So is there anyway to squat without getting huge *** thighs?
addictedtosweat
Posts: 68
So...I just feel like my thighs are getting huge from doing squats. I am short so this is not really the look I'm going for. Is this just what happens or is it just me?
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Replies
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How many reps with what weight?0
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What does the tape measure say?0
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Hmmm... I guess some muscle development/hypertrophy of the quads is expected from squats. It's a compound exercise, not isolation, so it should be working all your lower body muscles. When squatting, the primary muscle group being worked is the quads (those thighs) and the secondary muscle groups are the glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.
If you fear getting big quads from squats, I'd reduce the weight, add more reps, and consider alternating squats with other compound lower body exercises that primarily activate the other leg muscles and only activate the quads secondarily. Perhaps some MFP weightlifters can help us out with suggestions for complete lower body moves where quads are secondary, not primary. Hope that helps...0 -
~bump for replies~0
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If you're in a calorie deficit, I wouldn't worry about getting huge anything. I've been doing heavy squats for a year and my thighs are still the same circumference, but the fat/muscle ratio is different. They look healthier and firmer than before too.
I'm 5'1" so I'm pretty short too0 -
You can't gain mass while in a calorie deficit. If you feel like your thighs are getting bigger it's your muscles retaining water. Once you lose the layer of fat over them they won't be huge *kitten* thighs anymore.0
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I was really worried about this also because I ended up gaining two inches in my thigh but I have good news keep going it'll eventually go down and get smaller mine did0
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Op I wish I had your genetics to gain muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. Lol it's just in your head. The muscles are holding more glycogen but if anything you're replacing a lot of the fat mass with muscle so you should just keep squatting.
Ryan Gosling would want you to.0 -
Have you measured before and after? How long did it take for them to get "huge"? Are you eating at a calorie surplus?
I'm guessing what you are experiencing is swelling and water retention. Women just don't gain muscle that quickly.0 -
So...I just feel like my thighs are getting huge from doing squats. I am short so this is not really the look I'm going for. Is this just what happens or is it just me?
Your thighs look fine. You're not gaining size while at a calorie deficit. Stop being a girl
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Op I wish I had your genetics to gain muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. Lol it's just in your head. The muscles are holding more glycogen but if anything you're replacing a lot of the fat mass with muscle so you should just keep squatting.
Ryan Gosling would want you to.
yes this exactly my hubby described it to me like this your muscle under the chub is getting slightly toned and its pushing on the chub when your consistently working out but for your legs to go down you have to lose fat all over and in the end everything will be leaner0 -
8 months of leg days and I've lost an inch on my legs.
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8 months of leg days and I've lost an inch on my legs.
I thoroughly enjoy this.0 -
My icon pic does not give this question justice lol. Thanks for your replies all. Glad this isn't just happening to me and now I know what to expect. I have only been lifting for about 4 months so far.0
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Have you measured before and after? How long did it take for them to get "huge"? Are you eating at a calorie surplus?
I'm guessing what you are experiencing is swelling and water retention. Women just don't gain muscle that quickly.
I have not measured my before and after so I don't know for sure :S but I know I have def. gotten bigger. I don't fit in my old jeans. I even ripped a pair the other day when I bent down. Seriously.0 -
Op I wish I had your genetics to gain muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. Lol it's just in your head. The muscles are holding more glycogen but if anything you're replacing a lot of the fat mass with muscle so you should just keep squatting.
Ryan Gosling would want you to.
This ^^^^^
I LOL at the Ryan Gosling part.....0 -
I totally read that as "What does the fox say?" :laugh:What does the tape measure say?0 -
Details on sets, reps and calorie deficit? And why aren't you using a tape measure?0
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Focus on the back of your legs, which will add the appearance of length, while if you focus on the front of your legs - it adds weight and curve.0
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Well, measure them. I feel the same way. When your legs are shrinking they go through an awkward stage in which they look bigger because its all the same size. Trust me, It happens all the time with me0
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Op I wish I had your genetics to gain muscle mass while in a calorie deficit. Lol it's just in your head. The muscles are holding more glycogen but if anything you're replacing a lot of the fat mass with muscle so you should just keep squatting.
Ryan Gosling would want you to.
What everyone else is saying about calorie deficit!
Dont believe us, what are your measurements doing? Are you tracking this?
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You might like Strong Curves and bretcontreras.com. He talks about women and different goals and how to achieve them. As others mentioned you can do deadlifts and hip thrusts if you want to work on hamstrings and glutes.
Are you eating at a deficit as others are saying?0 -
Bump because I'm pretty interested in this.0
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Well, measure them. I feel the same way. When your legs are shrinking they go through an awkward stage in which they look bigger because its all the same size. Trust me, It happens all the time with me
Yeah, my right leg swelled and went through a strange process when I started lifting. I tore my hamstring a long time ago and that leg had always been a little weaker since then, so maybe that's why. All good now.
I also got ridiculous knots in that leg (to the point that you could see and feel them). So massage and foam rolling helped work that all out.
It took a couple months for everything to even out.0 -
Have you measured before and after? How long did it take for them to get "huge"? Are you eating at a calorie surplus?
I'm guessing what you are experiencing is swelling and water retention. Women just don't gain muscle that quickly.
^^this.0 -
Have you measured before and after? How long did it take for them to get "huge"? Are you eating at a calorie surplus?
I'm guessing what you are experiencing is swelling and water retention. Women just don't gain muscle that quickly.
I have not measured my before and after so I don't know for sure :S but I know I have def. gotten bigger. I don't fit in my old jeans. I even ripped a pair the other day when I bent down. Seriously.
You ripped the legs? Have they been getting progressively tighter?
You say you have been squatting for about 4 months? How may sets/reps?0 -
The ONLY way you will get "huge" thighs from squatting is if you are consistently eating in a caloric surplus.
The whole notion of doing a lighter weight with more reps to "tone up" is a myth.
Squat with as much weight as you can while maintaining perfect form (and depth) for anywhere between 6 to 10 reps. The lower you go, the better. If you can't go at least parallel (this applies to both genders), then:
1. drop your ego
2. drop the weight
3. drop that assss0
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