4 Women Get a Lower Body Makeover

Namita's Story

Name: Namita
Goal: Rid me of saddlebags!
Age: 27
Height: 5'1"

Namita Told Us: "I wear extra-small tops and my waist is a 6, but my thighs are a size 10!"

Weight: 145 lb.
Body Fat: 30.2%
Waist: 30"
Hips: 42"
Thighs: 21"

Weight: 135 lb.
Body Fat: 26.6%
Waist: 28"
Hips: 39"
Thighs: 19"

To make Namita's pear shape less pronounced, trainer Alicia Marie of New York Health & Racquet Club in New York City had her take two Spinning classes a week, then do some low-impact cardio on her own on the elliptical trainer for 30 to 45 minutes once or twice a week. Her strength-training sessions, done twice a week, included squats, lunges, kicks, and step-ups. She also did upper-body work to help balance out her lower half and make her look more proportioned.

Namita, who says she used to avoid fruits and veggies, added more of both to her diet and satisfied her chocolate cravings with a daily dose of chocolate-flavored calcium chews.

Week one: We're doing a lot of old-school exercises like lunges and kicking, but with weights and lots of reps. It's challenging to get through the workout without feeling like I'm going to pass out. I'm not naturally motivated -- luckily, my trainer is contagiously enthusiastic.

Week five: I've lost five pounds and am definitely losing inches. My pants are looser, especially in the waist. Seeing results after these very hard workouts is motivating.

Week eight: I've gone from a size 8 to a 6 and feel really fit! This week, I had more energy. Climbing stairs and just walking around the city seem easier.

Week nine: I never thought I'd say this, but I'm addicted to Spinning. I feel like the fat is just melting off me!

Week twelve: I've lost a dress size and 10 pounds, and my pear shape looks more like a healthy hourglass. I feel more confident and even excited about getting a new bikini and hitting the beach!

Originally published in Fitness magazine, May 2006.