Does Anyone Know What the Best Cardio for Your Butt and Legs?

As a yoga instructor and former fitness consultant. I can tell you that cardio does not burn fat in any specific area, each body type stores fat in certain areas of the body , some areas are more resistant to reduce fat than others depending on your specific body type. Sounds like you are the body type called "nurturer" meaning that you store your fat in your buttocks and thighs, maybe even in the lower legs in more extreme cases. Cardio will burn fat! but you can not isolate Where you will burn it, so it is possible to lose it where you don't want to (your breasts) especially if you are a nurturer, your breasts will tend to be smaller. I would recommend going to the library and checking out a book called "the body code" by Jay Cooper. It will tell you how much cardio you need, what; if any weights you need to tone "your" specific body parts and what foods you should and shouldn't eat for "YOUR" body type. Read and be sure that you are in fact the nurturer before you decide to take that plan, I am only guessing as I know little about you that you may be the nurturer! just a quick reference .. "nurturers" carry all their weight in the low body and legs. "warriors" have or get muscle easily and tend to have slender legs and when heavy they are all torso, (apple shape) or just thick waisted. "visionary's" tend to be slender and smaller chested and when they gain they get a bit of a tummy pouch and a little in the saddle bag area. and finally "communicator's" are hour glassed shape large or small they tend to have a waist that is several inch's smaller than their bust and hips and can carry weight in their upper arms and legs but their lower arms and legs stay slender. Check out the book ,you will find it very interesting and it will be easier to obtain your goals if you are working "with" your body type not against it! good luck and let me know if I can answer any more of your questions! S.

1 mom found this helpful

jogging will get you a great JLo booty.

Total Wellness International has a video on their website that will explain how to build muscle, tone and firm in the right areas. You can watch the video at: www.twinow.com/drcindyrussell

Dr. Cindy Russell
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Rollerblading is my favorite lower body exercise.

Hi L.! My husband used to own a general nutrition store and knows almost all there is to know about vitamins,diet,and excercise. I have asked him the same question in reference to myself. Cardio does not target any one specific area unless you add weight...but be careful as you do not want the "bulky" look you speak of. My advice to you is to walk fast on the treadmill one month(speed of 3.5-4.5), then switch to the bike the next month,then the eliptical,and back to treadmill. Rotate each month. Do at least 20 minutes with the goal of working your way up to 45. Use no weights or resistance!! Once you have done your cardio, you can do a little bit of weights(dumbells or machine) but target one area each work out(ie:arms,legs,back) and keep the weight LIGHT with lots of reps. If you do a heavy weight with fewer reps, that will bulk up your muscle. For your legs and butt,you can do squats without weight, or use the machines. The butt/legs machines I like are these 4: the one where you sit and lift the weight up(works the tops of your thighs). I do 3 sets of 10 at a light to medium weight. Then I do the one where you stand and push the bar back with your foot(works your butt and back of thighs). Then I do the sitting back/leaning one where you're kness are bent(like at the gyno!) and you use both feet to push out...its like a sitting squat. And finally, I do the laying down on stomach one and bring my legs to my butt(works the back of thighs).
If you start with your cardio and then finish off with a weight workout of those machines, you should see awesome results in your legs and butt area. They will be leaner and tighter. Not bulky. Pilates is another good workout that produces the lean,elongated body. Think runner or ballerina as opposed to football player or bodybuilder!
I,too,have tried spinning but its way too hard for me. I hate to work out as it is, so my hubby showed me the 'easy' way to go about it. If you like the hard, sweating work outs, then definitely try the spinning or boot camp. Or run on the treadmill instead of fast walk. But fast walk is just as effective and easier on the knees! :)

I highly recommend the treadmill. You could also consider a weight machine that would work your legs, arms and other areas.

an erg (ergometer - rowing machine) it will help tone your arms and back along with legs and butt!

Defitely check out the spinning classes. I've just started taking them up again, they are a great leg/butt workout, but also for cardio/heart endurance, and an overall body workout! Spinning doesn't add bulk, the only way you add bulk is if you lift too much weight and don't "elongate" or strech your muscles while doing it. That's why trainers suggest light weight lifting to get rid of flab because you tighten and build muscle.
Muscle takes up less space than fat, and also burns more calories than fat. I suggest light weight lifting- there's some great machines out there at some gyms (i go to LA Fitness and do one of leg weights w/ one day of cycling).

Good Luck!

Stairmaster! Stairmaster! Stairmaster!
I had more compliments from people on my body after I started using the stairmaster. I worked out on the treadmill 5-6 days a week (2-3 miles a workout, fast walk) for 3 months straight and it helped but when I started doing the stairmaster, I dropped another size in just two weeks.

Slim in 6 by Beachbody is the best workout for your butt and legs!!! I used this after my 2nd child and it got me into better shape than before I got pregnant. I just had my 3rd(and final) baby in June and need to start it up again. It's finding the time to do it that is the problem!! Hope this helps. Good Luck!

Any type of cardio combined with weight training will help you lose body fat. I teach a fitness class geared towards moms and their trouble spots (hips, thighs, belly) that have been weakened from pregnancy. Right now you can try the class for a week free (three classes), so come check us out. We meet at Brackenridge Park M W F from 9 - 10AM for a great workout combining cardio, strength training, and core stabilization. For more info check out the website at www.strollerfit.com or feel free to call me at ###-###-####.
Hope that helps!
-A. F.
Owner / Instructor Strollerfit San Antonio
Mom of a 2 1/2 year old boy and 5 month old girl

Stairmaster - not totally cardio but does do amazing things for thighs and butt! EZ to do and watch TV or read too. I did it a lot in college (while studying) and it does amazing things!

i don't think that one specific machine will help you lose weight in those areas...BUT doing some weight work would help. try lunges, squats things like this with a low weight and high rep. you might not see changes on the scale...but i guarantee you'll notice your pants fitting differently.
by the way: i feel your pain! :)

Well, cardio works all over the body, not just one spot. The weight training can target specific areas, which you get with the bike. You are combining a weight training with a cardio workout.
If you don't want to add bulk to muscles that you are strengthening- stretch, stretch, stretch them to keep them long whenever you work out those particular muscles...helps to prevent injuries too.

I definitely agree w/the elliptical . Another amazing workout is spinning. Spin classes are not only an amazing fat burning, body toning workout but also a really fun time. If you belong to a gym check it out.

L.,
After reading all these reponces, I agree with them all. Cardio is the best for all over firming. But there is one workout that really transformed my butt and thighs, and I have a ton of fun doing it. It is a little hard if you are not that coordinated but you can learn any work out if you keep at it. It's Turbo Jam, Beachbody makes it and Chaleen Johnson rocks! I really enjoy doing this workout, as it has fun music and moves. Most of all have fun in your workouts as that will lead to consistancy.

yes i ditto the stairmaster. i challenge you to do 20 mins there at a fast pace...it'll work your butt, back of legs going up those stairs!

also...have you tried a spin class....it's cycling but a lot of standing (while cycling) and then sitting down again. When you stand to cycle...you use the glut and back thigh (hamstrings) muscles ...especially if you crouch down (while standing and cycling). good hour-long workout!

I think fast walking works the best for both butt and legs! From experience.

don't do any treadmill on the incline and don't do any of those stair climber machines. i think running slims my butt and thigh the best!

L. L.,

Greetings. I've been a Group Fitnees Instructor & Personal Trainer for 14yrs now. In answer to your question...we cannot "spot reduce" our bodies. Meaning, we can't just lose inches in certain areas. With correct eating habits, cardio training AND strength training, we lose inches & gain strength throughout the entire body. Strength does not mean larger muscle. Again with eating right/smart and the right cardio per week, the muscle you gain should be lean.

Another thing to think about. How long have you been doing your current workout? It may be time for a change. Every 6-8 weeks is a good time-frame to change something in your workout, do a different cardio, something different. Our bodies get used to a certain format, certain sequence, then it's time for change.

Have you ever tried the elliptical machine for cardio? As long as you have good/strong knees, give it a try. It's an awesome cardio & strength workout at the same time!

Please feel free to contact me with questions. Thank you L.. Have fun!

D. P., LMT, CPT
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I would suggest you get into a pilates routine. It is great because it limbers you up - you use deep muscle movements and it creates a lean and toned look.

Pilates!!! Its a great workout for every muscle in your body!! I also have an eliptical... this will slim you down and tone and the same time!!