Target Fat All Over

Question: Do you have any tips on how to lose saddlebags?

Answer: Remember: Spot reduction is a myth--it simply doesn’t work. To store less fat on our hips, we need to trim our overall body fat. How? Add cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise. This is a major component of fat/weight loss because we can burn a lot of calories while exercising. Try doing cardio four or five days per week for 45 minutes. That’s the amount of time you need to get lasting results.

Walking is a good cardio activity because it’s low-impact. Also consider cycling, in-line skating and hiking; all are low-impact activities that firm your legs and hips. In the gym, the step machine is a good aerobic exercise because it will tone your legs as well.

Another secret to getting rid of saddlebags is weight training for your upper body. Getting a stronger upper body helps increase your lean muscle tissue, which in turn increases your resting metabolism so that you burn more calories throughout the day--even when you’re sitting at your desk.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a health/fitness consultant. Send questions by e-mail to stephoakes@aol.com. She cannot respond to every query.