Author Spotlight: Wendy Stehling

Just in time for summer, we get the story behind Thin Thighs in 30 Days and some workout tips from author Wendy Stehling.

When Thin Thighs in 30 Days was first published in the 1980s, it became an instant bestseller, topping the New York Times bestseller list. What do you think accounted for the book’s success?

It was the first book to solve a big popular appearance problem—with a deadline. It was accessible, cheap, quick, user-friendly, and with a clear process and a healthy fitness focus. In addition, it had fantastic word of mouth. My next door neighbors were buzzing about it, Hollywood was buzzing about it. Even people (and the media) internationally were getting hold of the program.

How did you first develop the 30-day plan?

I met with doctors, exercise gurus and a lot of women. I did what many people, especially authors, didn’t do too much in those days – I created focus groups. The feedback these women gave me was that they wanted a deadline and an easy plan that could be implemented each day. My biggest challenge was making sure the

approach was well-rounded, that it incorporated just the right combination of diet, strength-training and aerobic elements so that it would be really effective.

What are some of the major changes/additions you’ve made to the original Thin Thighs workout?

America now has a strong fitness focus (especially walking, a popular activity that was undervalued then). Also, many readers are more sophisticated about diets. Taking these changes into consideration, I created a tiered program, one that would accommodate not just beginners, but those who worked out both moderately and frequently. I also added elements such as running, interval training and hill work. And lastly, but most importantly in this busy world, I incorporated an Express program.

Which parts of the Work-Off, Walk-Off, Weight-Off plan do you find most challenging?

The hardest part for me is making the three-part program as a habit.

Once you establish a time of day and routine and keep to it, it becomes a part of your life.

How have you stayed motivated to stick to this workout over the years?

Well, I have to look in the mirror everyday, and I have a strong desire to fit into my work wardrobe! It also helps that I love to be outside and walk and run everyday.

You’ve had success slimming down with the plan both in your 30s and now in your 50s. Have you had to make any adjustments to it along the way, or is the basic plan just as effective for women in their 30s as for those in midlife?

The plan stays the same. Age is not a factor. In the book, I am now more safety conscious, and I’ve adjusted the tightening exercises so women with back problems can follow the program. I’ve also added more stretches. I try to encourage women of any age to face their changing circumstances head on and fit the program into their lifestyle—no matter their age.

What would your response be to those who may be skeptical of the book’s 30-day promise?

In four weeks the human body can make significant changes, whether you’re strength training, healing from injury, recovering from nutrient deficiency, etc. My own experience, both doing the program and watching others follow it, is that in 30 days you can see a measurable difference in your thigh measurements and appearance if you really incorporate the program into your everyday life. In fact, you may far exceed what you had assumed is possible.

The book contains useful nutritional guidelines. How closely do you watch what you eat?

I have at least some fresh fruit and a fresh vegetable everyday. I try to eat things that quickly, healthily fill me up—a handful of almonds, instant oatmeal—and I stay conscious of the fact that if and when I eat fries, pizza, or bread with butter, I will spend the next five days working it off.

Do you have a favorite healthy summer snack?

After exercise: Fruit juice. Ideally fresh squeezed or a natural fruit smoothie. These juices hydrate, add glucose and fill you up. My secret snack, though, is chocolate frozen yogurt.

Curious to learn more? Watch our video interview with Stehling and watch her demonstrate some exercises from the book.