I want to tone my bum and thighs!

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Can anybody recommend any exercise that will help tone my bum and give more definition to my legs, especially around my thighs and tops of knees?

It's all looking a bit sqidgey :/

Claire :)

Replies

  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
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    P90X Legs & Back once a week. You will be so sore you won't be able to sit down right for a week. But it works =)
  • Jenn070608
    Jenn070608 Posts: 206 Member
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    Zumba.
  • red4560
    red4560 Posts: 32
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    When you find out how to do that let me know!:tongue:
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
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    Walking lunges and squats.

    For a walking lunge: take a long step forward, far enough that you will be going down into a lunge. Watch your knee, make sure it doesn't go in front of your toes. Go down as deep as you can without letting your back knee touch. When coming up, you'll be pulling forward onto your front leg. Pull your back leg up so your foot is by your knee and you're balancing on the front leg, hold for a few seconds. Then step forward with the leg that was in the back. (This is why it's called walking.) Go slowly, paying attention to form. You want to be pushing up through your front heel when you come up, so you feel it in your hamstrings and glutes. This is also good for your core, as you are balancing as you come up (don't worry about wobbles or even putting your foot down, just move back into position and keep going). Ten steps down and ten steps back is one set (so it ends up being 20 total, or ten on each leg).

    For squats, get one of the large exercise balls (start with 65 cm, I think). Set it against the wall so it will fit into the curve of your lower back. Take a step outwards so you are depending slightly on the ball to not fall on your tush. Slowly lower down (the ball kind of rolls up your back) until you are in a sitting position, hold, the slowly go back up. Again, watch your knees, they shouldn't go in front of your toes (this is on benefit of using the ball), and make sure you are pushing through your heels so you feel it in the glutes and hamstrings. Take 3 seconds going down, hold for 3 seconds, take 3 seconds going back up, then start back down right away. 10-12 is a good starting set.

    I never waste time on the silly machines in the gym. These two exercises work every muscle in the thighs, hips, and butt, and it's much less time than working each group alone. If you feel like your inner thigh needs a bit more, you can turn your feet out slightly on the ball squats (turn from the hips, not the knees), but otherwise, feet should always be pointing straight forward, especially on the lunges.
  • Nessiep
    Nessiep Posts: 171 Member
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    defo squats...will do the job...thats what i need to do to tone up now!:happy:
  • hannahlou95
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    tricep dips? xxxx
  • piccolarj
    piccolarj Posts: 488 Member
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    Cycling will tone both!
  • ilikeflowers
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    In addition to the toning excercises above, the bike is great too. It really helps to tone knees and burn any fat off. Make sure you break a sweat. Its not about going so hard that you have to stand up to push the pedals. Do make yourself work for it though! Its easy to have a relaxing bike ride at the gym... but keep in mind its a workout :)
  • SarahRuth♥
    SarahRuth♥ Posts: 609 Member
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    I'm gonna agree with those who suggested biking. I have noticed huge differences in my butt and thighs since I started biking regularly. And if you bike outside on an actual bike it is fun and doesn't feel like a workout! I have not regretted spending the money on a good bike even once.
  • TheGooby
    TheGooby Posts: 22
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    Thanks guys!

    I do cycle every day and have noticed a difference so I guess I'll stick with that but step it up gear! Have also ordered a Zumba DVD and am gonna try those lunges and squats too.

    Buns of steel here we come!!! :wink:

    Claire
  • Lindsayrob
    Lindsayrob Posts: 247 Member
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    OOOh might have to come round and do Zumba with you!
  • TheGooby
    TheGooby Posts: 22
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    You're welcome to Lin but be warned, Paul will be sat in the corner !!! Unless of course he joins in. There is a reggae one in the box set so he might!! :laugh:
  • stephanieGmo
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    I have seen good results from the Tracy Anderson Method. It's unlike anything I've ever tried before.