How to Lose Weight in the Thighs & Stomach

Overview

Women tend to put on weight in the stomach, hips and thighs, but there are things you can do to prevent, reduce or eliminate fat in these areas. Diet and exercise are key elements in this endeavor, but will also offer the fastest and most effective results. You can see noticeable changes in body shape and health in as little as a few weeks by following a few simple methods. The key to success is consistently following the plan.

Step 1

Increase the amount of exercise you do each week. For the fastest and most effective results, exercise at least four to five times a week for between 45 minutes and an hour. If you can't exercise for that long all at once, break it up into 15- or 20-minute sessions. You will get faster results if you can exercise for at least 45 minutes straight.

Step 2

Walk every day. Walking or slow jogging is one of the best exercises to slim down the stomach, hips and thighs. Walking increases your metabolism, which in turn burns more calories. Walking is a great toning exercise for the legs and promotes lean muscle mass. Hold in your stomach when you're walking, and try to squeeze your butt-cheeks together for fast and effective results. Try to walk at least 30 minutes a day. This doesn't mean strolling, but fast walking, as fast as you can while maintaining balance and coordination.

Step 3

Avoid "spot reducing" methods when it comes to losing fat in the stomach and thighs. Engage in all-around body exercise. Step aerobics, kickboxing, martial arts, swimming, bicycle riding, playing tennis or other sports will burn fat and tone muscles all over your body. While doing this, you can also work the abs or lower body on alternating days for an effective calorie burn and to tone specific muscle groups all at the same time. Perform exercises like squats and lunges to help strengthen the legs, thighs and buttocks, but avoid doing the same exercises every day.

Step 4

Lift weights every day, to help burn extra calories and helps to increase metabolism. Combining weight training with aerobic or cardio exercise provides twice the benefits of doing them separately. Get a set of dumbbells from your local sporting goods store and hold weights on your shoulders while performing squats and lunges, or hold them in your hands or on your shoulders while you walk.