Big, shaky thighs make for big, shaky sighs - especially among self-conscious women who yearn for thighs that are reed-thin and tight.

The truth is you can't spot-reduce. You can lose weight overall and that might reduce the size of your thighs a bit, but the best way to reshape your upper legs is to revise your thinking.

While slim thighs may not be attainable, stronger, more shapely thighs are. Not only will they look better, you will feel better knowing you can run, walk and climb stairs with more ease and at a lowered risk of injury.

So what should you do? Work on your abductors and adductors - your outer and inner thighs. Also target your hips and butt to trim and firm the area from your waist to your knees.

Buy or borrow an exercise book, take a class or sign up for some time with a personal trainer to learn proper form.

Squats are good to do; so are inner and outer thigh exercises that use a low-cable pulley with a cuff attached to your ankle.

Remember, while you may be excited to slim and trim your thighs - don't overdo it.

Strength-training two or three times a week is plenty.

Focus on slow, controlled movements. Use breathing to enhance strength.