Ask An Expert: Tommy, I Need To Trim Down My Legs. Please Help!
Q: Hi Tommy! I am trying to lose weight and I have huge calves and thighs, are there any specific exercises I can do to make them both smaller? Mainly the calves. Thanks a lot!
A: Thank you for your question! It seems like your having a case of the lower body blues. There is good news and bad news though. Can your thighs and calves shrink? YES, within reason. Can you spot reduce…No! Now if you genetically have a thicker lower body, then there is only so much that you will be able to do, but you can alter it a bit.
If you want to lose weight, then you will have to follow a proper meal plan as well, if you don’t, then your results will be average at best. Focus on a full body approach, and also by adding some cardio exercises into the mix. As for your exercises for your thighs and calves, I would suggest non weight bearing exercises of the plyometric variety.
This will include things like jump squats, walking lunges, calf raises, and skaters. Another great one is a calf walk, to do it, get up on your toes and walk about 20 meters, then repeat the same thing, but this time you will be walking on your heels. Listen to your body because this is one exercise that your calves will be liable to cramp. When you are performing your jump squats ensure that you do a full squat (with your weight on your heels), and then power jump straight up. For the lunges make sure your core is engaged, keep your back straight, have 80% of your body weight on your front heel. Your repetition range should be in the 15-20 range or 30-45 seconds.
Running is also great for reducing bulky legs, and my all time favourite... skipping!
Hopefully you don’t start your day with a measuring tape, trying to see if there has been any “action” on the slimming down process. Try some of those tips out and let me know how it goes. Your key goal is movement, that is a sure fire way to achieve and maintain a stronger, leaner physique.
Play safe and have fun,
Tommy Europe
Written by: Tommy Europe, host of The Last 10 Pounds Bootcamp and Bulging Brides
For more information, check out http://www.tommyeurope.tv/
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Ask An Expert: Brad, I Can't Leave The House Without The Dog!
Q: Hi brad! I adopted a dog form the local SPCA - this dog has been abandoned in the past. He has a very good temperment and is learning to obey my commands. The problem is that I can’t leave him home alone without him tearing at the door. I have been trying different exercises such as leaving him for short periods and coming back and also a lot of walks, but his progress does not seem to be getting better. I don’t believe in crating him. The only other option is to take him with me. I realize that it takes time to work them dogs out of separation anxiety but In the mean time, I don’t think it is helping for me to keep taking him everywhere. Any advice would be appreciated. I also do not make a big deal about leaving and I keep my voice calm when I leave and come back. ~ Shane
A: Hi Shane, This is a difficult question to answer fully. I often come across this situation with many people who have adopted. The bad news is some dogs are not fixable. That means it can possibly be an irreversible behaviour, Some veterinarians have opted to put the dog on a sedative but this will change your dogs attitude and behaviour.
Depending on the age of this dog you may be able to have some success because it may come down to the type of stimulation your dog is or is not getting. If you find a CET in your area and you can look on my website for a CET, then they can assess your dog and help you with the situation. If you are going to do any sedation then speak to a Holistic vet and a traditional one as well. I lean toward Holistic in this situation.
~ Brad
Written By Brad Pattison, host of At The End Of My Leash.
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