Can I change my body shape?

Some modern researchers are emphasizing that every body has a natural beauty. Instead of having a mental image of the “perfect body”, they advise having a realistic view of self and begin to view our own body as beautiful.

Losing weight will always be in relation to a person’s particular body type which affects their bone structure and body proportions. There will be various levels of fatness or thinness.

While we cannot dramatically change the body we were born with we can learn to re-evaluate it, live with it and enjoy it.

That is not to say we cannot effect certain changes to areas such as the hips, buttocks, or breasts. Changes can be made through slimming or body firming exercises. Also attention to the condition of the skin can have a big effect.

Changes such as these can have quite an impact on our mental and emotional health as they affect how we feel about ourselves.

How does aging affect body shape?

Our muscles gradually begin to shrink with age which slows the rate at which we burn calories. The less muscles we have, the less calories we burn.

As our fat burning capacity decreased due to losing muscle tissue, it is easy to start adding weight to various parts of the body.

Even from the age of 25 this process can start to kick in.

In men, the fat tends to go to the mid-section.

In women, the fat often goes to the abdominals, thighs and buttocks.

What is the difference between body toning and dieting?

Dieting involves adjusting the diet through supplements or abstinence from certain foods for periods of time in order to lose weight.

Body toning may or may not include weight loss. Generally it means firming up parts of the body through exercise, muscle building and/or the use of certain herbal formulas which can be applied to the parts of the body needing attention.

How important is exercise when considering body toning?

Very important!

Walking is one of the best activities you can engage in. It has so many benefits: keeping good posture which in turn improves one’s self-image, it strengthens bones, tones leg muscles and helps control weight.

Specific exercise and muscle toning programs can tighten a protruding stomach, remove the bulge around the waist, add support to the back muscles, lift and firm a sagging bottom or tone flabby thighs for better-looking, shapelier legs.

How can I choose pants to flatter my body shape?

Depending on your body shape keep the following points in mind when choosing pants:

Baggy pants rather than tapered pants are better for wide hips.

Make shorter legs look longer by choosing slim pants preferably without turn-ups or cuffs.

Wide leg pants without back pockets are better for the body with a full bottom.

Avoid tapered pants with large thighs. Wide or straight leg pants are best.

To avoid emphasizing a full bottom, take attention away from this body area by choosing light or bright colored tops with dark pants. Dark colors can have a slimming effect.