I know, I know, I can't spot reduce. Cardio, cardio, cardio! I do plenty of it, but I want to tone up the area too while I'm at it. My hips are SO wide and there's so much fat there for me to lose. What are the best exercises for that hip and outer thigh area?

Inquiring minds want to know..lol I have this problem also. My hips/thighs are a full size bigger than my waist! OMG! Makes for weird fitting pants! grrrr

I'm no help here, I have a tiny butt and hips but a big tummy. *sigh* I'd MUCH rather have your problem!

I just read an article on MSNBC, I think, about how your hips and thighs are the first place women tend to gain weight. I've put back on about 10 pounds I'm in the process of shedding and it's ALL in my hips and things! It's so weird, considering I never had that problem before. I mean, I've always had wide hips and an hourglass shape, but that's where all the fat went.

There has to be something, because this is ridiculous.

No magic bullets unfortunately .... Eat clean, cardio, weight training ...

Some, most women are genetically predisposed to gaining/keeping more fat around the hips and thighs....

Based on my experience, there's no quick and easy way, unfortunately. I'm genetically programmed to be pear-shaped, and when I lost weight I just became a smaller pear.

But, I was able to take 5 plus inches off of my hips over time (over a year) by losing weight overall (40 lbs) and following a balanced workout routine of cardio and strength / core conditioning. It just takes time and persistance. I think that strength training is really key -- it firms and tones up the lower body while building up the upper body can help to visually balance out the lower half. So ... just keep plugging .... it happens gradually, but it does happen if you stick with it.