13 Yoga Exercises To Get Your Thighs And Hips In Shape

If you want to get rid of hip and thigh fat, do yoga for hips and thighs. Lack of exercise, age, hormones, genetics, and poor food habits contribute to excess flabⁱ  Loose, sloppy, unwanted flesh on a person's or animal's body. in the lower body. But, the right yoga asanas can shed the fat from your hips and thighs quickly. A balanced diet is also essential. Check out these yoga exercises for losing hip and thigh fat. Scroll down!

Benefits Of Yoga For Hips And Thighs

Yoga offers a range of benefits for hips and thighs, from muscle strength to supporting emotional well-being. Here are some of them.

• Improves flexibility
• Enhances mobility
• Reduces stiffness
• Supports joint health and stability
• Strengthens the hip muscles
• Promotes mental and emotional well-being

Now that we understand the advantages of yoga for the thighs and hips, let us move on to some specific poses that work wonders for these body parts. Scroll down to learn more.

Yoga For Hips And Thighs

1. Utkatasana

Also Known As – Chair Pose

Benefits – This is an effective yoga asana to tone your buttocks. It stimulates the muscles in your legs, especially the hips and thighs. Sitting on a chair is easy, but when you sit on an imaginary chair, your muscles are exerted as they hold the fort for your body. Your body weight rests upon your legs, especially on the muscles of the hips and thighs. This not only tones your legs and builds muscle but strengthens the area too.

How To Do It – Stand erect in Tadasana. Gently bend your knees and lower your buttocks as if you are seated on an imaginary chair. Inhale and extend your arms over your head. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you keep the flow of your breath going. Release.

Curing Tip – Listen to your body. If you are a beginner, lower your hips only as much as you can, but increase gradually. Once you feel comfortable in the pose, you could pulse a bit to increase the intensity and the stretch in the muscle.

A Word Of Caution: You should not feel too much strain on the knees. Make sure the load of this pose does not translate into the knees.

2. Virabhadrasana II

Also Known As – Warrior Pose II

Benefits – This asana works on the legs for sure, but it is a good yoga pose for inner thighs specifically. At the outset, this pose might look simple, but it works on the muscles that do not get attention when we run our daily chores. The best part is that both the legs get a different workout at the same time, so more muscle groups are targeted with this asana.

How To Do It – Widen your legs such that they are substantially more than hip-width apart. Turn your right heel with the toes pointing outwards, and use your left heel to ground yourself. The arch of your left heel must be in line with the right foot. Lower your hips and then radiate your energy out as you stretch out your arms such that they are in line with your shoulders. Turn your gaze forward and hold the pose with integrity. Breathe slow and strong as you hold the pose and then release. Repeat on the other side.

Curing Tip – For best results, widen the stretch of your legs and lower your pelvisⁱ  The part of the body beneath the abdomen located between the hip bones. , but make a mental note to pull the abdominal organs upward. Make sure you maintain balance on both legs equally.

3. Natarajasana

Also Known As – Lord Of The Dance Pose

Benefits – The hip flexorsⁱ  A muscle that allows you to twist or bend your body. are stimulated and stretched in this very graceful posture. Both the inner and outer thigh muscles are worked upon. This asana strengthens the legs as the body balances on one leg. Right from your pelvis to your feet, every muscle in your leg is toned and stretched. Your hips are opened up, and all the energy blocks in the legs are released. The blood circulation in your legs is enhanced, which gives a fresh flow of oxygen and nutrients to them.

How To Do It – Stand in Tadasana. Lift your right foot and swing it behind such that your right leg is parallel to the ground. Bend your knee, reaching your right arm to the right foot/big toe, and stretch. Once you grasp the right foot, stretch your left arm forward. You could keep the palms stretched out or assume the Gyan Mudra. Look at your left fingers. Hold the pose for a few seconds as you take long, deep breaths. Release and repeat on the other side.

To know more about this asana, click here: Natarajasana

4. Ustrasana

Also Known As – Camel Pose

Benefits – This asana brilliantly opens your pectoral musclesⁱ  The muscles that link the front of the human chest to the upper arm and shoulder bones. and gives strenght to the hip flexors. It also tones all the limbs, especially the thighs. This asana works on the front part of your body, so the muscles in the frontal thighs get thoroughly toned and stimulated.

How To Do It – Sit in Vajrasana. Lift your hips and raise your body such that the hip muscles and calf muscles are perpendicular. Open up your chest and lean back. Reach your arms for the soles, making sure your arms are stretched out. Gently hang your head as you gaze at the back. Esnure that there is no adverse feeling at the lumbar spine area. Hold the pose as you take long, deep breaths. Release.

5. Upavistha Konasana

Also Known As – Seated Wide Legged Forward Fold

Benefits – This asana works amazingly well on the posterior part of your legs. Apart from giving them a good stretch, it works on the much-ignored inner thighs. It builds strength and flexibility, besides being wonderfully adapted to women’s needs

How To Do It – Sit in Dandasana. Stretch your legs as wide apart as you can. Then, bring your palms to the center. If you are flexible enough, direct your body and reach out ahead, attempting to rest your upper torsoⁱ  The main part of your body that does not include your head, neck, arms, and legs. on the ground with your chin and head being the last to rest on the ground. If not, bend your elbows and let your head hang. Breathe a few times, then slowly come back up and bring your feet together.

6. Janu Sirsasana

Also Known As – Head To Knee Pose

Benefits – The Janu Sirsasana works towards increasing the flexibility in the hamstringsⁱ  Muscles that run down the back of the thigh from the hip to below the knee, allowing you to extend the leg and bend your knee. and its subsets whilst toning the thighs and hip joints. Besides that, the leg muscles are stretched, there is a greater stretch on the back and spine, which contributes to an increase in the circulation of blood in these regions. This nourishes the muscles and keeps the area healthy. This asana helps to strengthen the legs too, and if done for a prolonged period, calms the mind as well.

How To Do It – Assume the Dandasana. Fold your left knee such that the left foot is touching the right thigh. Stretch your arms up, lengthen your torso, and reach out for your foot with your arms. Breathe into your abdomen. Hold and release, and repeat with the other leg. Although you are meant to touch your head to your knee in this asana, what is more important in this pose is keeping your back straight.

7. Baddha Konasana

Also Known As – Cobbler Pose, Butterfly Pose, Bound Angle Pose

Benefits – This asana is an amazing hip opener. It also increases the range of motion in your hips. Your inner thighs are stretched and toned, and lean mass is built. This asana basically works on your hips and thighs and does wonders for them.

How To Do It – Sit on the mat with your legs stretched out. Fold your knees, and bring your feet to the center. Join your feet, and straighten your back. Hold your feet with your palms. Now, push your knees down to the ground, as much as you possibly can. Hold the pose for a few minutes and release.

8. Malasana

Also Known As – Garland Pose

Benefits – The Malasana is another pose that works mainly on the legs, especially on the hips and thighs. It enhances the circulation of blood and ensures a good stretch in your hips and thighs. It widens your hips and gives your leg muscles great strength and flexibility.

How To Do It – Squat on the floor, making sure your feet are together, and your buttocks are off the floor. Join your palms at the center, and dig your elbows heavily on the inner side of the knees. Push your knees with your elbows as wide as possible. Hold the pose for at least 10 breaths. Release.

9. Navasana

Also Known As – Naukasana, Boat Pose

Benefits – When you practice this asana regularly, it moves beyond your body, i.e., the organs, nerves, bones, and muscles, and penetrates into the very core of your being. As you balance your body weight on your buttocks, your being trembles initially. But, a whole lot of strength and determination is built within the few seconds of suspension. There is a great improvement in blood circulation, and your legs get a good stretch.

How To Do It – Sit in Dandasana. Then, lift your legs off the ground with knees bent. When you manage to balance, lift your hands off the floor, and stretch them out in front of you. Work towards creating a ’V’ with your upper and lower body. Breathe long and deep. Release.

10. Salabhasana

Also Known As – Locust Pose, Grasshopper Pose

Benefits – This is an effective yoga exercise that addresses the posterior spine while adding ‘lifting’ capabilities in the legs and to tone or shape up the glutesⁱ  Glutes: A set of three muscles that make up the gluteal area, also known as the buttocks . It also works on many other parts of your body. It strengthens your legs and enhances the flow of blood. Your hips and thighs (legs, in general) remain strong, flexible, and in good health.

How To Do It – Lie on your abdomen, and lift your legs off the mat, right from the hips. Stretch your arms behind you and lift your chest off the floor. Lift your chin up and set your gaze forward. Hold the pose and breathe a few times before you release.

11. Setu Bandhasana

Also Known As – Bridge Pose

Benefits – This asana enhances the circulation of blood. The raised hips enforce a good stretch. The muscles are stimulated and toned, and any energy is broken and released.

How To Do It – Lie flat on your back, with the legs bent at the knees. Gently lift your hips and back off the floor. Roll the shoulders inward and stretch out your arms so that they reach your feet. Breathe long and deep. Hold the pose for a few seconds and release.

12. Ananda Balasana

Also Known As – Happy Baby Pose, Dead Bug Pose

Benefits – This asana is one of the best poses in yoga for hips and thighs. This works on opening up your hip joint as well as your hamstrings. Your flexors are flexed, and all the inner thigh muscles are stretched and stimulated. This asana works on the back muscles too, which are usually not worked upon. The best part about this pose is that while you are in it, you can guide the stretching and find what feels good.

How To Do It – Lie flat on your back. Lift your legs off the floor, bending them at the knees. Stretch your arms out and hold the arches of your feet. Stretch your legs out using the support of your hands. Keep the knees bent, but you can flex them while you are in the pose. Hold the pose as you move and flex for a few seconds. Release and relax.

13. Utthan Pristhasana

Also Known As – Lizard Pose

Benefits – Utthan Pristhasana, or Lizard Pose, primarily targets the inner thighs and leg muscles. It engages muscles often overlooked in our daily activities and serves as a comprehensive workout for multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

How To Do It – Stand straight, and widen your legs, with the left foot forward and the right foot backward. Turn your right heel outward, toes pointing in the same direction, and ground your left heel. Lower your hips, extend your arms below your shoulders, and focus forward. Maintain this pose by breathing slowly and deeply. Release and repeat on the other side for a balanced workout.

The immense benefits of yoga have led many researchers to wonder about its efficacy in aiding treatments. Let us now learn about some tips for safe practice to avoid injuries in the following sections.

Tips For Safe Yoga Practice

Follow these tips for a safe and effective yoga practice targeting your hips and thighs.

• Take a few minutes to warm up your body with gentle stretches to prepare your muscles.
• Always listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself when it hurts.
• Maintain a steady breath to help stay present in each pose.
• Use supports like straps or blocks if you need assistance.
• Increase the intensity of your practice gradually as you build strength.

The following graph showcases the different areas of research conducted on the possibility of using yoga as a healthy intervention to improve the quality of life in patients. Yoga was commonly employed to boost health and wellness of the patients with psychiatric disorders.

Common Conditions In Yoga Systematic Reviews On Health

Source: Evidence on yoga for health: A bibliometric analysis of systematic reviews
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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the hips to get bigger?

Jeremiah Daniel Robertson, a fitness trainer, and nutritionist, says, “The size and shape of one’s hips can be influenced by a variety of factors. Genetics plays a significant role in determining hip width, as certain genetic predispositions can lead to wider hips. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty and pregnancy can also cause hips to widen. One of the most common causes of wider hips is a buildup of fat in the hip and thigh area. This can occur due to a number of reasons, such as a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in processed and high-calorie foods, and hormonal imbalances.”

At what age do women’s hips get wider?

According to Robertson, “While the age at which women’s hips begin to widen can vary, it is typically around puberty. During this time, the body experiences a significant increase in estrogen production, which can lead to wider hips. Additionally, during pregnancy, the body releases hormones that soften and relax the ligaments in the pelvic area, allowing for the hips to widen in preparation for childbirth.”

Do hips get bigger with age?

Robertson adds, “It is important to note that while some women may experience wider hips as they age, this is not always the case. Factors such as diet and exercise play a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight and preventing fat buildup in the hip and thigh area.”

Can yoga make you slim?

Yes, yoga can help you gain flexibility, tone your muscles, and lose excess fat, helping you feel light and look slim.

How fast will yoga change my body?

It depends on your individual BMI, age, fitness level, and consistent efforts.

Does butterfly exercise reduce hips?

Yes, it helps tone your hip and inner thigh muscles and reduce excess fat making your hips firm and shapely.

Does Surya Namaskar reduce hip size?

Yes, Surya Namaskar is a set of many poses that can help you tone your hips and thighs along with adding strength and flexibility.

How can I reduce my hips without exercise?

Eating healthy, maintaining a calorie deficit, avoiding junk, processed, or refined food, staying well-hydrated and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle can help you reduce hip fat without exercise. However, some form of exercise can help boost the process for you.

Which yoga exercise is best for weight loss?

Naukasana (boat pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Paschimottasana (seated forward bend), Virabhadrasana (warrior pose), and Trikonasana (triangle pose) are a few of the yoga exercises that can help you lose weight over time.

Strengthen your hips and release tension in your lower back with this calming yoga practice. Check out this video to find your balance and your way to a healthy you.

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