Saddlebags? :(

Voca_Star
Voca_Star Posts: 140
in Health and Weight Loss
I know, I know, you can't spot reduce. You have to lose overall body fat. I haven't had my fat measured by like a doctor or anything, but my fat percentage (according to some websites) is usually right in the middle of the acceptable/average range. I'm 138 lbs and 5'3". I have a lot of muscle in my calves, and I'm looking to drop about 20 pounds. Or at least reduce my body fat.

My exercise is about 40 minutes of cardio 6 days a week, burning roughly 300 calories. I mix up my cardio, too. Some rope jumping, some dancing, etc. I also do 20 minutes of strength training every other day alternating muscle groups. I'm also getting into HIIT on Tuesday and Thursday on my stationary bike going 1 minute moderate, 30 seconds fast.......but I can't do more than 5 minutes yet so I don't even count that.
For more activity, I try to walk outside or play the WII for an hour a day. Not quite exercise, but it is more calories being burned.

I keep my diet clean (whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, fat-free dairy, and fruit) and I only have a little treat maybe once a month if I crave something. I don't drink soda or sugary drinks. Only green tea and water (no sugar in the tea).

What else can I do to reduce body fat? I can't run, swim, ride a bike, join a gym, etc. Parents won't let me, I can't go outside and "run", but they'll let me walk. If I run, they're afraid I'll get too hot and suffer a heat stroke.

Anyways, does this sound good? Just keep it up and be patient?

I have weights at home and I do various squats, lunges, leg lifts, etc..

Replies

  • trophywife24
    trophywife24 Posts: 1,472 Member
    Be patient!! That's such a hard area to loose for women. I'm just about the same size as you, I'm 5'2 and 137lbs and that's a "problem area" for me, too, I think it really is for most petite people. That's the first place I gain and the last place I loose. My upper body looks awesome.. my lower body.. horror show, lol. Just keep your diet in check, your diet is going to be just as important, if not more important, than your exercise. Do you have a resource to lift weights?
  • Afterblue
    Afterblue Posts: 78 Member
    What kind of weight training do you do? Lunges, squats and the like?

    Would your parents be okay if you got a workout tape and worked out at home?
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    Toning the muscles in your legs will help a lot, too. First, more muscle means higher fat-burning potential. Second, as the fat goes you will have a nice, shapely leg.

    Squats and lunges are the best. Or, if you want to keep the cardio going, Jillian Michaels' No More Trouble Zones does a lot that works the saddlebag area as well as other muscle areas (tricep area, shoulders, abs) that women tend to want tighter. I love it!
  • SPNLuver83
    SPNLuver83 Posts: 2,050 Member
    You just gotta be patient girl. I've been workin on this for over a year and a half and while yes, my saddlebags have gone down a ton, they are still not as smooth as i want them.
  • fairc3jam
    fairc3jam Posts: 136 Member
    Wow! You do all that? Very impressed. I am 5'1 and 130. My hips are wider than I would like but I do see a change since I've changed my routine a couple of months ago. I think we will need to wait it out and lose a few more lbs. friend me if you'll like to do it together. My goal is 115 (would like to be 105 but I can't see that happening at my age).
  • blonde71
    blonde71 Posts: 955 Member
    <
    This profile pic was taken just last night. My saddlebags are completely gone after 12 months of lifting weights and focusing on my diet. I noticed my thighs slimmed considerably after reaching 20% body fat. Don't know if that helps but that's how it was for me. Good luck to you.

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