The hips are a trouble zone for many women because this region is prone to fat and cellulite. By combining strength-training exercises to tone the muscles around your hips with proper diet and cardiovascular exercise, you can lose inches off your hips safely. Exercises that target your glutes, quadriceps and hamstrings as well as your hips can make the entire region appear smaller. Depending on your fitness level, perform one to three sets of eight to 12 repetitions.
Dumbbell Front Squat
To perform this exercise, you will need a set of dumbbells. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbells in each hand in front of your shoulder with your forearms vertical. To perform the squat, keep your weight in your heels and bend at the knees until your upper thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your chest up and your abdominals tight. Return to the starting position.
Dumbbell Step Up
You will need a step or a bench and a set of dumbbells for the dumbbell step up. Hold the dumbbells at your side and place your right foot on the step. Push off with the left foot on the floor to raise your body onto the platform. Keep your left leg off the bench. Once you are up, slowly lower yourself back down and move your right foot off the bench. Repeat with the left leg.
Side Lunge
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart facing forward. Slowly step to the right with your right leg. Once your right foot is on the ground, bend at your hips, pushing them back, and bend your right knee. Keep your left leg straight and both heels flat on the floor. Exhale and push off with your right leg to return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg.
Ice Skater
For this exercise, you will need something to hold on to to stabilize yourself. Stand with your feet a little less than shoulder-width apart, extend your arms and hold on to your support. Slightly bend your left knee and extend your right leg out to the side. Rotate your toes outward and point them towards the floor. Slowly bring your right leg behind your left leg without touching the floor. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
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