Is this common?

I'm a pear shape, about 5'8" and I have 30 more lbs to lose. I'm 22 years old and I've got two kids. I used to walk nearly everywhere I went. My calf muscles never lost their shape, but my thighs seem to have a major layer of fat on them, and my butt now has an indention in each side. It makes me look like I have saddlebags! It's so embarrassing. The rest of me looks slender. If I could shape up those main areas, along with the lower region of my stomach, I'd probably lose a few sizes. Is this butt thing normal? And what's the best way to shape those areas?

If your indentation is what I think you're describing, I would say that it's definitely normal - I heard someone on TV once refer to them as "violin hips" because it makes your lower body look a little like a violin.

You can't spot reduce any area, so the only way you're going to get rid of that fat is by losing the weight. Additionally, if you're a pear, you're going to carry any extra weight in that area anyway.

You can firm up the muscles in your thighs and butt with some focused workouts. Try things like lunges and squats with weights.

Yeah, pretty normal and common for pear shapes, I think. You sound like me, only I'm older and heavier, with more to lose (same height).

I know from when I was in great shape that losing the fat will make a huge difference, but easier said than done!

Good luck!

It must be pretty common!

I am 5'5'' 30 yrs (129 lbs healthy weight) old and my saddle bags are huge...my upper body is ripped, muscle everywhere, then I have these huge thighs, they don't look like they belong on my body.

I have chosen to come to terms with them and deal.

Thanks, everyone, for the replies. That makes me feel better... my hubby says my butt is "weird" lol. And you just never see pictures of anything like that! They're all perfectly round. Makes me sick, lol

I'm 5'8, 25 years old and I know what you're talking about. :)  I've gotten down to 130 and I still have a little of those saddle bags, unfortunately.  Losing the weight and doing weights (squats, deadlifts, etc) will help with the overall violin look.