Toning exercises plus an overall diet get help you get rid of any extra "junk in the trunk" while making you healthier overall. Pear-shaped people have a greater chance of suffering from low self-esteem, eating disorders, varicose veins, cellulite and have difficulty during menopause according to Dr. Marie Savard in her book, "Apples & Pears: The Body Shape Solution for Weight Loss and Wellness," cited on the CBS news website. Exercise that targets this area can be helpful in reversing that trend.
Squats
Squats trim the thighs and buttocks by working on the gluteus muscles. Stand with your feet slightly apart, parallel to your shoulders, arms at your sides. Bend your knees and squat down to a sitting position while raising your arms. Don't let your fanny drop below your knees, and stop the squat if you feel pain in your back. As you return to standing bring your arms back to your sides. You may do this exercise with hand weights or a medicine ball for extra toning in the arms.
Bicycle
The bicycle is the favorite exercise of Michael Stefano, originator of The Firefighters Workout. He said it's great for the abdominal muscles and can trim the waist, in an article at Discovery Health. Lay on your back to begin this exercise with your knees up and feet flat on the floor. Raise your head, shoulders and knees off the ground while reaching your right elbow toward your left knee while stretching out the other leg. Then reach other elbow to the other knee, stretching out the alternate leg. It should look as if you're pedaling a bike on your back.
Lunges
Lunges work the buttocks and thigh muscles as well as the calves and arms. Hold a weight in each hand, hanging by your side. Stand with your right foot in front of you and then dip your left knee towards the ground, holding the weights at your side. Don't move your right knee forward; it should be perpendicular to the ground. Return to standing position and repeat. You may alternate legs if you wish, or do all reps one leg at a time, according to an article at the Fitstep library. In addition, make sure that your body stays vertical during the lunge and does not tilt forward.
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