Arielle's Fitness Blog
by Arielle Novak, Fitness Expert

I am a huge fan of barre workouts. I find that barre drills are a great way to get a low impact workout, while also getting a high level of intensity. I teach to a wide age range (18-70 years old), and I am constantly amazed at the accessibility of this modality to students of various fitness levels and ages.

What makes a barre workout unique is the standing series of exercises performed at the ballet barre. If you don't have access to a barre, you can use a chair. The lower body work is a phenomenal way to sculpt you lower body and challenge your leg muscles in new ways!

Here are three amazing drills for sleeker thighs that you can do in the comfort of your own home:

1. Second Position Plié

Begin with your stance wider than hip-width apart. Turn out your feet to around 45 degrees.


Bend your knees and then lower your hips until they are about parallel with the floor.


Muscle(s) worked: Quadricpes (Thighs), Hamstrings, Glute muscles(Butt), Adductors (Inner Thighs).

Sets and Repitions:

Set 1: Lower down and come back up in full range movements (8X).
Set 2: Lower down and hold. Come up an inch, then down an inch (8X).


2. First Position Relevé

Begin with your heels together and toes turned out to a make a wide V shape.


Lift your heels away from the floor and come onto the balls of your feet. Keep your heels touching together as your bend your knees and lower about halfway into a demi-plié. If you don't feel comfortable being on the balls of your feet, feel free to leave your heels on the floor.


Muscle(s) worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles, calves

Sets and Repitions:

Set 1: Lower down and come back up in full range movements (8X).
Set 2: Lower down and hold. Come up an inch, then down an inch (8X).


3. Front Thigh Leg Lift

Begin with your feet hip-width apart and parallel. Step your right foot forward.


Lift your leg to its highest expression. Maintain the parallel positioning of your right leg the entire time. Your knee should be facing up toward the ceiling.


Muscle(s) worked: Quadricep (front of the thigh).

Sets and Repitions:

Set 1: Lift and lower right leg in full range movements (8X).

*repeat on the left side.