Spot Reducing & Increasing / Question
Published: April 11, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have this problem. I have really big thighs. The rest of my body is fine, my waist and arms are small. The only big thing is my thighs. I've tried almost everything, as in diets, exercise, and all that stuff. Pleeez help!
Signed: Big Thighs
Dear Big Thighs,
From what you have told TeenHealthFX, you are happy with your body, except for the size of your thighs. It also sounds like you are not overweight and have tried many things to lose or tone down your thighs and nothing seems to work. This sounds very upsetting to you. Many teenagers and adults are unhappy with certain characteristics of their bodies, but unfortunately have a difficult time changing it.
Your body is made up through the genetics of your parents. Sometimes no matter how much you alter your eating habits and exercise, certain things about yourself and your body may not change as much as you would like. A good move is to follow the proper nutritional guidelines and exercise healthy. This will help to tone your body.
TeenHealthFX highly recommends no more "dieting" as that is definitely not a healthy way to tone one area of your body. Also, you are a teenager and dieting and teens do not mix well. You are still growing and need to take in more calories during these years to meet your body's needs. So, eat a healthy, well balanced diet using the food pyramid in the question "Eating Healthy".
Okay, so it looks like we are on to the exercise. It sounds like you are already doing this. TeenHealthFX recommends that you talk to a coach or gym teacher about your exercise habits. If you belong to a gym, you may want to consult a personal trainer. They can advise you on a good weekly exercise plan for you. This will include aerobic activity 2 to 3 times per week and upper and lower body strength training 2 to 3 times per week. The goal of strength training should be to tone your body, not to build big, bulky muscles. When strength training, use light weights and do a higher number of repetitions.
It is important to take care of your body. Try to evaluate your progress by examining how you feel and look. Most importantly, do not expect results overnight as change takes time. Also, keep in mind the genetic factor and that you may not have the thinnest thighs that you want. We all need to learn to like and accept our bodies as they are. They can be toned though through good exercise and healthy diet.
For more information on this topic, see "Spot Reducer - Thighs, Butt & Legs".
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Most smokers begin smoking as teens, and the average age of initiation is 12.5 years of age.
