I personally hate the feeling of barely being able to pull up my "go to" jeans. Too many days of indulgence can catch up to a person. I know if that happens that I've got to do something about it pronto. Patience and consistency are key here. The inches did not appear on your legs overnight and will not disappear over night, but if you make the choice to eat healthy and workout you can shrink the size of your thighs.
Here are the steps you need to take to decrease your thickening thighs:
Step 1
Eat healthy! That means a calorie, fat friendly diet. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is a pretty good standard for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat milk and foods low in saturated fat for your daily eating choices.
Step 2
This one shouldn't come as Surprise...Workout! Duh! You are reading the Sassy Girl Fitness blog. Aim for 60 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. You are looking for activities that elevate your heart rate for the duration of your workout, such as walking, swimming, rowing, biking, skating, dancing or running.
Step 3
Perform Strength Training! The more muscle you have in your body the more calories you burn. Here is a super effective leg strengthener: Use a stability ball. Lie on your back with your arms on the floor alongside your body, knees bent and feet on a ball. Lift your hips into a bridge and maintain this elevated position as you count to three. Lower and repeat 8 to 10 times.
Step 4
Ok you've worked the back of your legs. Now its time to work the front. Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you. Flex your feet so your toes point toward the ceiling. Raise your straight, right leg off the floor to a height that allows you to keep your leg straight and your foot flexed. Lower the leg close to the floor, but do not rest your leg on the floor. Complete 20 repetitions, then perform the leg raise with your left leg.
Do the strength moves every other day. Strength train for inches lost.
Some of you are really into fitness and need a challenge so I'm including a lower body workout for you. Do it 2 times a week for 6 weeks and watch your body change. You'll get stronger, leaner and more toned. Let me know what you think.
10 squats
15 pile squats
5 jump squats
5 siff squats
15 squats
20 pile squats
5 skater squats on each leg
5 wall squats
20 squats
