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Member since 7/4/07
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Posted on: 2/19/09 6:07 PM ET
My thighs are so depressing. It doesn't matter how much I weigh, they are always disproportionate to my middle and top half. Even when I lost tons of weight and was knocking around in size 4's (a couple of years ago), I was still disproportionate. And I still had cellulite! (cellulite is an Equal Opportunity Offender)

So, I'm trying something new. I'm wearing ankle weights all day around the house and when I walk the dogs. They are 2 1/2 lbs each, for a total of 5 lbs. I'm hoping this may help trim my legs.

When I first put them on a couple of days ago, they felt heavy. Now I'm used to them.

Has anybody else done something like this? If so, what kind of results did you get?

Am I getting batty?


-- Edited on 2/19/09 6:09 PM --
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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Getting through life, one stitch at a time.

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Member since 3/28/08
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Posted on: 2/19/09 6:20 PM ET
Hmm, fill us in on your results. That sounds like a great way to tone up a little.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 2/19/09 6:41 PM ET
In reply to Kellie R.
I used to use them alot and really firmed up my legs; mostly my calves. I can't say they actually became skinny, but firming them up made them look skinner.

I've had the same problem with my thighs throughout my life. I often told friends if I could take some fat off them and put it in "The Girls", I would look so much better (I was VERY flatchested). That was up until I reached my mid forties. Now that I'm in my mid fifties, I do yoga and find that not only makes my thighs thin, but also other parts of my body. It's the stretched muscles that do it. So I'd suggest yoga if the weights don't work.



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Member since 7/23/07
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Posted on: 2/19/09 7:21 PM ET
Genetics are one of those sad realities of life. I am a 5'2" petite and my 5' 11 1/2" DD takes after her 6'2" Dad with big, strong, "sturdy" legs. She doesn't mind being tall (good thing, as I haven't seen any advances in shortening therapy lately! ) but I'm pretty sure she would gladly hand over some of her strength for daintier legs.

I remember hearing that ankle weights can cause knee problems, so do be careful not to overdo it. I can also personally attest to yoga (I do Iyengar yoga) being a great way to elongate and make the muscles look longer and leaner. I lost several sizes before I lost any significant weight when I started practicing daily. Pilates has a similar effect.
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Member since 11/30/04
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Posted on: 2/19/09 9:36 PM ET
Yeah, I was going to say something like what tourist said regarding knee problems. The weights are probably fine, just don't overdo it or run/jog in them.
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Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
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Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 2/20/09 8:42 AM ET
I was told by an orthopedic doctor to not go exercise walking with weights on my ankles, but he never said why. I was to use them only for my Phys. Therapy exercise.
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Member since 7/4/07
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Posted on: 2/20/09 9:35 AM ET
I had no idea!

I've just googled this topic.

Most agree to not run or jog with ankle weights... results are mixed about walking.

Thanks for the heads up. :)
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A bad day in the sewing room is better than a good day at the office.

Getting through life, one stitch at a time.

http://when-ladies-dressed.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 6/30/05
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Posted on: 2/20/09 11:43 AM ET
I think that the yoga sounds better than the ankle weights. Of course, I am fifty and now suffering the results from my exercise excesses. I would go for overall strengthening and self acceptance about body styles.
  
Member since 3/28/08
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Posted on: 2/20/09 11:51 AM ET
I don't jog anyway. Jogging sucks. LOL

(two bad knees make it really uncomfortable for me)
  
Member since 9/7/08
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Posted on: 2/20/09 2:17 PM ET
I am in the same boat -- basically slender but with cellulite on the thighs. I have been a life-long runner, but that never seemed to make much difference to the cellulite. However, I started a mat Pilates class about six months ago, and I have seen a significant improvement! I only go once or twice a week, for 45 minutes, so the regimen is not that daunting. Mat Pilates is a lot like yoga -- more physical (you'll probably sweat a little), but you're basically doing exercises on a mat.
  
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