lose fat in inner thighs & firm abdominals.

Hi ~

I'm 17 years old, and I have been working out for about the last 2 years or so, I have lost around 30 pounds now, and I'm trying to get into to " firm shape " I would like to lose my extra weight in my inner thighs, and start to firm up my lower abdominals, however lately I cannot find any routines that are good for me and that are working my areas .. any suggestions?!

Thankyou ~ Andrea from Idaho

Hello; Congratulations on your weight loss and healthier habits! Now you have reached a level of fitness that offers all of the necessary elements to maintain your weight and improve your health. Your efforts have allowed you to reach your body's "core" which I use to define as a level of body conditioning & shaping that reveals your problem areas. Like many women, the areas you discuss are the last to let extra weight go.

The common term is plateau and overcoming this does not always mean that you have to exercise more, though that is often the case. Spot reduction exercising does not work, but you can emphasize your areas by training with activities that do put more emphasis on them. Here are some suggestions:

Intensity. Increasing the intensity of your workouts by pushing yourself to go a little harder on the treadmill or exercise bike; raise the weights on some exercises; spend less time between machines or exercises; get back on the exercise bike after your workout...basically sweat more!

Duration. Spend a little longer on the cardio machines or add an activity like walking, jogging, biking as a means of traveling to the gym.

Variety. Try as many different cardio machines as your facility offers. Pick the ones you enjoy or feel give you the most workout for your time and be sure to include one every workout.

Activities. Inner thighs and lower abs will improve over time by continuing full-body weight training & cardio conditioning routines. Specific exercises like stair climbing, biking, walking/jogging are excellent activities for improving your thighs. You may want a trainer to show you the proper form for squats and lunges with weights. These weight training exercises are perfect for your trouble areas.

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That's it for this time,

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Good Luck & Keep it Up!

Darren Rieck

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