wellness coach and star of "10 Min. Solution: Ultimate Bootcamp."

Your Thigh Toning To-Do: The Skater.

Stand with feet together, arms at your sides. Lunge laterally to the right, then drag your left leg toward your right. Quickly change directions and repeat to the opposite side. Continue for one minute, focusing on going as quickly and smoothly as possible in order to amp up your heart rate and burn as many calories as possible. That's one rep. Rest for 30 seconds, then repeat for a total of three reps.

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Photo Credit: Condé Nast Digital Studio