4 Thigh Burner Exercises

Build lower-body strength with these thigh burners

- Jean-Claude Vacassin

1. BACK SQUAT

Benefits: Builds strength in your glutes, hamstrings and core. Stand with a barbell sitting on the fleshy part of your upper back across your shoulders (the trapezius muscles). Hold the barbell in both hands, as shown, keeping your torso upright and look straight ahead (A).

Ensure your feet are hip width apart and turned out slightly. Draw your belly button towards your spine and keep the weight over your heels.

Bend your knees to squat down, keeping your knees in line with your feet and not letting them extend beyond your toes. Don’t let your back round (B).

When you’ve lowered to a depth that still allows you to keep a straight back, straighten your legs to stand up by pushing through your heels.

2. JUMP SQUAT

Benefits: This builds lower-body strength and explosive power for sprinting and jumping. Stand with feet hip-width apart and arms down by your sides.