Healthy Eating and Fitness Tips: Thigh and Butt Jiggle

Unfortunately, saddle bags have a lot to do with genetics. However, we can try to combat it with a few key exercises.

One of the best ways to trim down is running, (Christine, you already got that down!) but there are some exercises that will help you in your efforts.

In the middle of your run, do a few intervals of side-to-side shuffles.

Believe it or not, mat-work from the 80's really does work, and it works well!! Lay on your side and do leg lifts with your top leg. Then, cross your top leg over and put your foot flat on the ground. Do leg lifts with your bottom leg to work the inner thigh. Switch sides and repeat. Do 3 sets of 20-25 of each move. This exercise is better than the gym equipment that works inner and outer thighs. That equipment has weights loaded on, which will cause you to build muscle. You don't want to build muscle here!!! Instead, you want to tone it and that is what this mat-work will do.

One great move that will hit the butt and the saddle bags is a roundhouse kick on all fours. Get on the floor on all fours and lift your right leg to the side while maintaining a 90 degree angle in the knee. Lift until it is parallel to the ground. (squeeze butt throughout the move) Extend the knee, hold for a count, the reverse the move until you are back to the start. Complete your set, then switch legs and repeat. Do 3 sets of 20-25 on each leg.

Donkey kicks are another great move. These will target your butt. Get on the floor on all fours. bring your right knee in to your chest and then extend the leg back while squeezing your butt until your leg is parallel to the floor. Repeat this move to complete the set and then switch legs. Do 3 sets of 20-25 on each leg.

Lunges are great!! I like to do what is called a floating lunge. This will sneak in a core workout to help with your balance! Stand with feel shoulder width apart. step your right leg forward and lunge until your left knee is almost to the ground. (*Make sure your right knee is directly over your right ankle/heel) As you come back up push off that right heel and pause for a count standing upright, but with your right foot off the ground, then go into a back lunge by stepping that right foot back. Lunge until your right knee is almost touching the ground and left knee is directly over the ankle. Continue going forward and backward with your right leg (left foot never leaving) and keeping the right foot off the ground in between. Switch and repeat with the left leg. Do 3 sets of 20-25 on each leg.

To tone where your butt and thighs meet (as well as lower back), do supermans! Lay on the floor on your stomach. Point your toes and extend your arms (like superman, hence the name). Lift your chest off the ground while also lifting your thighs off the ground (squeeze that butt) Return to the start to complete one rep. Do 3 sets of 20-25.