Best Exercises to Lose Leg Fat

Most people - women especially - would love to have long, shapely legs. However, the thighs and legs are a problem area for many. It would be nice if we could spot-reduce our legs - being able to take an inch off the thighs by doing a few leg lifts would be a dream come true. However, spot reduction, or singling out an area of the body for fat loss and then doing exercises that target it, is actually not possible.

Even though you can't spot reduce, doing exercises targeted towards a specific area of the body can vastly improve muscle tone and create a slimming effect. But the best way to lose leg fat is to reduce the amount of overall body fat in conjunction with exercises that target the leg muscles.

Cardio
Cardio is essential for losing fat. The following exercises are forms of cardio that are good for the butt in that they work the major muscles that surround it:
? Running. Running is one of the most effective exercises for losing weight and toning up all areas of the body. All it requires is a good pair of running shoes and a stretch of road. In addition, it can burn at least 300 calories in just 30 minutes for a person who weighs 145 pounds. Good running shoes and inserts are important as running can be hard on the knees.
? Kick boxing. Kickboxing classes can be found in gyms across the nation, and they are a great way to work the abs. The kicking and lifting done not only burns calories, but it works the leg muscles as well.
? Biking. Biking is another form of exercise that is great for the legs and can be done outside on a road or mountain bike or inside on a stationary bike. Biking is easier on the knees than running and can burn 250-500 calories in just 30 minutes.

Strength Training
These strength training areas target the legs and will help build the muscles, resulting in a slimming effect. When used in conjunction with cardio, you're sure to notice trim hips, thighs, and legs in no time.

? Squats. The ultimate exercise for the butt, hips, and thighs, squats are easy and require no equipment. To do a squat, stand with your feet hip-width apart and squat down, keeping back straight, abs in and your knees behind your toes. Squat down like you're sitting in a chair and then return to the starting position, squeezing your butt as you stand. Repeat for 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps. You can add hand weights for more intensity.
? Lunges. Another great exercise to work the legs, stand with your left foot in one spot. Bend the right leg while moving the left foot back into a lunge position, keeping the right knee behind the toe, torso upright and abs in. Slowly slide left foot back to starting position and repeat 8-12 times. Switch legs and do each leg for 2-3 sets.
? Hip Abduction. To do this leg exercise, lie on one side with your hips stacked and knees slightly bent. Lift top leg, squeezing the glutes, then lower back down without completely relaxing. If you want, you can use ankle weights for added resistance.

By working out and doing the strength training exercises mentioned above, you'll find that you will begin to lose leg fat as well as tone up your hips, thighs, and legs. In addition, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet as well.