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?

Yes, what you are describing is normal -- most people store excess fat around their middles first.  Less fat is stored on the limbs than in the centre of the body.

But no, there's no way to "spot reduce".  You can't tone any one area, except for losing fat all over your body.  This doesn't apply to shaping via muscle growth because that isn't, I assume, what you want to do.

Original Post by horfinator:

 

But no, there's no way to "spot reduce".  You can't tone any one area, except for losing fat all over your body.  This doesn't apply to shaping via muscle growth because that isn't, I assume, what you want to do.

Well, I am exercising to tone up, but those are the spots I really wanted to work on. I'm still obviously in the process of losing the weight. Right now I'm starting with crunches in different areas- side crunches and regular (i'm not sure what to call them) as well as squats and lunges. I'm also doing namaste yoga for strength and endurance as well as balance. I just thought I would get someone else's opinion. Thanks for replying.

You can not spot reduce But you CAN tone the area. Sounds Like you are doing all the right things. Keep up the good job It takes time. You will more then likely lose the fat in those areas last. Stinks but that is the way it works. If you gain weight back that is wear you will see it first also. You are normal!