What is your favorite work out routine? Do you have any suggestions for the ‘saddle bags’ on the outside of the thigh? Abs?

Well anonymous… I’m no expert when it comes to these things and I’m pretty simple when it comes to exercising. I run, do different versions of sit-ups and crunches, and then I do push-ups. I really like yoga as well.  When I’m feeling like I need a little more I do squats, leg raises, calf raises…those kinds of things.  Most of the time I don’t even use weights, you’d be surprised how much muscle you can gain from just lifting your own body weight.  Someone told me it’s the number of times you do the sets on how heavy the weights are, I go by that. 

I don’t have any secrets to getting rid of saddle bags.  I think every girl since Anne Boleyn has had the same question. From what I do know, that chunk of fat that builds up right near your butt is from eating too many carbs and fatty foods.  It’s my personal opinion that a lot of sitting, not only at work but then at home, will also increase this build up.  So my only suggestion would be to eat less carbs and to exercise. Not a fan of that? Well then I think dieting would be a good start- eat less carbs, less fat and increase fiber so at least you’re eating healthier. 

If you’re just an average size person like myself with a little extra over there, try doing some leg raises or crunches for the length of a commercial break- it’s really tiring! Or squats or lunges… anything really.  I use SELF.com pretty frequently for Ab. work outs and I’ve noticed a difference! My best advice would be not to give up.  Crash diets never work and when you start working out you’re not going to notice anything for 3 weeks or so.  Keep with it.  If you feel like it- let me know how it goes ;)  Good luck, hope I helped a little.