I want to get rid of the flabby thighs on my disproportionately large lower body. What are the ideal types of exercises? Should I do many reps with low weight, or a regular pyramid weight lifting schedule where I max out on my last set?

Also, are jogging and walking on a treadmill better than using a Stairmaster or exercise bike?
Laurette

Laurette, since it sounds like you go to a gym, I recommend the leg machines that work the front and back of your thighs. Try the leg extension machine for your quadriceps and the leg curl for your hamstrings. If there's a leg press, use that to work your glutes (butt), as well as your quads. If there isn't a leg press, try squats (make sure a trainer teaches you proper form) or lunges with dumbbells in your hands.

The AB/AD machine (abductor/adductor) will work your inner and outer thighs, but those are smaller muscle groups. Concentrate on the larger leg muscles to increase the firmness of your legs.

Making sure you work until failure on the last set of each exercise for a muscle group will make you stronger (more muscular), quicker. High rep, low weight workouts build endurance, but don't recruit enough muscle fibers to bring about a gain in muscle mass. You want to alter your body composition by increasing your lean mass. Then you'll burn more calories throughout the day.

It doesn't matter whether you jog, walk, use a stepper or a bike. The duration of the exercise is the key. If you find walking or jogging on a treadmill so boring you can't stand it for more than 20 minutes, it won't matter how hard you work during that time. If you like the bike and can spend 45 minutes to an hour on it, you'll burn more calories even if you work at a lower intensity. So choose activities that you like to do and do as much of them you can.

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