How to Reduce Saddlebags

Saddlebags are those heavy, unsightly areas of fat that are carried around the thighs. They are often difficult to get rid of even when you suffer significant weight loss. They are generally composed of fatty tissue, excess fluid accumulation and loose skin. Although this is a difficult area to treat, it is possible to get rid of saddlebags.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic wrap Heart rate watch 10 to 15 pound dumbbells Cellulite cream Buff puff

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Instructions

• 1

  Do aerobic exercise that focuses on the legs in particular. This includes jogging, fast walking, step climbing, elliptical, bicycling and running. Have a doctor or personal trainer measure the rate at which you burn fat while exercising. Wear a heart rate watch, and exercise at a rate where you are burning fat. You can purchase a heart rate watch at most department stores or online.

• 2

  Wrap the area that contains saddlebags in plastic wrap while working out. The heat generated by the plastic covering will help to reduce any excess water weight in that specific area that may be creating the appearance of heavy thighs.

• 3

  Do squats with weights to increase muscle tone in the thigh area. Use a light to medium weight, and perform 3 sets of 12 to 15 repetitions. To perform a squat, hold a weight bar on your shoulders and squat down as if you are sitting in a chair. Go as far as possible, and squat slowly and with control.

• 4

  Perform lunges while holding 10 to 15 pound dumbbells in each hand. To perform a lunge, stand straight with your feet slightly apart (3 to 6 inches), step forward, with the dumbbells held at your side in each hand, and bend at the knee until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Do not let your lunging knee pass your foot. Hold for a second and return the foot to standing position. Either complete a set on one side and then do the other or alternate legs for a total of 24 to 30 repetitions. Progressively increase weight amounts or repetitions for weight bearing exercises to see continued improvement.

• 5

  Do side leg lifts. Get down with your hands and knees touching the floor. Knees should be about shoulder width apart. Lift one leg up, with the knee bent, like a dog on a hydrant. Then bring the leg back to the starting position, but do not touch the floor. Perform this exercise slowly and with control for a total of 25 repetitions on each side.

• 6

  Massage the saddlebag area using a cellulite cream daily to increase blood flow to the area and break up fat. In addition, use a buff puff in the shower and rub the area firmly to loosen up fatty tissue.

• 7

  Drink at least 64 ounces of water per day in order to flush the system of excess fat. Increase intake of green tea, chromium picolinate, creatine, arginine and glutamine. These amino acids are fat burners and will encourage your body to release fat.

• 8

  Change your diet to eliminate as much saturated fat as possible. Limit carbohydrates as well, since they encourage the body to retain water, which can contribute to the bloated appearance in the saddlebag area.

• 9

  Consider liposuction if you have tried everything and have no success. Liposuction eliminates the fat and causes the surrounding tissue to tighten and firm. Just remember that if you do not keep your fat intake low, it may come back.