decrease waist measurement increase hips

so i'm not sure how to go about this, i want to lose 3 inches off of my waist but gain 3-4 in my hips, my measurements currently 32-27-37. i'm 118 lbs and 5'6. i know spot reduction is impossible, but is there anyway i can get a smaller waist/flatter stomach while maintaining/increasing my hip size? my stomach isn't fat but it isn't very toned. should i keep combining cardio and strength training? sorry for the terribly messy wording and probably ridiculous questions

Replies

  • aledba
    aledba Posts: 564 Member
    Why would you want 40 inch hips on your frame? I'm 5'4, 180 lbs and have 42 inch hips.
    Girl, your figure is currently killer! :smokin:
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    You are asking for a world of hurt when you go out shopping. (Coming from someone with 41 inch hips and a 27.5 inch waist).

    Work your butt and hips and maybe you'll gain additional muscle there while you work to reduce overall fat.
  • Edwardshar
    Edwardshar Posts: 271 Member
    SQUATS, lots of squats!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Well, you can't do both at the same time. And it would probably take several cutting/bulking cycles to get where you want to be. But you could lift weights to maintain your muscle while you lose fat to reduce your stomach measurement and then bulk to build up your hip measurement. Or rather bulk first and then cut, because you're already at the low end of healthy weight. You say you're strength training-- what exactly are you doing?

    All that said, a 24 inch waist may not be obtainable for you. It depends on your frame. It's not obtainable for me because of the size of my rib cage. It's important to understand that some things about your body can be changed (the amount of fat and muscle) but some things can't. Work on changing the things that can be changed, and make peace with everything else. And realize that things like building muscle (to increase your hip measurement) are going to take a lot of hard work, consistency, and time.
  • i had that same problem, i know exactly what you mean. The trick is the areas that you workout and you have to eat tummy slimming foods. Strawberries, blueberries, ALL BERRIES are awesome for your mid section. Also watermelon, and spicy foods are good. And number one is lots and lots of water. Drink like ten cups a day. Then for exercise, you have to really work out your core and butt muscles. You have to do exercise that put stress on your hips. And by core, I dont just mean your abs, I mean all around to your back. You must, must do squats and lunges. Weights help a lot with that. Also planking, especially side planking will do you good. Leg lifts are key as well as froggers, mountain climbers. Make sure you get some pushups and sit ups and crunches in. Just focus on your core and butt and that'll halp define your hips and loose that belly.

    Hope this helps!
  • aledba
    aledba Posts: 564 Member
    i had that same problem, i know exactly what you mean. The trick is the areas that you workout and you have to eat tummy slimming foods. Strawberries, blueberries, ALL BERRIES are awesome for your mid section. Also watermelon, and spicy foods are good. And number one is lots and lots of water. Drink like ten cups a day. Then for exercise, you have to really work out your core and butt muscles. You have to do exercise that put stress on your hips. And by core, I dont just mean your abs, I mean all around to your back. You must, must do squats and lunges. Weights help a lot with that. Also planking, especially side planking will do you good. Leg lifts are key as well as froggers, mountain climbers. Make sure you get some pushups and sit ups and crunches in. Just focus on your core and butt and that'll halp define your hips and loose that belly.

    Hope this helps!
    What belly? OP weighs 118 pounds. That is not fat. Tummy slimming foods? Are you for real? Did you read what her measurements are?
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    OP feel free to eat all the berries that fit into your carb/calorie goal, but that alone isn't going to do anything to slim your midsection. There are no "tummy slimming foods."
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    I recently gained weight actually, my waist was at about a 24 so my frame allows it, but my hips were only at 33. I was pretty unhealthy at the time so I definitely prefer my body now, but my stomach is a bit flabby, i'm skinny-fat. I just started working out and strength training so I'm not expecting results anytime soon and am trying to take everything slowly to stay healthy. As for strength training I just started this week so I'm only doing about 3 sets of 12 reps (not sure all of the names of the machines i'm so new to this bear with me) leg press, leg extensions / curls, outer and inner abductors and then i do various lunges and squats and just basic leg/butt workouts with dumbbells. I'm trying to start slow and work my way up and maintain a healthy stable diet so i'm really not expecting any results for about 2 months. Thank you for all the help btw!
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    I recently gained weight actually, my waist was at about a 24 so my frame allows it, but my hips were only at 33. I was pretty unhealthy at the time so I definitely prefer my body now, but my stomach is a bit flabby, i'm skinny-fat. I just started working out and strength training so I'm not expecting results anytime soon and am trying to take everything slowly to stay healthy. As for strength training I just started this week so I'm only doing about 3 sets of 12 reps (not sure all of the names of the machines i'm so new to this bear with me) leg press, leg extensions / curls, outer and inner abductors and then i do various lunges and squats and just basic leg/butt workouts with dumbbells. I'm trying to start slow and work my way up and maintain a healthy stable diet so i'm really not expecting any results for about 2 months. Thank you for all the help btw!

    I'd recommend following a specific program that has built in progressive loading. For your goals Strong Curves would be perfect.
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    Why would you want 40 inch hips on your frame? I'm 5'4, 180 lbs and have 42 inch hips.
    Girl, your figure is currently killer! :smokin:
    thank you so much :)) but you'd be surprised at how unfit i am, currently not toned at all sigh. and i'm a huge sucker for curves! my goal seems a bit unrealistic for my frame i just need to gain some muscle in my hips and butt and thighs haha. thank you again!
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    i had that same problem, i know exactly what you mean. The trick is the areas that you workout and you have to eat tummy slimming foods. Strawberries, blueberries, ALL BERRIES are awesome for your mid section. Also watermelon, and spicy foods are good. And number one is lots and lots of water. Drink like ten cups a day. Then for exercise, you have to really work out your core and butt muscles. You have to do exercise that put stress on your hips. And by core, I dont just mean your abs, I mean all around to your back. You must, must do squats and lunges. Weights help a lot with that. Also planking, especially side planking will do you good. Leg lifts are key as well as froggers, mountain climbers. Make sure you get some pushups and sit ups and crunches in. Just focus on your core and butt and that'll halp define your hips and loose that belly.

    Hope this helps!
    i'll definitely incorporate all of that into my workouts! thank you so much :) i try to eat as much raw foods as possible but i should probably be increasing my intake
  • strength and cardio, lots of cardio to choose from, strength stuff too, circuit training, weights, machines, kettlebells, bodyweight,etc
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    You are asking for a world of hurt when you go out shopping. (Coming from someone with 41 inch hips and a 27.5 inch waist).

    Work your butt and hips and maybe you'll gain additional muscle there while you work to reduce overall fat.
    never took clothes into consideration until now but you have a great figure! i'm definitely jealous those measurements sound perfect
  • MicheleWE
    MicheleWE Posts: 179 Member
    I second the Strong Curves program! I just finished it a short while ago and am very pleased with the progress of my abs, butt, and thighs. It was only 12 weeks and I felt like I saw changes almost daily!
  • Joannah700
    Joannah700 Posts: 2,665 Member
    You are asking for a world of hurt when you go out shopping. (Coming from someone with 41 inch hips and a 27.5 inch waist).

    Work your butt and hips and maybe you'll gain additional muscle there while you work to reduce overall fat.
    never took clothes into consideration until now but you have a great figure! i'm definitely jealous those measurements sound perfect

    Thank you - I like it. But yes, you will be in pain going shopping. I have skirts that are a size 4, and pants that are a size 12. Most have to be tailored to fit properly.

    With these measurements, every time you step a skirt hikes up a little to rest at your natural waist - meaning no short skirts, EVER.

    You have good measurements already and while you prepare to get in shape, you might not need to do so much to get the curvy look.

    Add a few wardrobe staples - pencil skirts, sheath dresses and high heels - you will look curvy.
  • jrodri0105
    jrodri0105 Posts: 91 Member
    troll
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    I second the Strong Curves program! I just finished it a short while ago and am very pleased with the progress of my abs, butt, and thighs. It was only 12 weeks and I felt like I saw changes almost daily!
    congratulations on the progress! i haven't heard of the program but i will definitely check it out now, thank you :)
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    troll
    i was actually serious but i mean alright then
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    did I miss something?

    your hips are bone's- they are set- and outside of severe surgery and copious amounts of fat placed there- you cannot MAKE your hips bigger.

    You can perk up your a## but you can't make your hips bigger specifically.

    otherwise I agree- get thee to the weight room and pick up some stuff.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    Why would you want 40 inch hips on your frame? I'm 5'4, 180 lbs and have 42 inch hips.
    Girl, your figure is currently killer! :smokin:
    thank you so much :)) but you'd be surprised at how unfit i am, currently not toned at all sigh. and i'm a huge sucker for curves! my goal seems a bit unrealistic for my frame i just need to gain some muscle in my hips and butt and thighs haha. thank you again!

    Strong Curves has several programs in it including a beginner program and bodyweight program. The exercises have different variations you can do if you don't have certain equipment or feel that something might be a little too hard at that time.
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    i finally got to 34.5 26 37 and at 124lb, it's probably about as far as I'll get. After that you hit bone in my hips. ;-) why in the world would you want 40 inch hips?
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    did I miss something?

    your hips are bone's- they are set- and outside of severe surgery and copious amounts of fat placed there- you cannot MAKE your hips bigger.

    You can perk up your a## but you can't make your hips bigger specifically.

    otherwise I agree- get thee to the weight room and pick up some stuff.

    this.

    you can't grow bones i dont care how many berries you eat. strong curves, squats and deadlifts will help you get a round perky booty but it's not going to build up your pelvis

    and wtf at the people who are horrified by someone wanting 40" hips.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    did I miss something?

    your hips are bone's- they are set- and outside of severe surgery and copious amounts of fat placed there- you cannot MAKE your hips bigger.

    You can perk up your a## but you can't make your hips bigger specifically.

    otherwise I agree- get thee to the weight room and pick up some stuff.

    this.

    you can't grow bones i dont care how many berries you eat. strong curves, squats and deadlifts will help you get a round perky booty but it's not going to build up your pelvis

    and wtf at the people who are horrified by someone wanting 40" hips.

    I'd like to try the berry volkda butt hip widening cleanse please.

    meh- I'm 40-42 depending and I'm not going to lie it IS a pain in the *kitten*. But I could see how someone would want what I have (or something like it) but lets not kid ourselves- it's effing annoying- but I don't hate on someone wanting it lol

    But it doesn't matter- you're hips are your hips...

    now... can we go back to talking about butts? b/c butts are awesome.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    did I miss something?

    your hips are bone's- they are set- and outside of severe surgery and copious amounts of fat placed there- you cannot MAKE your hips bigger.

    You can perk up your a## but you can't make your hips bigger specifically.

    otherwise I agree- get thee to the weight room and pick up some stuff.

    this.

    you can't grow bones i dont care how many berries you eat. strong curves, squats and deadlifts will help you get a round perky booty but it's not going to build up your pelvis

    and wtf at the people who are horrified by someone wanting 40" hips.

    I'd like to try the berry volkda butt hip widening cleanse please.

    meh- I'm 40-42 depending and I'm not going to lie it IS a pain in the *kitten*. But I could see how someone would want what I have (or something like it) but lets not kid ourselves- it's effing annoying- but I don't hate on someone wanting it lol

    But it doesn't matter- you're hips are your hips...

    now... can we go back to talking about butts? b/c butts are awesome.

    exactly! I just realized recently that my skirts and dresses are more lifted in the back !! so yay for squats and deadlifts.
  • doriskat
    doriskat Posts: 8 Member
    did I miss something?

    your hips are bone's- they are set- and outside of severe surgery and copious amounts of fat placed there- you cannot MAKE your hips bigger.

    You can perk up your a## but you can't make your hips bigger specifically.

    otherwise I agree- get thee to the weight room and pick up some stuff.


    this.

    you can't grow bones i dont care how many berries you eat. strong curves, squats and deadlifts will help you get a round perky booty but it's not going to build up your pelvis

    and wtf at the people who are horrified by someone wanting 40" hips.
    by hips i was just refering to hip measurements basically bigger butt and thighs, not actually widening my hips which clearly isn't possible haha, i should have clarified my bad