Being a fitness instructor I am constantly being approached by members of my class who want to slim their thighs or flatten their tummy etc! The question is always 'what exercises can I do to.......? I always feel awful when I give them the answer because we're all looking for a quick fix and unfortunately that doesn't exist! The thing is, specific exercises can tone up certain muscles but if these are buried under six inches of fat you're not probably going to notice much difference unless you reduce the fat by dieting! As soon as I mention the word diet I see the glazed look descend, but hey that's the way it is! Most people who are trying to lose weight cut down on their grub and aim straight for the cardio machines at the gym. I always feel sorry for them, all red faced, sweaty, panting and gurning..bless! While it is important to exercise the heart and lungs with some cardio work and it does burn fat for a short period of time - the key to maintaining weight loss is pumping iron! Yep get those weights lifted and girls, no you won't bulk up because we just don't have the hormones! Plenty of muscle = a faster metabolism = burning calories even when you're sat on your arse watching tv = being able to eat more without putting on weight, yippee!