What do you do to slim your legs and bottom area?

[Anonymous]

hijack: what is the diff between an arc trainer and an elliptical? is one better than the other?

[zumbamama]

Danced my butt & thighs down from a 13 to a 6, going on 5. Although, walking 2 miles everyday, yoga and occasional pilates class probably helped too. I was a size 9 before I had my 2 DCs.

I don't do weights, sports or machines.

[Anonymous]

walk, walk, walk...

[Anonymous]

Cut out the glass(es) of wine during the week. Allow yourself to drink only on the weekends. This has been amazingly effective.

Re running: I totally agree that running is the way to go. It's easier to force yourself to do it -- just go outside. I find that if I listen to podcasts, it's over before I know it. You can download them for free from i-tunes. One "This American Life" goes on for over an hour, and it completely keeps your mind off the fact that you're exercising. A few other tips:

*do one long circuit, rather than a couple of trips around the block. If you do one long circuit, then you can't stop before you've gone your complete distance.

*get decent workout clothes. I used to wear t-shirts, and I would get so hot that I stopped early. Sleeveless tops are much better for me.

*don't run up/down hills, at least at first. Flat surfaces are SO much easier.

*reward yourself with something (non-fattening) afterwards. I love the Lipton green iced tea packets. And buy yourself something cute when you've made some progress.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

arc trainer vs. elliptical - i think the arc is a bit lower impact. it's also a wider range of motion - your legs go out further in back and front than most ellipticals. (they move in an arc shape, hence the name.) Arcs and ellipticals both come in versions with and without moving arms. Gyms tend to have more ellipticals because they are less expensive and have a smaller footprint. I've found a big difference between ellipticals themselves - some are better suited to a shorter person with shorter legs. (I am 5'8".) I suspect the arc might be more suited to a tall person with longer legs, given the wider range of motion.