A professional in Pilates details her preferred exercises for building robust inner thigh muscles.
Kristin McGee, a renowned yoga and Pilates instructor, has developed a go-to inner thigh workout that blends the best of Pilates and barre exercises. This accessible routine is designed for busy individuals, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their inner thigh strength in a functional and efficient manner.
The workout, which can be done as a standalone session or added to the end of a beginner's bodyweight workout, involves a series of controlled movements that target the adductors, the inner thigh muscles that are often overlooked in traditional exercises like squats.
One of the key exercises in the routine is the side split, a staple in both Pilates and barre-influenced workouts. Performed with controlled movements, these splits help to "fire up" the inner thigh muscles safely. Another exercise is the reverse lunge with glute press back, which, while primarily focusing on overall leg strength and stability, also engages the inner thighs, especially when performed with proper form and mind-body connection.
For a more direct blend of Pilates and barre for inner thighs, you would typically see standing or seated Pilates adductor movements (squeezing a magic circle between the thighs) and barre-style pliés and relevés (with legs turned out, engaging inner thighs). Core-focused transitions are also included to maintain stability and posture.
McGee recommends completing 10-12 repetitions of each movement in the routine, except for the criss-cross/beats exercise, for which she suggests aiming for 20 repetitions with pointed toes and 20 repetitions with heels flexed. The workout can be done in two to three rounds.
If you want to increase the challenge, you can add ankle weights for a deeper inner thigh burn. A pair of ankle weights is available for less than $15 on Amazon.
Cultivating inner thigh strength is important for supporting hips and knees in facilitating movement in these joints. Squats are great for building muscle and boosting mobility but may not target the inner-thigh muscles to the same degree. By incorporating this Pilates and barre-inspired workout into your fitness routine, you can ensure that your inner thighs receive the attention they deserve.
[1] Kristin McGee, "Inner Thigh Workout," YouTube video, 12:34, posted 23 March 2021,
- The go-to inner thigh workout developed by fitness instructor Kristin McGee combines Pilates and barre exercises, focusing on science-backed movements to strengthen the adductors, often neglected in traditional workouts like squats.
- Kristin McGee suggests adding a pair of ankle weights, which are available for less than $15 on Amazon, to increase the challenge of her Pilates and barre-inspired workout, for a deeper inner thigh burn and overall improvement in fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness.
- To ensure that your inner thighs receive the attention they deserve, consider incorporating McGee's series of controlled movements, such as side splits, reverse lunges with glute press back, and core-focused transitions, into your regular fitness routine, blending wellness with your workout regimen.
