Question about muscle gain vs fat loss (legs more specifically)

ccarlock08
ccarlock08 Posts: 89 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
Hello! My question is... I've lost about 18lbs, I'm 158lbs currently... my thighs are actually measuring .5 inch bigger than when I started losing weight. I don't actually want big legs, just nice tone ones. I am typically about 130lbs (had my 3rd baby in oct) My routine right now is pretty basic, I workout 3 days a week at a gym. I run the track everyday for 20 minutes and have one leg day per week. My leg workouts are the standard squats, lunges, various machines... etc... So, I guess is there a way to train your legs without making them bulky? Thanks!

Replies

  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    They aren't getting bulky with muscle, lest you think that's the problem.
    Not as a woman eating in a deficit and only lifting with them 1 x weekly.

    It's the running track daily.
    Body's response to that is store more glycogen with attached water, right there in the muscle being used. That makes it appear bigger.
    Probably are making it stronger too, which is not the same as gaining muscle.

    And just as you can't spot reduce, can't really spot measure either.

    The 1 spot you are measuring may have gone up 1/2 inch, but you could have thinned out elsewhere in the leg.

    Then again, since those responses to exercise can be faster than losing fat, they may have gotten bigger. Again, can't spot reduce. But the fat will come off eventually.
  • ccarlock08
    ccarlock08 Posts: 89 Member
    Thanks for the reaponse! Makes sense! :)
  • deviboy1592
    deviboy1592 Posts: 989 Member
    ccarlock08 wrote: »
    Hello! My question is... I've lost about 18lbs, I'm 158lbs currently... my thighs are actually measuring .5 inch bigger than when I started losing weight. I don't actually want big legs, just nice tone ones. I am typically about 130lbs (had my 3rd baby in oct) My routine right now is pretty basic, I workout 3 days a week at a gym. I run the track everyday for 20 minutes and have one leg day per week. My leg workouts are the standard squats, lunges, various machines... etc... So, I guess is there a way to train your legs without making them bulky? Thanks!

    You can either go low reps and heavy weights, somewhere in the 2-5 rep range which will build strength and more dense muscle, or you can go to 15 to 20 rep range which will also incorporate cardio into your workout session as well. You wanna stay away from the 8-12 rep range that's where you will stimulate muscle growth. Also I'd keep up with the cardio and maybe even switch it up with some Pilates or yoga maybe. Then again I'm not a women, and that's just my opinion.
This discussion has been closed.