Do squats make your legs thinner?
Emma Payne
Updated on February 14, 2026
Squats increase the size of your leg muscles (especially quads, hamstrings and glutes) and don't do much to decrease the fat, so overall your legs will look bigger. If you're trying to decrease the muscles in your legs, you need to stop squatting.
Do squats make your thighs bigger or smaller?
Although lunges and squats tone and define your thigh muscles, they won't make them smaller. In fact, you might notice your thighs getting bigger from exercise.How many squats should I do to slim my legs?
Bodyweight squats, which is squatting using your own bodyweight as resistance, burn calories, strengthen your leg muscles, and tone your thighs. Plus, you can do them anywhere, anytime. Ghazarians recommends starting with 25 bodyweight squats, two times per day (50 total).Do squats bulk up thighs?
The squat is the king of exercises for good reason. They'll help you be a better lifter, a better athlete, and more versatile in everyday tasks. They'll also help build firm and shapely thighs and glutes. How your legs look as a result of squatting has very much to do with the way you are eating.How can I slim my inner thighs?
Exercises to strengthen the inner thighs
- Sumo squat. Set your feet out wide, turning toes out to about the 10:00 and 2:00 positions. ...
- Side lunge. Stand tall with your feet together. ...
- Curtsy lunge. Stand tall with your feet together. ...
- Skater. ...
- Side-lying adduction.