Today we’re going to talk about the most notorious problem area of all: your hips and thighs. These troublesome parts seem to grow larger the older you get, but it’s completely within your power to shrink and sculpt them. All it takes is a nutritious diet and strength training.

The muscles on your outer thighs and hips are collectively called your abductors because they abduct, or lift, your leg away from the centerline of your body (think of the quintessential leg lift).

Along your hips, the most important abductor is the gluteus medius. Toning this muscle, along with your other abductors, will help smooth away saddlebags.

Do a variety of leg exercises that focus on squats and leg lifts. Doing just 2-3 sets of 4 repetitions three times a week will help slim your thighs and hips.