How to Tone Legs & Saddlebags

Many women are plagued with large pockets of unsightly fat that seem to accumulate on the outer thighs just below the hips. These bulges, otherwise known as saddlebags, can come in conjunction with other areas of built-up fat on the inner thighs and calves. Toning the legs through exercises such as lunges and roundhouse kicks can reduce saddlebags and unwanted fat deposits on the legs to give a more sleek, fit appearance.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 dumbbells
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Instructions

  1. Dumbbell Lunges

    • 1

      Stand up straight with both feet together.

    • 2

      Hold one 5- to 8-lb. dumbbell in each hand at your sides.

    • 3

      Take one large step forward with your right leg.

    • 4

      Bend both knees and lower your hips as low as you can toward the floor, without touching the back knee to the ground. The front knee should be bend directly above the front foot without extending beyond the toes.

    • 5

      Push off the ground with your left foot and bring your body back to the starting position. This movement is one repetition.

    • 6

      Repeat the movement with the opposite leg. Continue until two sets of 15 reps have been completed.

    Squat with Roundhouse Kick

    • 7

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the knees slightly bent.

    • 8

      Make fists with both hands. Hold the hands directly under the chin with the elbows tucked in near the chest, shoulders loose.

    • 9

      Pivot your body 45 degrees to the left. Extend the right leg out as far as you can reach, keeping your toes pointed toward the floor.

    • 10

      Bend your right knee and perform a kick, all the while turning the outer thigh toward the ceiling. Bring the right leg back to the floor and return to the starting position with the feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

    • 11

      Lower into a squat. Repeat the roundhouse kick and squat for 12 to 14 repetitions.