flabby thighs and pot belly!!

[MickeyMouse418]

does anyone have any suggestions for me to lose my flabby thighs and flatten out my stomach in the easiest possible ways...between high school and everything else i do, i don't have time to go to a gym. what excersises can i do? and how do i lose 10-15 pounds in two months?? will running help? any replies will be appreciated!!!

 

[lmhall2000]

Walking as fast as you can for as long as you can really whittles the thighs and waist- all you need - a pair of good walking shoes!
Good luck it'll come off!!
Tara

 

[tlgoblue]

Rollerblading is a great leg lifter for the time spent. Old fashioned crunches for the tummy! You will not like them at first, but after a couple days, you'll be banging out 150+ like nothing! If you like something a bit more structured, try pilates!
Whatever you decide, that you do something, is the only way to get it done!

Good Luck!
Tracy

 

[TigH]

Oh, I really like pilates! Another thing you can try for your legs are lunges and squats (here's a link to how to perform them, but you don't need the hand weights to see results!)

http://www.muscleandfitnesshers.com/hers/062502/legs.html

Just do the first two exercises they show and keep your shin straight (don't let your knee go past your toes). Try doing both once a week for a few weeks, then twice a week (like Monday and then Thursday). You will be sore for a few days after you do it for the first time, but it gets easier once you get into shape. At first just try doing 3 sets of 10 for each exercise.

And walking or running will help too! Good luck!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

The only way I know of to lose that kind of weight that fast is Atkins- and doing it properly. Atleast it's the only thing that has ever worked for me!!!!

Losing the weight so far has reduced my waist, abdomen and thighs (and butt) tremendously without specifically exercising (although have lots more energy to do a lot more with the kids, etc.) but that might slow down a bit when I get closer to goal like you are. So I'll be watching this thread for all the tips to reduce those areas too.... and CALVES! My calves refuse to budge!

 

[glo]

I think once you get close to goal only weight training, mixed with aerobic will help. The diet will help to a certain point, then you have to maintain, but exercise will tighten everything up.


Weights are a great way to tone, and crunches too. Walking will do wonders for your legs!!!

 

[MickeyMouse418]

what are pilates? and thank you for all the tips. how long do you recommend I do the lunges and squats per day? and what is a good weight to have. should I start with five pound and slowly increase?

 

[Mskanga]

Mickey , I have the same problem , not as much on my thighs but I do on my tummy, I had two c-sections , I gained 42 lbs on the first pregnancy and 27 on the second. Right now I am eating sensibly and I started exercising a little bit more than I used to , I lost a total of 26 lbs since I started and right now the only thing I'm doing is some abs exercises along with more walking and still eating sensibly. It's hard for me because it's been so long after the c-sections and I'm pulling muscles I didn't remember I had but I hope that slowly things improve. I'm at a point though that I am happy with what I lost , I'm a tall big boned person , and as long as I can keep off what I lost I will be fine.

 

[TigH]

Only do the lunges and squats once a week, twice at the most. If you do them every day you will overtrain your muscles and not get very good results! So if you want to try them twice a week, make sure you give yourself 3 days in between to let your muscles rebuild. You can start off without hand weights initially, your own body weight will be enough resistance. I'd recommend trying it with no weights at least the first 3 times (3 separate days) just so you can concentrate on your form and balance!

Once you get the form perfected, you can add hand weights if you want. 5 pound weights would be a good start! Whatever you are comfortable with is fine.

Here is a link to a site about pilates. I got my tapes from this site, but there are many pilates tapes available at places like Target and you might be able to find a nice tape there (that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!)

http://www.winsorpilates.com/dyn.php

Pilates work your abs (and other muscles). It's a great workout!!

Good luck! I think you can reasonably lose 10-15 pounds in the time frame you mentioned. Adding some form of exercise (like walking briskly or jogging for 30 minutes a day) and then doing some light weight training will really boost your metabolism. What do you typically eat in a day? Are you snacking on things like doritos and chips? Do you drink alot of regular sodas? Make sure you drink plenty of water!

Check in here often! We'll do our best to support you! Never give up, you can do it!!!

Oh, I forgot to say this. Do three sets of 10 for each exercise. So do 10 squats, then rest for 30-60 seconds, then do another 10, then rest, then another 10. When I do lunges, it's easier for me to just do one leg at a time. So I will do lunges with my left leg first and then switch to the right leg and then take a break. So do 10 lunges with your left leg, then 10 with your right, then rest for 30-60 seconds. You can rest LONGER between sets if you want to, of course, but try to rest at least 30 seconds. Good luck!

 

[nativetxn]

See, MickeyMouse418, I <i>told</i> you this would be a great question to ask

I'm glad you asked it too because I've been wondering about what to do about my thighs and tummy, too.

Losing weight quickly will depend on how much you need to lose. If you have a small amount to lose it can be slower coming off.

Are you a high school student or a teacher? I'm just nosy, aren't I?

Have you asked one of the physical education teachers about weights? They might be able to tell you what size to begin with.

I lost 18 pounds in three weeks eating a controlled carbohydrate plan but I may have had a lot more to lose than you do.

 

[MickeyMouse418]

im a high school student, so theres a lot of tempting food around me! ive been eating less junk as, well as much as possible. i usually have some sorta sandwhich for lunch, cookies and a fruit. of course theres the occasional fry or chip, but i really try not to! ive stopped going to the candy machine/soda machine but i never really ate much of it anyway, only during play rehearsal when i sat around doing nothing! i do drink a lot of water, cuz it keeps me awake in school, and I like it better than soda.
ive taken weight training in gym, we have an ok weight room in school, but some of the teachers aren't very guiding, but I took it a few times this years, and I have definitely noticed a little more muscle. That's really what inspired me to get going, I was getting annoyed with myself, because I'm not athletic but I don't want to be lazy.
thank you for all the help I really do hope it works! I just started running/walking for about a half hour after school a few days a week, and I'm doing crunches twice a day. I really appreciate the support, it's hard to lose a little bit of weight in a healthy way when there are so many people in my school who think that not eating is the best way, and because of all the junk food around. I will definitely continue posting.

 

[tlgoblue]

Sounds like you have a great attitude and approach. I must admit, I was a bit concerned when I first read your post, knowing that you had just turned 15. (Happy Birthday!) Too many young women are buying into the hype about thin being beautiful. Check out the WISH photo album to see pics of what REAL beauty is! Check in often! We're so glad you joined us in a healthy lifestyle quest.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[TigH]

You have a great attitude! I'm glad you decided to skip the "not eating" thing! That will just make you sick and so hungry that you'll pig out on all the wrong stuff!

I just started rollerblading again and I love it! Maybe that's something you can try too (although they are a bit pricey!) You don't have to be an athlete to rollerskate!

I'm glad you'll be hanging around here! Remember to take it day by day! You have already made some excellent choices. And not to sound like an old lady, but you are REALLY smart to make this decision now instead of later. My mother in law is always telling me how much harder it is to loose weight when you get older (fortunately I try not to listen to her!)

Glad to have you onboard!!!!

 

[MickeyMouse418]

Yea I have definitely learned that lesson, thought not through my experiences. my dad is overweight, and has had a heart attack ( five years ago last tuesday) . he has lost a lot of weight before, but just gained it all back. finally hes starting again and im hoping it will work for him. im trying to get him on the sight. He is really what has motivated me, because all of his family is overweight, and I just don't want to look like that or have the health problems that they have. I have learned in school that changing life and eating habits becomes increasingly difficult with age, which is why I'm doing it now. It's hard, but I think it's definitely worth it.

On the subjetc of not eating, how do I convince a friend that it's not the healthy way to diet? She has been dieting for a while, and her idea of this is to cut down on food. I told her we should diet together to make it easier, but I told her she needs to do it the healthy way, and that she should go running with me. She's very stubborn and while I know, and she knows, that if things get serious, I'm not going to keep silent. How do I discourage her from the stupid teenage stereotype that not eating, or bingeing and then not eating for a few days is the best way??

 

[tlgoblue]

Hi MM!
I really wanted to reply last night but didn't have the peace of mind to talk reasonably. My sister has had a life long battle with bulimia. Let me tell you, it is not anything you or your friends want to go through! As Far as a healthy way to lose weight, at your age, the best way is simply not to gain. You are both still growing, and you need to eat and not restrict calories. One of the simplest ways to do this is by cutting out fast foods and convenience foods. The FF industry has everything packaged up nice and neat, ready to eat. Same thing for convenience foods. Pop 'em in the micro and go. It is this easy access to garbage that causes us all problems. These foods are nutritionally deficient, loaded with salt, saturated fats and simple carbohydrates. It is why, after you scarf down a double beef whopper, you're hungry in 2-3 hours, even though you've just eaten a whole days worth of fat and the better part of your caloric requirements.
I'm not sure that not eating that stuff will fly with your friends, but you could try it yourself, and if you see results, set the example for your friends. Who knows? You could be a trend setter amongst your peers. Rage Against the FF Industry!

The only other thing I can suggest, is to stay physically busy. Park farther away from school, stores, whatever. Try riding a bike instead of having Mom or Dad taxi you around, or catching a ride with friends. Join a sport. Have a good time, and play like you mean it. Play like you did when you were 5. I don't mean to sound like an old lady, (because I'm not) but things have become really hard for the general public to lead healthy lives. It had been even harder on our children. Please take care of yourself. your friend will come around if she sees you being a success!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[faith]

HI MickeyMouse418. Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, and are dieting the right way! You'll get great support on this board.
Sorry to hear about your Dad's health problems.