1. My legs/thighs will not budge! Help?

   Hi there!
   I’m looking for advice on weight-loss as I’m a little stuck!
   I’m 17 years old, 5’3 and currently 123 pounds. Yes! I know it’s a healthy BMI, and I would be totally content… Except it seems all the weight is in my thighs.

   I started my journey at nearly 150 pounds last year, and have loved the results I’ve gained, except my legs just refuse to budge. Do you have any suggestions to shrink down your thigh size and maybe give your bottom a little lift?
   Unfortunately I have a bit of some stretch-marks on the inner part of my thighs, though they’re faded. The skin just repulses me because I feel like it’s almost saggy, yet the thighs themselves are still really thick.

   I thought I’d give you some insight on what I’m already doing.
   I’ve cut juice and soda from my diet and that has REALLY made a difference. Just water and milk is all I really drink, and I make sure I have a bottle of water with me so I’m drinking quite a bit!!

   I’ve kept track and am only eating around 1,200-1,400 calories a day.

   For working out I have a routine;
   Day One; Elliptical 40 mins (Usually burns about 400 calories)
   20 squats and arm lifts. (I have a question about this too! I’ll get to that).
   100 sit-ups and 100 butterfly sit ups. (Still no abs yet! );

   Day Two;
   30 minute yoga (Just relaxing, easy yoga. It’s not strenuous.)
   20 Squats and arm lifts again
   Sit-ups and butterflies again
   (I’ll admit sometimes I’ll skip and just do yoga!)

   With all this activity and cautious eating you’d think those last stubborn pounds would melt off, but they’re just stuck! What should I switch up or add on? Certain foods I should NOT eat and some I should be?

   I should mention I’ve been doing all of this since July last year, and just this past month of December I’ve taken a bit of a break for holidays and such. I’ve been back at it for about a week.

   Bonus question; Is 20 squats a day going to really do anything or should I step it up? It burns like mad still and I’m always sore, so I feel like it SHOULD be working to some extent.

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3. Your thighs are probably thick because you are doing squats every day. You’re building muscle in them. Try for a more well-rounded weight training program to work all your muscles rather than focusing so much on your legs. Also, add a few exercises that isolate your butt if that’s an area you want to build.

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4. By the way, great progress!!!

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5. Adding to stangelj’s comments, you are in the building range with doing 20 a day, but ironically not giving time for full recovery by not having rest days. Not great in both ways and two of the most common beginners mistakes.
   More even, high end endurance if you want to trim away muscle, and make sure your body can recover.
   I would advise upping the resistance training side of what you do by throwing in some endurance circuits. These burn serious energy, and tighten up the muscles a treat, giving the toned look most aim for. Keeping reps high and weight low to moderate will mean gaining minimal if any mass but it will be firm and you will burn away the fat more effectively if keeping the other stuff too.

   Varied circuits may not just be labelled circuit training, boot camp, body pump, boxercise and various other classes are just variations of this ‘old fashioned’ training style. Same stuff new names, like most training.

   If you think you can, or if you think you can’t, you’re probably right – Henry Ford

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6. How often a week are you doing this “Day 1/Day 2” routine? I hope it isn’t an every day thing, because in that case, you are missing the most important part of your training: Recovery.

   I never did the same body part two days in a row. As a matter of fact, I try not to ever train two days in a row anyway, but if worse comes to worse, you have to do what you have to do.

   You tell ’em I’m coming, and Hell’s coming with me.

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7. Many exercise routines concentrate on the upper body. While the chest, arms and abdomen are critical areas, you cannot afford to ignore the lower half of your body. Not only will a well-rounded exercise routine improve your overall look, it can also benefit your overall health and quality of life. One of the great things about working your lower body is that you can achieve some impressive results without expensive equipment.

   Squats
   The squat is an excellent exercise for getting your thighs, calves and buttocks in shape. One of the best squats is the chair squat. With your feet shoulder-width apart, slowly bend your knees as if you were going to sit down in a chair. Keep your back straight, stomach in and your knees behind your toes. Squat to the approximate height of a chair seat. Hold that position for about 3 seconds, then slowly stand up. Do not rush through the movements; move slowly, concentrating on your posture and balance. Perform a minimum of 10 reps, rest, and then complete two more sets of 10. As you improve, increase the number or reps as well as how low you squat.

   Lunge
   The lunge is another simple exercise which can help tone and firm your lower body. Great for the buttocks, the lunge also works the thigh and hamstring. Begin with your feet together, your back straight, stomach in and chin up. Take a large step forward, allowing the majority of your weight to be on your front leg while keeping your back leg straight. Remain in this position for 3 seconds, then slowly return to a standing position. Repeat the process with your other leg, keeping the muscles tight throughout the movements. Repeat for 20 reps per leg, rest and return for two more sets. Increase your reps up to as many as 50 per set as you improve.

   Kneeling Kickbacks
   The kneeling kickback will work your thigh, hamstring, buttocks and some of your lower abdomen. While on all fours, keep your back level and head up. Slowly extend one leg back as far as possible, and touch your toe to the ground. Then slowly raise your leg up as high as possible. When you have reached your maximum lift, hold it for about 3 seconds, then slowly lower your leg back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise with your other leg. Try for three sets of 20 reps per leg with a very brief rest in between each set. As you improve, you will be able to raise your leg higher and increase the number of reps per set.

   Swami Mami Teas – The All Natural Weight Loss And Teatox Cleanse

   Last edited by swamimamitea; Today at 05:00 PM.

   Reason: Modify

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