PUBLISHED 12/14/2001
Pudge Problem #2: Flabby Upper Thighs
A.K.A: The Dreaded "Saddlebags"
The bane of many women, these extra pockets of flab can stubbornly endure miles and miles of running. This is because running doesn't tone that area. When you run, you exercise your quads and glutes (in front and back), but not the muscles that help you move from side to side. To bust those "bags," you'll have to pay extra attention to the muscles in your hips and upper thighs.
While you're running: Make time for lateral hops. During a run, find a safe place to stop momentarily. Pick an object to use as a visual marker, such as a pebble, stick, or leaf. Stand about a foot to one side of the object with your knees slightly bent, back straight, arms relaxed. Quickly jump sideways over your marker and then jump back, landing quietly and spending as little time on the ground as possible. Do this for 30 seconds, then continue on your way, stopping every 5 minutes to repeat.
In the gym: Do leg lifts. Strap on ankle weights (start with 5 pounds or less), and lie down on one side with your bottom leg bent at the knee and your top leg fully extended. Lift your top leg about a foot off the ground, then slowly lower it until your toe almost touches the floor. Repeat 15 to 20 times, then switch to the other leg. Work up to three sets for each leg.
At home: Try the boxer's sweep kick. Assume a boxer's stance, with your hands in front of your chin, elbows at your sides, left foot forward and right foot a few inches back, knees slightly bent. Balancing on your left leg, lift your right knee up and kick your foot straight out, "sweep" it around to the side, then back to the floor. Repeat 15 to 20 times with each leg.
Secret weapon: Buckle up your inline skates. Skating is a killer exercise for your thighs, especially if you squat down low. The lower you go, the more you'll challenge your legs. Be sure to push out to the side with each stroke, not down or back. If you don't have skates (or the weather is bad), replicate the motion on a slide board at the gym. Make it a workout by doing 1-minute sprints, with a 1-minute recovery between each.
