Stationary bike- vigorous cycling!

jemlouise93

As I've got a bad back and twisted spine exercises like jogging, treadmill etc are a no go so I like to do vigorous cycling between 26-30mph for about 30 minutes but as I've already got chunky thighs I don't want them to become bulky, tree trunk like and some say this will be the case if I cycle. So I'm after everyone's personal experience- did it slim and tone your thighs or make them appear bigger and heavier? Thanks.

brianpperkins

Umm ... no. Especially since you probably have next to no resistance on the bike in order to reach those types of speed. Truly becoming "bulky" requires a progressive overload program and caloric surplus in order to build new muscle tissue.

EmmaCaz4

I've got the same problem with my back. I have a twisted spine, a spine disorder, a twisted pelvis and unstable hips... (Disaster zone) I spoke to my physio and he said any exercise was fine for me aslong as I took it steady to start and was careful. I do run and have got quite good at it, I also cycle and weight lift. I have chunky thighs myself, the only difference I have noticed is them becoming less flabby and getting a slight bit of muscle definition but nothing to say they are 'bulky or tree trunk like', it would take a lot of effort, and resistance for this to happen. My partner used to do alot of cycling daily to work and back and on weekends, his legs also never became too bulky until he started extensive weight training to make them bulky. You're not going to look like arnold Schwarzenegger, I wouldn't worry about it.

Florida_Superstar

brianpperkins wrote: »

Umm ... no. Especially since you probably have next to no resistance on the bike in order to reach those types of speed. Truly becoming "bulky" requires a progressive overload program and caloric surplus in order to build new muscle tissue.

^^This...

Also, I cycle 3x a week and do not have bulky thighs. My natural build is athletic, so my legs are not "skinny", but they weren't skinny before I started cycling either. Cycling is a great non-impact exercise that burns lots of calories. Enjoy!

Liftng4Lis

You aren't going to get "bulky", especially in a deficit.

tressie99

I participate in a spin class 4x a week sometimes 5x and my legs are not bulky. They have slimmed down and I can see the muscle definition more. I suppose I would be an odd ball because I love the look of cyclers thighs and legs!

VykkDraygoVPR

I have hugely muscular thighs (runs in my family), but cycling hasn't made them bigger. I mean, they are rock hard (since I've lost the fat on them), but not any bigger than before. I noticed more of a difference in my calves than my thighs, and even then, they aren't bulkier, just different muscles are more prominent.