Thigh Blaster

With Spring in the air and the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get ready for outdoor activities – specifically the swimsuit season. When you hear the phase toning the muscles, what we’re really talking about is strengthening a muscle and reducing the subcutaneous “soft fat” covering it. Less subcutaneous fat (under the skin surface), the more the muscle looks “toned or firm.”

Your caloric intake and distribution of macronutrients – protein, fat, carbohydrates – addresses not only lean muscle preservation or increase, but also loss of fat under the skin, around and within muscle tissue.

In this series, we’ll focus on strengthening specific muscle groups, which can accentuate a lean physique – with appropriate dietary modifications.

Thigh Blaster

Using a light rubber exercise band, attach it at the mid-thigh level to a fixed object. Step into the band and place just above the kneecap on one thigh.  Turn so the anchor is to the side, with resistance pulling inward. Move away from the anchor (fixed object) to a balanced position against the resistance of the band. Set up into a standing stationary lunge position. Step back into a reverse lunge position and hold. Against the resistance, lower the back leg to a 90-degree position at the knee. Return to the standing position. Try 10. Then, turn so the resistance is to the opposite side. Try 10 stationary reverse lunges. Repeat with the opposite leg.