Thighs are often the most difficult areas to shift weight from as they're one of the main places that women tend to store fat, so it'll be difficult...

However, there are some very simple exercises that can help you tone up.

Walking always helps, as does climbing and descending stairs. I'm not sure how well I can explain the other exercises, but I'll try!

Lean with your back to a wall as if you were sitting on a chair, so your thighs are horizontal - you might have had to do similar in school either in gym or as a punishment! See how long you can remain in that position - it's a killer on the thighs, but burns calories and tones the muscles.

I'm not very good at explaining these things, so this is from a site called "Are You Slim?"

The exercises are called "Squat Thrusts" and among other things, help to tone your upper legs:

"1. Put your hands on the floor, shoulder width apart, with your legs stretched, just like in the normal push up position.

2. From this position, quickly bring both legs forward, underneath your torso, by bending your knees and thrusting forward quickly.

3. Then return your legs to the original position using the same quick, powerful movements."

A good, healthy diet will also help so reduce the amount of saturated fats, salt, etc. that you eat. Fish, white meat, pasta and wholegrain rice are very good if you want to lose some weight and tone up.

I have a problem with squats and such like because although they tone me up, they can make my thighs too bulky. I find yoga and pilates tone and lengthen the muscles so I look leaner rather than bulky. The only problem is you don't see such quick results and you do have to keep up a weekly routine to maintain the shape...

mssabai,

I heard that pilates is great for posture correction and losing weight.

Do you think I can easily find a dvd to learn pilates and practice by myself? I've had a shoulder operation and don't want to do any high impact sports but I'm getting bigger by the minute without my exercise routines.

Thighs are often the most difficult areas to shift weight from as they're one of the main places that women tend to store fat, so it'll be difficult...

However, there are some very simple exercises that can help you tone up.

Walking always helps, as does climbing and descending stairs. I'm not sure how well I can explain the other exercises, but I'll try!

Lean with your back to a wall as if you were sitting on a chair, so your thighs are horizontal - you might have had to do similar in school either in gym or as a punishment! See how long you can remain in that position - it's a killer on the thighs, but burns calories and tones the muscles.

I'm not very good at explaining these things, so this is from a site called "Are You Slim?"

The exercises are called "Squat Thrusts" and among other things, help to tone your upper legs:

"1. Put your hands on the floor, shoulder width apart, with your legs stretched, just like in the normal push up position.

2. From this position, quickly bring both legs forward, underneath your torso, by bending your knees and thrusting forward quickly.

3. Then return your legs to the original position using the same quick, powerful movements."

A good, healthy diet will also help so reduce the amount of saturated fats, salt, etc. that you eat. Fish, white meat, pasta and wholegrain rice are very good if you want to lose some weight and tone up.

Thank you Lexibelle, I just needed to read this today

Squats and the such like shouldn't bulk you up unless you're doing them using weights. With no weights and doing lots of reps they should just tone you up.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates are great for improving your overall health and body shape, but yes, they do take a bit longer and it takes more dedication.

I do 6 hours in the gym a week doing 3 hours resistance and 3 hours CV, I also do Yoga once a week and an advanced Tai Chi session for 1 and 3/4 hours once a week. It works for me!

Hi Ave...

I think Pilates and yoga both really need classes initially. Pilates is all about posture and correctly holding your core to get the most out of the exercises. If you don't hold your core properly, the exercises don't do anything and are very easy. I think you actually need a few lessons first to get the correct posture. Then if it isn't possible to continue then you could carry on with a DVD. Yoga it is more feasible to follow a DVD, you won't be doing all of your postures 100% correctly, but you will still be getting the benefits of the stretching.

Are you in BKK? There are lots of Pilates and Yoga classes there. Ideally I would sign up to a course after a taster lesson as this will give you a firm grounding. I did a great one, which is very cheap, in Nong Kai. Do a google search for Pantrix. It focuses a lot on the spiritual side as well, but it taught me a set of asanas that 3 years on I still do 3-4 times a week. I am looking to go back for a brush up course this year at some point.

Hi Ave...

I think Pilates and yoga both really need classes initially. Pilates is all about posture and correctly holding your core to get the most out of the exercises. If you don't hold your core properly, the exercises don't do anything and are very easy. I think you actually need a few lessons first to get the correct posture. Then if it isn't possible to continue then you could carry on with a DVD. Yoga it is more feasible to follow a DVD, you won't be doing all of your postures 100% correctly, but you will still be getting the benefits of the stretching.

Are you in BKK? There are lots of Pilates and Yoga classes there. Ideally I would sign up to a course after a taster lesson as this will give you a firm grounding. I did a great one, which is very cheap, in Nong Kai. Do a google search for Pantrix. It focuses a lot on the spiritual side as well, but it taught me a set of asanas that 3 years on I still do 3-4 times a week. I am looking to go back for a brush up course this year at some point.

It makes a lot of sense. I'll do a search in Pattaya near where I live, though I'm sure it's going to cost heaps more than in Bangkok. As soon as my shoulder has properly healed I'll start a course similar to the one you suggested. Thanks a million!

A course is a great investment though. I think I have only paid for about 5 yoga classes in the last 3 years. I just do my little routine at home. Even on holiday! It is well worth it. Good luck!