One of the challenges many of us face after weight loss is how to tighten skin that sags. Such skin is often associated with rapid weight loss. This may be achieved by surgery, drastic lifestyle changes or the use of certain drugs to cut weight fast. Although quick results may be desirable, the satisfaction is in most cases short-lived. More often than not, the lost weight is regained just as quickly. Rapid loss of weight ultimately takes its toll on your body. One of the effects is loose skin, especially on the thighs.
What Causes Loose Skin?
Skin has to stretch to accommodate excess weight. Once the weight is shed, and especially when it's shed fast, the skin doesn't get an opportunity to tighten up effectively. When you have to contend with loose or sagging skin after weight loss, it diminishes your success. Loose skin has the potential to affect your self esteem. Certain exercises are beneficial if you want to tighten the skin on your thighs.
Exercises that Tone the Thighs
Regular presses on the inner thighs gradually tighten loose skin. Lie on your back and lift your legs up vertically. Spread your thighs apart slightly. Cross your arms so that each hand touches the opposite thigh on the inner side just above the knee. Bring your thighs together and at the same time push outwards with your palms. Count to 7 for each cycle, and aim to complete 10 cycles.
Lie on your back and rest your head on your hands. Draw up your legs so that they bend at the knees. Push your feet slightly apart. Draw in your abdominal muscles as you tilt the pelvis slightly above the ground. Squeeze your buttocks as you do the tilt. Press the knees together firmly once you get to the peak of the tilt. Count to 5, then slowly lower your body to the floor. Complete 10 sets. Also include aerobic exercises in your physical fitness activities.
Walking for just 20 to 30 minutes daily improves circulation, which helps to tighten loose skin on the thighs. Other measures to tighten skin involve diet and skin care.
Diet, Bath and Skin Care
Follow a diet plan that takes calories into account. However, it should not be so restrictive that it feels punitive. A low fat diet with minimal refined foods helps to prevent fat build-up. Cut down on consumption of fast foods. These foods generally have high fat and sugar content which results in excess weight. Fresh fruits and vegetables help to improve the elasticity of the skin. Drink lots of water daily to keep hydrated. This helps to rebuild and tone the skin on the thighs. It helps if you take a magnesium-rich food supplement to support muscle development and skin elasticity.
You can also use your daily bath time to tighten the skin on thighs. Use a loofah scrub on your legs and thighs to exfoliate loose skin. It also improves circulation and helps to tighten the skin. Apply lotions and creams onto your thighs that have proven efficacy to tighten loose skin. Some of the key ingredients in such products are vitamin E, collagen and olive oil.
Experts recommend that you lose no more than two pounds each week. A slow rate of weight loss is more kind to your body. You're more likely to maintain your ideal weight when you shed it off gradually. Slow weight loss also prevents the common aftermath of loose skin associated with rapid weight loss.
