doiask42much Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 I've been doing cardio (step, cardio kickboxing, occasionally spinning) to drop a little weight and tone up and it's going great so far. Really happy with my arms and stomach. Alas, one unfortunate side effect is that my thighs are becoming more muscular, making me look sort of stocky, as I am quite short. I never used to exercise and was like veal, and I liked it that way. I am not fond of the muscular look. A friend of mine told me yoga is good for lengthening muscles to combat this, but how often do I need to do it to see results? I don't really like yoga all that much, so I haven't been doing it a lot; it feels a bit "affected" to me and I am not sure if it's doing anything, as I don't really break a sweat. The gym I go to offers it twice a week. Is that enough? Could I even get away with once a week? Also, does anyone know what kind of cardio exercise WON'T make my legs muscular? I really hate working out solo on machines and much prefer classes but will do it if necessary. Link to post Share on other sites
cuteblondegurl Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 Yoga, pilates, and lots of stretching. If that doesn't help long distance running will work. Long distance running can actually change the shape of your legs, and lean out your thighs rather nicely. Link to post Share on other sites
Author doiask42much Posted June 28, 2007 Author Share Posted June 28, 2007 Ok, I'll do pilates too. How often do I need to do yoga/pilates, like how many times a week, to be reasonably effective? Link to post Share on other sites
cuteblondegurl Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 Well a friend of mine use to be about 25 pounds heavier. She was very curvy and had muscular thighs but she still looked great at that weight. Well she started to do interval training on the treadmill 6 days a week, yoga twice a week, and pilates twice a week. And she incorporated a healthy diet into her routine too. She did that for about 5-6 months and leaned out her body. SHe went from a size 8 to a 2. She still has curves but not like before and no more muscular thighs. She has a very slim slinky body. Link to post Share on other sites
Author doiask42much Posted June 28, 2007 Author Share Posted June 28, 2007 I'm a size 0 and weigh probably 104 lbs but I'm also five foot one. I don't have a LOT of "thigh reduction" to do, so would twice a week of yoga and/or pilates cut it or no? I'm sure a lot of people would tell me I'm nuts and my thighs are fine, but I look at friends my build and notice their thighs are slimmer than mine, and yes, I can't help but want that. Thanks for all your advice blondegurl! It helps a lot. Everyone else I ask either has no idea or is vague. Link to post Share on other sites
cuteblondegurl Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 I think twice a week in addition to some form of cardio work out is plenty. But keep in mind your diet is very important too. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted June 28, 2007 Share Posted June 28, 2007 Well a friend of mine use to be about 25 pounds heavier. She was very curvy and had muscular thighs but she still looked great at that weight. Well she started to do interval training on the treadmill 6 days a week, yoga twice a week, and pilates twice a week. And she incorporated a healthy diet into her routine too. She did that for about 5-6 months and leaned out her body. SHe went from a size 8 to a 2. She still has curves but not like before and no more muscular thighs. She has a very slim slinky body. I don't think yoga and pilates changed the genetic muscle structure of your friend's thighs. You can't spot reduce. Going from an 8 to a 2 by being on the treadmill 6 days a week? I think your friend lost FAT in her thighs. DIA doesn't sound like there's any fat to lose... Link to post Share on other sites
Author doiask42much Posted June 28, 2007 Author Share Posted June 28, 2007 Right, SG. I'm not trying to lose fat per se, more muscle. Heh. (I know that sounds backwards.) Or prevent it from becoming any more developed. Link to post Share on other sites
This_Too_Shall_Pass Posted June 29, 2007 Share Posted June 29, 2007 DIA, my theory is that this is simple replacement of fat by muscle. You had less fat in your arms and stomach compared to your thighs. So when you lost the fat and replaced it with muscle, your thighs ended up looking more muscular, because there was just more fat available to be replaced. The "veal-like", non-muscular look you're aiming for, is a product of not exercising at all. If you exercise, you're going to build up some muscle, anyhow. And it will usually be in the areas where fat is available. If you want a break from the cardio, how about varying your exercise routine and walk or swim, instead? Link to post Share on other sites
Author doiask42much Posted June 29, 2007 Author Share Posted June 29, 2007 Sounds quite probable. I know I am just being a bit finicky, I just have been working so hard at it (for me) that I want to be perfect. Probably not healthy, I know. I am going to keep doing the yoga anyway. I figure it's good for stress management or whatever. Link to post Share on other sites
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