Slimmer Hips In 3 Moves

Why These Moves Work
The exercises here won't melt the fat in your hips (you'll need cardio and a healthy diet for that), but they will firm the underlying muscles, which can slim your hips. Most lower-body strengtheners, like squats, don't do the job by themselves because they work primarily your butt and thighs. With these sculptors, you move your legs out to each side (called abduction), recruiting the muscles on the outer hips. Do this workout at the gym or in your living room (for modifications, read on) and you'll be wearing smaller skirts in no time.

Muscle Mechanics
Your primary hip abductors are the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus. Your gluteus medius attaches to your pelvis and the top of your thighbone, and the gluteus minimus lies beneath it. They move your legs away from your body's midline and help keep your pelvis level when you shift your weight to one leg (think walking and running).