Stumpy legs

Hi all,

For one I'm very short compare to most people, merely at 5 feet tall. My top torso looks balanced (only because I've got some boobs). But when it comes to my waist down my legs start to expand side way.

Is there a way to make them skinnier? I walk everyday, at least half an hour for 2km, but they're not getting any thinner. Any ideas?

I'm right there with you. I'm a little bit over 5' tall and have a problem with stumpy legs too...except I've kinda just learned to deal with them. I have wide hips and a big bottom, which just adds to the problem.

By doing cardio and any other exercise that burns fat and increases muscle, your legs will slim down. For women, the hips and thighs are an area where fat is collected the most (just the way we're built). This area is difficult to manage when it comes to weight loss, but if you work on it, you will eventually see results.

I've noticed a bit of a slim down from the running I've been doing (running for 30-60 minutes almost every day for 2 months). However, I think it just takes time.

Meanwhile, there are some fashion tips that may help you look taller and leaner: (from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/4720 53/how_to_make_short_legs_look_long_and.html? cat=46)

"Instead of wearing a patterned skirt with taupe hose and black shoes, choose a slenderizing black skirt, very sheer black hose, and stylish black pumps. This combination almost always makes short legs look long and slender, and it works for almost everyone. Create a lean line from waist to toe and your short legs will look long, slender, and they'll look the best they can possibly look without dieting and working out. If you want your short legs to look long and slender, wear the tallest heals you can wear and still be comfortable. Not all high heals squish your toes to a point, and not all high heals are terribly uncomfortable. Visit a shoe store that offers a wide variety of shoes for every occasion, and find a pair you can wear safely and comfortably that will make your short legs look long and slender. They'll boost your self-confidence along with your height.When choosing a skirt or dress, consider something that goes no further than mid-knee if you want short legs to look long and slender. No one has perfect legs, but showing off your legs along with a pair of classy looking pumps will make them appear to be long and more slender than if they're completely encircled by yards of fabric. Contrary to popular belief, straight leg jeans aren't the best choice for those with short legs. Those who are short should choose boot cut or flare leg jeans for a more slender appearance. They go nicely with high-healed clogs and boots, and they make short legs look attractively long and slender."

Unfortunately, there's no way to target fat loss to a specific area.  You can tone a specific area, but not focus fat loss there. (If that were the case, I wouldn't lose fat from my boobs first, making my stomach look larger!)

Just keep working on general fat loss, and you'll see a difference  And the fashion advice should help until then.  Good luck!

I have more weight on the bottom, and I find it strange when others complain about this makeup because I prefer it. I mean, if it didn't go there, it would go to your stomach, which is to me much less balanced and healthy looking. I don't envy folks with round belly's and no legs at all. If you focus on losing weight period, and toning up, You will slim down and they will look better. When i was slim, my legs were kick a@@! I did not have to work as hard to get a nice shape down there. Some people do all kinds of exercises trying to get just a little booty, and you can control how much you have easier by just losing fat and some light toning. Also, if you have no hips, there is no way of getting them. To me, that would suck a little more. A sexy black dress with some hips is way better to me, but I understand everybody has different goals...

So my advice would be to just keep working on fat loss, start doing more toning exercises like squats and lunges, and not to compare yourself to others.

I have the same issue! I am just a little over 5' and my legs look like tree stumps! (I keep them out of pictures for that reason).  For the last 2-3 months I have been walking (fast) everyday for at least 3 miles and I lost 1" around my thighs! I was soooo excited. but no other measurements besides a few lbs lost changed for me. but I was happy with that so now I am up to 5 miles a day walking!

Good luck!