How to Change Your Body Shape by Exercise
Every person has a particular body shape. You may be bottom-heavy, or you may be thicker in the middle, for example. It is possible to change your body shape somewhat by exercising so you lose fat and build muscle in the right areas. One of the most common body shapes for women is the pear shape. Pear shapes have a smaller upper body in comparison to the lower body. To transform your body shape, reduce fat in your lower body and build strength and mass in the upper body.
Instructions
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Perform cardiovascular exercises five times per week. This is essential if part of changing your body shape involves losing fat. People with apple shapes -- thick in the middle -- can lose overall fat with cardio exercise and thereby trim down their midsections to get a more defined waist. Some examples of fat-burning exercises are running, swimming and bicycling.
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Reduce the size of body parts by using lighter weights and more repetitions. Lower weights with higher repetitions tend to make the targeted body parts leaner. Use dumbbells and resistance bands for this type of training. Resistance training can also be done using just your body weight. Squats, for example, use just your own body weight.
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Lift heavy weights for smaller areas of the body -- for example, building up your shoulders or your legs. Lift heavier weights using barbells or gym machines. Heavier weight with fewer repetitions will provide bulk.
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Practice yoga two to three times per week. Yoga has health and mind benefits. It can also change your body shape by helping to develop long, lean muscles. Hourglass shapes hoping to get more ruler-shaped should try power yoga.
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Tips & Warnings
Hire a personal trainer to help you set up a fitness program that targets particular body areas.
Do not start any exercise routine without first clearing it with your doctor.
References
- Photo Credit yoga image by Indigo Fish from Fotolia.com
