Having those unsightly saddlebags can keep you from pulling off that sizzling bathing suit, rocking miniskirt or hot pair of tight jeans. The truth is those really unattractive bulges around your hips, thighs and buttocks tend to get bigger and bigger as you age, especially if you don’t watch your diet and get enough exercise.
There are a couple of things you could do to get rid of saddlebags effectively and attain lovelier and shapelier legs. First, you should zap those fatty tissues. This can be done by doing cardiovascular exercises at least 5 times a week, each session no less than 20 minutes. Some wonderful cardiovascular routines include walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, dancing and playing tennis or volleyball. Second, you should tone the muscles right under those saddlebags.
The following are some excellent exercises for toning those muscles. Perform these saddlebag-busting moves correctly and on a regular basis and it won’t take long before you can have hips and gams that can make heads turn.
Step-Ups
These are perhaps the simplest and easiest of all muscle-toning exercises that help get rid of saddlebags. For this routine, you need a step or bench that is high enough so that your knee forms a 90-degree angle when you step on it.
Start the exercise by stepping on the step or bench with your right leg first, followed by your left leg. Step down with your right leg and then followed by your left leg to get back to the starting position. Do this for 20 times. Afterwards, do 20 more repetitions, but this time stepping with your left leg first.
Plank with Donkey Kicks
It’s no secret that planks are very good for those core muscles, making it highly recommended if you want to get a flatter midsection. Adding a few moves to the good old plank makes it excellent for getting rid of saddlebags.
Get started by going on a plank position, with your upper body supported by your elbows and forearms. Make sure that your spine is straight and your belly muscles are tight. Bend one knee and take the sole of your feet towards the ceiling. Lower it to the floor and do the same on the other leg. Do a couple of sets, each set consisting of 20 reps.
Sumo Squats
Aside from making those saddlebags go away, doing sumo squats also helps make your buttocks the talk of the town. Regularly performing sumo squats actually helps make your lower extremities look more toned and flattering.
Begin by standing with your legs slightly wider than shoulder-width. Have both of your toes slightly pointed outwards. Bend on the knees and lower your body until your upper legs are almost parallel to the floor. Straighten your legs to go back to the starting position. Do 3 sets, each set made up of 15 repetitions.
Bridges
Performing bridges is a great way to target the muscles underneath those saddlebags. It also allows you to attain a tighter behind. Do bridges on a regular basis to help you pull off garments that put emphasis on your buttocks and legs.
Start by lying on your back on the ground. Place your arms on your sides, palms flat on the floor. Bend your knees and take your heels as close as possible to your buttocks, and then plant the soles of your feet on the floor. Take your butt off the floor and hold the pose for about 10 seconds. Go back to the starting position. Do everything 3 to 5 times.
Side Leg Lifts
Doing side leg lifts is one of the simplest ways to deal with those embarrassing saddlebags that leave a nasty dent on your self-confidence. Side leg lifts are also good at trimming your waistline, giving you an hourglass figure.
Get down on the floor and lie on your right side. Support your head with your right hand and place your left hand on your waist. Slightly bend your right knee and keep your left leg extended. Take your left leg about 6 to 8 inches off the floor and make tiny upward pulses 20 times. Then draw 20 small circles in the air with your heel. Lower your left leg and rest for a few seconds. Switch sides and complete another set.
