Question:
Lose and tighten up hips, thighs and calves

Can anyone help me on how to reduce the size of my hips, thighs and calves?? I am new to do and would like some friends also. Debbie in Ohio    — schroederd (posted on April 2, 2007)

April 2, 2007
For me I go swimming. I get a kick board ( I saw them last night at Target for like 6 bucks) And swim your little tail off. It strengthens your legs and tightens the muscles and will lift your bottom. Also swimming can help tighten your arms (without the kickboard for that though)
   — lizzieleprechaun

April 3, 2007
For me...Curves works! It's the only gym I've ever been able to stick with it. The machines work your whole body (hips, thighs an calves) and it's only 30 minutes! Check it out! If you don't want to do that, walking will work too. And leg lifts. Lay on your side with legs fully extended and lift your legs in the air. Hard to explain :-)
   — Gayelene

April 5, 2007
Hello Debbie, am glad to meet you. I read your bio, and saw your pictures, and all I can say is...........WOW, WOW, WOW.........you look so, so much younger. You look fantastic. Congratulations to you, you deserve a big hand. I am new to this site. I had my surgery at the end of December, 06. I had Lap-Band, and since then I have lost 44 lbs. I still have about 49-50lbs. to go. I have joined the gym, and try to go at least 4 times a week. I walk on the treadmill for 30 mins., and I also do some weight training, and I think that helps very much. I, too have a problem with hips, thighs, and calves, always have, even when I was smaller. I also am short, 5'1", and never had a weight problem till about 15 yrs. ago. My weight before surgery was 244, then when it was scheduled, I had lost 10 lbs. so actually the day of surgery, I was 234. The weight is coming off, but very slowly, and sometimes I gain a few lbs. and then I drop it, I now weigh 200, and have about 50 more to go, but, in answer to your question, I think some weight training would help, but if it's genetic, like mine is, then you will have to really work hard at those area's. So, try changing your exercise pattern, and sometimes that helps, because your body gets used to the same exercise, and sometimes switching helps. I wish you good luck, and again, my congratulations to you. Would love to hear back from you. My name is Maryann, I live in Rhode Island with my husband of 38 yrs. We have 3 boys, and 2 grandchildren, both boys. My daughters-in-law are absolutely wonderful, we feel so lucky and blessed. Well, I guess I have gone on long enough. Would love to hear back from you. My on-line name is nonna2. All my best to you, Maryann
   — nonna2

April 6, 2007
Have to agree with Elizabeth... swimming and the good old kickboard. If you want to work your butt really good in the pool, hold the kickboard so that you are sitting up in the pool and then kick propelling yourself backwards.... this will really work your butt. You can also go to the deep water aerobics where you wear the floatation belt and do running in the water, very little gravity.... good cardio workout too. Check out your local adult ed education programs or the YM/WCA - pretty reasonable. I joined a local gym that has everything with the cost of $35/mo - pretty reasonable in my book. The other thing that you can try is pilates, good isometric exercises will help you tighten everything up... good luck you do look great and years younger... hoorah for you...
   — Kari_K