Loosing weight in thighs/hips?

[Message]

I'm new to the forums. I'm 17, 5'1" and 118 lbs. I know 118 doesn't sound like a lot, but I have a tiny build and all the weight has been put on my hips and thighs. I was 20 pounds lighter three years ago, and still my legs were chubby. :/

I'm looking to loose weight mostly in my legs and hips. I'm a short girl and having chubby thighs makes me look even shorter. For three years I've been wearing heels ALL THE TIME because I was too embarassed by the length and width of my legs, and heels made them look slimmer. Since then, I've obviously had back problems and my feet crack when I simply turn my ankles in a circle. I've realized the problems I'm causing myself and I know that if my legs are slim, I will finally feel comfortable wearing flat shoes, and actually go swimming for the first time in 4 years!

I JUST started running 3 miles a day... which is a 40 minute run for me, because I usually slow down between 4 and 6 miles an hour, sometimes walking for 20 seconds to drink some water.

I guess I need some feedback from those who have experienced results from running. Can I see improvement in these areas from running 3 miles a day? Should I be looking at a different type of exe exercise. I'm not looking to loose a certain amount of weight, I am wanting to be very slim and fit. I'm guessing that 100-105 lbs is what I'm shooting for (not counting muscle gain). I figure that I can loose fat first, and then work on toning and gaining muscle.

 

[jpc1058]

Welcome to the board, Message. You stated that you would like to lose weight. How is your diet ? That is the most important factor. I would also suggest that you start weight training. Train your whole body. Don't worry, you won't get muscles like a guy. Adding some muscle to your frame will increase your metabolism and therefore assist you in keeping weight/fat off. Running is a good cardio exercise, if that is what you enjoy doing. Figure out a workout plan you can stick to. Weight train/cardio/proper diet .. you get results. Also drink lots of water.

 

[physiquedocteur]

Hi Message.

Welcome to the forumn. I looked at your pictures and you have a nice body!! Probably nicer than you realize.

I did notice one thing, you have an anterior pelvis tilt probably from wearing the heels all the time. This is probably the cause to your lower back pain and will definately impede in your running.

I'm sure you'll get a bunch of advice from others however my advice is to focus on your core/posture. Pilates is a great way to teach the body how to activate a strong core with good body alignment. Also make sure you do hip flexor stretches before you run to also prevent that anterior tilt.

Otherwise, to lose weight it is the usual, weights, cardio and diet.

Good luck!

 

[Lifes_a_Beach]

I am also pretty short and that's the main area that I struggle with. I'd recommend starting to add lunges and squats to your exercise routine. It might seem like you're increasing muscle at first but those exercises along with a good diet and cardio will really help tighten up and slim down your legs. I did a lot of squats and lunges on Saturday and man do I feel it today!

 

[Spirophita]

Healthy and Fit!

I agree that first of all, you look better than you think (most people around your age feel this way about some part of their body--heck, I still do!). Second, there is no way to specifically reduce fat in one area--it's impossible. You can decrease overall fat by exercising--this will take some off of your top and bottom--chances are in the last three years you have just developed into your more natural shape (from age 14-17--that's a big change), and that shape is more of a pear shape. The good news is that it means big health benefits in the future--carrying lower body fat as opposed to mid-section fat means that your heart will be healthier.

Since you are still in some sense developing, I wouldn't lift tons of heavy weights or anything--wait until you're 18 or 19 to start with that. Intead, running is a good idea, as long as you stretch not to exacerbate your pelvic tilt. When you run, work on keeping your butt up and under your tail bone. Work on lunges especially, and do these without weight, but while focusing on tucking your butt under and clenching it together.

Shaping exercises like push-ups, ab work, lunges, squats, etc., would be good in addition to the running. As far as watching your food--you don't need to diet. Just work on making a few better choices (not knowing what you're eating now) like toast without butter, less fried/fast food, cut out candy/candy bars, or pop. You don't need to cut everything at once--maybe one at a time. Enjoy yourself! With your age and probable metabolism, you'll get some nice results just from running and doing a few exercises. Just make sure not to overdo it (your brain will feel sluggish for school) and also to work on accepting your body shape. You have a very nice body!

 

[Message]

I realize that I have a pear-shaped figure. My hips are wide, but there is obviously fat to lose there as well. It's not really the shape I'm trying to loose... I just don't like my thighs rubbing together so much... pants that fit my waist are too tight in the thighs, and pants that fit my thighs are too loose in the waist.

I'm guessing it will take a year to get the results I'm looking for... including the toning and stamina. But hopefully by summer I will have gone down a pant size.

Thanks for the tips.... and I will work on fixing that tilt. I never noticed that before. :/

 

[Spirophita]

Oh, I know what you're saying. I'd keep running and mix in biking and other cardio. Do you play any sports? Sometimes it is helpful to be involved on a team or have another goal to keep you moving--like running a 10K or something--just some ideas. Keep in mind the other lunges/squatting, push-ups, abs, etc.

 

[Lifes_a_Beach]

I realize that I have a pear-shaped figure. My hips are wide, but there is obviously fat to lose there as well. It's not really the shape I'm trying to loose... I just don't like my thighs rubbing together so much... pants that fit my waist are too tight in the thighs, and pants that fit my thighs are too loose in the waist.

I'm guessing it will take a year to get the results I'm looking for... including the toning and stamina. But hopefully by summer I will have gone down a pant size.

Thanks for the tips.... and I will work on fixing that tilt. I never noticed that before. :/

I just got the newest issue of Shape and they have some good exercises to target different body types. For one type they were explaining how to know what type of shape you were and one of the specific examples was "pants that are tight on your hips are loose at your waist." So it reminded me of exactly what you were saying. You might want to check it out next time you're at a drug store and there's a magazine rack

 

[ederivas]

Loosing weight in thighs/hips

I wish you will appreciate the hour glass figure you have and how beautiful your are. Your body makeup will not allow you to develop a large beer gut. Having wide hips and thighs should not be a negative. Select the right boyfriend that likes hour glass figure in a woman, not one that likes chicken legs. My daughter has the same figure and stays away from blue jeans that look like they have shirt sleeves for legs so narrow and straight. She likes to wear skirts and gym pants that can stretch. And there are always one that will try to make you feel your are fat. Be careful you do not get into an eating disorder. You are already very light and I can see your ribs. I suggest your talk to your doctor about your weight.

 

[me_fee]

Hi Message.


I did notice one thing, you have an anterior pelvis tilt probably from wearing the heels all the time. This is probably the cause to your lower back pain and will definately impede in your running.

/QUOTE]


ohh i hate that i have learnt about pelvis tilts and shifts! its the first thing i notice when i see a persons body now hah