In the battle to get thinner thighs, dieting doesn't even begin to help. The truth is that one has to exercise the leg muscles in order to burn fat that has accumulated around them. However, there is a risk that using the wrong type of exercises can cause these muscles to gain bulk, effectively making the upper legs larger. One must choose the proper type of workout and balance between resistance and repetitions in order win the battle.

Resistance training is generally used by those seeking to strengthen or build muscle. This means that those seeking to make their thighs thinner should avoid all types of resistance training and rely on just their body weight and a higher number of repetitions to help them reach their goal. Treadmills and elliptical trainers should be set to the lowest resistance or avoided altogether to limit the addition of bulk to the thigh muscles.

Walking is probably the best overall exercise one can choose to target the proper muscle groups and achieve thinner thighs. It is one of the most natural movements available and works each muscle group in the proper sequence. Walking is also good for toning and strengthening the core. Walking in natural terrain should avoid hills to limit the effect of gravity on resistance.

Some people are in better physical shape already. For these individuals, running may prove better than walking. It is important to note that how one runs will have a direct impact on the appearance of the upper legs. Distance runners normally have long, graceful legs while sprinters tend more toward shorter, bulkier thigh muscles designed to provide a burst of speed.

The difference can be seen easily by looking at a distance or marathon runner side by side with a sprinter. The sprinter will have heavily muscled legs while the marathoner will have long, lean lines.

Dance provides many moves that can be used to fashion an excellent thigh workout. Several moves, especially those used in ballet and other traditional dance types, target very specific muscles within the leg. The movements are designed to promote trim thigh muscles as opposed to short bulky ones. One can meet with a dance instructor to learn the movements and how they should be performed to maximize results.

Regardless of the type of workout chosen, the key to ending a workout that has the goal of helping one get slimmer thighs is to stretch the muscles that have just been working. Yoga poses and several dance positions are available that can provide a good stretch that will help to keep the thigh muscles supple. Stretching and cooling down following a workout helps to train the muscles to relax when not working and keeps them from contracting, adding bulk when at rest.

Diet is important. However, in the battle to get thinner thighs, dieting doesn't help in the least. One should control diet to lose overall body fat, but the key lies in choosing the best workout program and following it as a matter of routine in order to burn away the fat from the upper legs without adding bulky muscle in its place.