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question

Do inner thigh machines work?

Marjorie Nolan Cohn
Marjorie Nolan Cohn on behalf of Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nutrition & Dietetics
answer

Yes, inner thigh machines do help to strengthen, and build inner thigh muscles. You should know that building, and strengthening muscles is different than losing fat or slimming your thighs. In order to makes your thighs appear smaller, overall diet and weight loss is necessary. Building muscles with strength training, such as an inner thigh machine, will not necessary change the appearance of thighs; it will however increase your strength. 

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer
Yes, the seated inner thigh machines do work; however, not for the reasons that most people think.  Most individuals use the inner thigh machines to try and target hip adductor muscles in an attempt to burn fat on the inner thigh region.  This is a myth known as "spot-reduction" which is centered around the idea that performing exercises for specific muscles will burn body fat in the same area.  Also, in most individuals the inner thigh muscles are overactive and contribute to a number of movement compensations and injuries in the lower extremities, such as knee pain and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and have also been shown to decrease activity in the gluteal (butt) muscles, which is an area that most people also like to see results.  Therefore, while exercises for the inner thigh muscles may help make them stronger, they will not help make someone leaner in that area.  To get rid of the fat from the inner thighs, focus on proper nutrition and participate in a structured exercise program consisting of resistance and cardiorespiratory training.  Doing so will decrease fat stores throughout the entire body, including the problem areas.    

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.