Abs and thighs..... - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

lori14 · 06-03-2008, 12:42 PM

I am 31 y/o female, about 5'4 and weigh 104-108.
I know I don't need to lose weight, although I'd like to lose about 10 pounds. As long as I can remember I've been about 95lbs and very happy with that weight.
I do have 2 kids, but my weight gain just started recently and my youngest is 4, so i don't think i can blame it on that! my mom says that it is age and just something you have to just accept, but i won't do that! I want to be the hot soccer mom

Anyway, I've recently started doing step aerobics and pilates. I have some extra "stuff" about an inch in diameter around my navel. that is the only area of issue that i have there. I'm not sure what to do. I've tried crunches and different ab workout videos and they have really sculpted my obliques, but have done nothing for the area right in the middle. and when i do crunches, no matter how hard i try to suck in, it looks like my stomach goes up in a point in the middle. Any advice?
Next issue, my thighs. I have tiny ankles and calves, but my thighs are a little too jiggly. Will running help this? i work a full time (office) job and taking care of 2 young boys, so i'm really strapped for time. Can running in place work just as well? It is mostly my inner thighs that i need to work on. I've had to buy bigger pants! they are snug in the thighs, but too big in the waist!
Does anyone have any good work out videos to suggest? I need something that I will feel the next day! I also looked at those door gyms. are they worth it?
sorry for all the questions, i just really want to get this done! it is 4 weeks until i go on vaction!
thanks!!!!

janewhite1 · 06-03-2008, 12:51 PM

Okay, no exercise will take the fat off your middle. Only diet will do that, and if it's just a little, it may not be possible to remove without dangerous dieting.

Exercises will firm up your legs, however. They won't get smaller, but they will get firmer.

One nice easy thing is just buying some ankle weights, then doing leg lifts front, sides, and back (front and back should be more weight than the sides). The back lift is easier to do on hands and knees than laying on your belly. If you do 3 sets, each set until the muscle is too tired to do even one more lift, repeat 3 times per week, then your muscles will grow. Weight training really is that easy! Just stretch afterwards to reduce stiffness.

tUrRrRa · 06-04-2008, 02:10 AM

Definitely doesn't sound like you need to lose weight! I'm 115 pounds and the same height and I wear a size 2! I understand that everybody can be a different build and of course we all want to look good

.

I agree with janewhite1 that diet will play a big part in your stomach area. This was the case with me. I recently lost 10 pounds and got down to my goal weight. I eat less processed foods (I used to eat a lot of Lean Cuisines and only eat about one a week now) and stick with lower glycemic carbs (no white breads or pastas, white rices, or regular potatoes- I eat whole wheats, brown rice, and sweet potatoes). I also limit my sugar and instead eat something healthy like fruit. Overall I eat less carbs than I did before and I eat plenty of lean protein and snack on a lot of fruit. Doing this, as well as cardio exercise, flattened my abs. Now all of my crunches have paid off. I used to have a layer of fat over my abs and now it's finally coming off due to the cardio and diet.

For your legs, running is great for your thighs. I totally reshaped my legs with running. You can also do lunges and squats for your thighs and they are quick to do! I get a better workout if I actually go out and run outside or on the treadmill than running in place or doing an aerobics video, but of course they are still good to do. If your legs aren't big, they may just firm up and won't get a lot smaller.

Good luck to you!

lori14 · 06-05-2008, 10:52 AM

Size 2??? I'm jealous! I'm up to a 5 now and it is killing me! I've still got all my 1 and 3 in my closet though, i'm not giving up! I started running this week, we'll see how that works out. I've cut soda out about a year ago, that is when i started gaining the weight. I usually snack on crackers during the day and either only eat lunch or dinner. I try to eat healthy, but sounds like I need to do better.
thanks for your replies!

dancergal19 · 06-06-2008, 08:38 AM

You might want to try eating smaller meals throughout the day. Eating only lunch or dinner and a few crackers can slow down your metabolism because your body feels it needs to store food energy since you're only eating one or two meals a day. If you eat 6 small meals throughout the day you keep your metabolism going and your body uses the food as energy rather than storing it for later.