From JulZ, Age 14 - 03/24/05 - IP#: 71.240.1.xxx  Click here to reply  
Hi. I'm going to be 15 this summer, and I really would like to lose about 20 pounds before July. Right now, I'm about 176 pounds and I want to get down to at least 155. Most of my fat is in my upper legs and thighs. Does anyone have any tips of exercises to lose this weight?
Reply from Ivy, Age 21 - 03/24/05  - IP#: 69.69.25.xxx
From what you have told us, your body type is a pear shape. This kind of fat is a lot easier to lose than the apple shape. I dont know how tall you are but I know if you are around 5'4 like me, and at your age, you are at an unhealthy weight. But don't let that bring you down. You are young enough to change that. First of all, exercising alone is only part of what you need to do. Your diet might need to be the first thing to change. If you are eating fast food, drinking soda and eating lots of sugared foods, like cake and ice cream... you need to cut down. If you want to lose weight quickly before summer, I think the raw food diet would be the best for you. That's eating all raw (uncooked) fruits and veggies. The good thing about this diet is that you can eat as much as you want. But if you can not give up your meats (like me)... you can follow the raw food diet, but add lowfat, lean meats. Eat white meat poultry and fish instead of fried chicken and sausage, no soda, pleanty of water, and dont forget your fiber. Now, when it comes to exercise, just like the other girl said, 20-45 minutes of cardio before your workout to get your heartrate up. Cardio= walking, jogging, running. After you have your heart rate up to a healthy fat burning beat, start your lunges, squats, and other workouts for the legs. Don't forget to walk, rollerblade, and bike ride to the places you want to go instead of getting a ride from mom and dad. Swimming is also a great way to work the entire body. You can also concentrate on your legs in a pool by swimming with just your legs. Now dont get discouraged if you dont see a big drop in numbers on the scale because.... some body types tend to turn the fat into muscle and that is why the scale doesnt drop...although you will be losing fat... your just replacing it with muscle. Now to lose the weight befor summer, you need the will and dedication for it. You need to push yourself out of bed and off the couch and workout at least 3-5 days a week. Most important is a daily walk for about 30 minutes. You will lose weight and feel much better. Good luck! (not that you need it because you know you can do it)..... Ivy
 
Reply from kendra, Age 16 - 03/24/05  - IP#: 204.249.125.xxx
Squats and lunges will strengthen the muscles in those areas, but cardio is the most effective way to burn fat in all places. Make an excersize dance routine off of some cds you have or run or jog outside for awhile. Every little thing counts.