Execercise based on body composition

I have a cone/apple (it sucks!) type of body. No matter what I do to lose weight the first place the weight drops is my lower body. Does anyone know what I could do to just build strenght and muscles in my legs AND tone and sculpt my upper body.

I could be in a size 6 jeans but still need an L to XL shirt. I would LOVE to be able to comfortably fit into a small or medium shirt without having to wear a size 2 jean. I don't have time to go to the gym so I a currently doing Power 90 boot camp. I love the mix of circuit training and cardio on alternate days. I am starting to see definition in my upper body but my pants is starting to feel looser but my shirts are still tight. I currently use 3 and 5lb weights and when I advance to the next tape I will use 5 and 8lbs weights.

Can anyone give me advise?
 
unfortunately you can't control where you lose the fat from and in what order. everyone is different. i have a similar type of body - the first place for the fat to drop from is my legs, with my middle lagging way behind. there's nothing you can do about it other than to keep losing the fat, and eventually it will come off the tummy region.

you could bulk your legs up by performing squats and lunges - things like that, but bulking and losing fat are 2 contradicting aims so you kinda need to do one or the other at any given time.

also, i would say add weight lifting to your exercise routine. it will help the fat come off.

hope that made sense.
 
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I don't know if or how many workout dvds you've tried, but I really like Cathe Freidrich..she has a lot of circuit type videos and a lot with separate strength training for legs...as well as upper body..You can preview all of her videos on her website, cathe.com. If you can't get to the gym, dvds may be the way to go for you. :rolleyes: I know cathe has really helped me change the shape of my body. Good luck and have fun whatever you do!:)

Debra
 
Neenaw is correct. No matter how you workout you can't control where you lose your fat. I hold all my fat in my upper thighs. I'm very lean all over and I have a low body fat, but I still have fat pockets at the tops of my thighs.

You best bet is to focus on proper nutriton and be consistent with cardio and strength training. You WILL lose some fat from your upper body, it just takes time.

Since your legs are the smaller part of your body have you thought about adding some muscle to them for a more balanced physique?

Sarah
 
The circuit training are with weights. It focuses on my upper body with some lunges and squats included.

Adding more muscle in my legs is exactly what I want to do. I want bigger legs and a smaller upper body. Doing the tapes, which has been a bit over a month now, my legs are really tight, no muscle yet but not much fat either. I can also see lines forming in my arms and shoulders. I'm worried because I don't want to look like a muscle girl. Lean and sleek is fine with me. They said start off with 5lb and 8lb weights and I started with 3lb and 5lbs instead to make sure I don't bulk.

Would a personal trainer know exactly what to do to lean out my upper body and add muscle to my legs without taking what's left of my rear? I happen to like a little back.
 
A personal trainer can't determine where your body will lose fat either, if we could, we'd all be bagillionaires. ;)

However, a good trainer will be able to provide you with a personalized workout plan. You can't change your genes, and neither can a trainer, but they can help you to best achieve your goals with what you've been given to work with.
 
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