Changing Shape of Outer Thighs Question

[navywifey]

I don't know how to describe this but some women, like me, have outer thighs that get wider as it goes toward the hip. Like the legs make a "V" shape. It doesn't go straight up and down.

I know that this is probably a genetic thing and is a very womanly shape, but I was wondering if anybody has successfully trained that area to cut down or improve on that "V". What groups of exercises did you do?

 

[kelley111]

Wonderful question. I have the same problem. I do a lot of Firm tapes and have noticed they are not quite as big when I back off on the leg presses, but still a definite problem. Any recommendations appreciated.

 

[Michele S]

I exercise in front of a mirror and noticed that my legs do the same thing, whereas Cathe's do not...surprise, surprise! I'd like to hear about this one, too!

Please, Cathe!!!

 

[heidi36]

That "v" taper you're referring to is called a sweep on the outer thighs. Most of the fitness competitors have this.

This is created by 1) nutrition (eating as clean as possible; and try to cut back on carbs); 2)squats and lunges. Doing leg presses on a leg press machine is helpful also, because you can work heavier than using free weights or barbell; and the stance on the leg press/squats is important try a narrow stance rather than wide; 3) Low bodyfat and finally 4) Genetics

It also depends on the person. Some may have to work heavier; others lighter with higher reps. It's really trial and error in the beginning. You can definately achieve a decent "sweep" with home exercise videos (the Firm and Cathe).

I have no way of knowing what % Cathe is because individuals carry bodyfat and weight differently depending on frame size, etc. If I had to guess it would be in the 12% range.

Good luck!

 

[CynDaVaz]

I'm a little confused -- when I read the first post on this thread, I thought she was talking about what I consider to be saddlebags . . . isn't that what the ugly (in my case) V shape on the outer thigh really is?

I do think it's genetic, because my grandmother has that, as well as my aunt (her daughter). Lucky for me, I got it too; ever since I went through puberty, they've been there, no matter how small I've gotten. x(

Could someone please respond -- I'm really curious now; is what I always considered to be "saddlebags" really not saddlebags? Or am I misunderstanding what is being referred to in this post?

Cyneva

 

[Michele S]

Cyneva-

Nope...you're not confused. I was referring to saddlebags in my post and I became confused as well when the next post referred to them as the sweep that bodybuilders get. I definitely do not have that!!!

 

[kelley111]

I was also talking about saddlebags. I have them and don't think they'll ever go away. I was an aerobics instructor in my late 20s and even at 15% body fat I still had saddlebags. There were considerably smaller then of course and I didn't feel so bad about them. But now I'm about 20 pounds heavier and they are probably the biggest part of my body as well as my butt. I have a bubble butt.

 

[kathryn]

I think saddle bags are hereditary (Mindy Milrea has them), and while you probably can't "get rid of" them, you could make them smaller.

 

[mogambo]

As a 22 year old anorexic tri-athlete at 118 pounds and 5'8", I had little blubby lumps in the saddle bag area.

At 46 and 135 lbs, lots more muscle, lots of Cathe, Pilates, you name it, guess what? Blubby lumps. I don't think they'll ever go away. But I do look great in jeans cause it straps them down and smashes them flat!!!!

 

[kathryn]

But I do look great in jeans cause it straps
>them down and smashes them flat!!!!

That's the solution: spandex!!