Your first step is to get plenty of cardio exercise. The minimum recommendation is 30 minutes at least three times a week of high impact cardio. This means getting your heart rate up to the perfect range. Here is the formula for finding your target: 70% x (225 – Age). This will burn calories, which reduces fat, and strengthens the heart.

Next, you have toning. Using free weights of machines are fine, as they will tone the body well. But don’t do more than 2 reps. of 15 per machine/action. For tone and flexibility, try something like yoga, or for toning, flexibility, and cardio is one, try for something like power pilates.

Other great workouts for women are running/jogging, dance, step or other aerobics, and swimming. Participating in any of these will give you greater health, help you fit into those skinny jeans, and are also fun.