​ 5 Best Moves to Tone Your Inner Thighs

You use your legs all the time, but chances are, your inner thighs aren't toned. Most people have a hard time with this part of the body. It's only seen at the beach or in your closet mirror, so what's the point?

Your inner thigh muscles, though, do a lot of work. Having toned inner thighs will make your legs stronger and your posture better. You'll likely begin to notice that you can walk longer distances without becoming fatigued. Of course, there's also the added benefit of looking great in a pair of shorts. Keep reading for five moves that will help you tone your inner thighs.

1. Clam Shells

Basically, act like a clam. Get down on the ground, then lie down on one side. Bring your legs up so they're bent at about 90 degrees, and your knees are in front of you. Bring your top leg up, squeezing your butt and your abs so you don't rock. Repeat an even amount of times on both sides, about 10-12 per day.

2. Dance the Bees Knees

This is a move that you've seen from days long gone. It looked good on flappers but for most other people, it looks very silly. Still, it is a really fun way to tone your inner thighs. Get into a squat position (remember that good form is better than trying to go too far, so just do a little squat if you're not used to that position). Put your hands on your knees, then move your knees outward with your opposite hand on each knee (your left hand should follow your right knee, and your right hand should follow your left knee.) Don't forget to play some music while you make it happen. Anything with a beat will do, but if you want to stay close to the history, it needs to be ragtime.

3. Wide Scissor Legs

In this move, your legs become scissors but the only thing they'll cut is the floppiness of your inner thighs. Lie on the ground, on your back, and put your legs straight up in the air. Cross your legs one way, and then the other. Bring them as wide as you can while keeping them straight and strong. The narrower that you keep your legs, the more these will work your abs. This is a bonus for most people: abs and thighs get tightened at the same time, and your glutes will benefit, too.

4. Wide Leg Squats

Squats are one of the best exercises for the body since, when done properly, they work your abs and glutes and thighs all at the same time, and they can get your heart pumping too. Also, it's easy to add weight or take weight away according to your fitness level. If you are just beginning, you can simply sit down in a chair and stand up repeatedly. This will help to strengthen your body without too much initial stress. Wide leg squats are a variation of the usual squat but these will really work your inner thighs. To perform them, simply spread your feet a little wider than hip-width, point your butt back and lower your body down (always being sure that your knees stay behind your toes and your back remains straight!) You're not bending over, just using your legs and butt to lower your whole body. Do about 10-15 a day, depending on your own body strength.

5. Kick your Legs

Contract your abs, make fists with your hands, and hold them near your chest to help stabilize your body. Raise one leg like you're marching, but then kick your leg out. Return your leg to the ground and repeat on the other leg. Really focus on balance and using your leg muscles. This is a move that can be done lazily, using simple momentum, but instead, to work your inner thighs as much as possible, focus on utilizing your leg muscles. Once these get easy, you can place bean bags on your feet.

The inner thighs are a forgotten part of the body, but if you give them some attention, you'll be thankful for their strength. And you'll really love them during bathing suit season.