Biking = Big legs?

cnekniher
cnekniher Posts: 71 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Ok, so I cant run at the moment. I have some knee issues, which limits me from the treadmill at the gym.

I like the elliptical. I like the bike. I think its good to switch things up now and again.

Here's my worry. Is the bike going to increase the size of my legs by building strong muscles down there? I'm naturally a pear shape, so I would like them to be on the thinner side. I try to keep the level at 7, where I have to work hard to keep an rpm of 80 without feeling like i'm pushing my legs too hard.

Is the bike a good enough cardio machine? Will it make my legs bigger?

Replies

  • PennyVonDread
    PennyVonDread Posts: 432 Member
    Only if you're eating enough calories and protein to bulk.

    If you're eating at a defecit you needn't worry.
  • paultucker1007
    paultucker1007 Posts: 37 Member
    No. Putting on muscle is hard and requires heavy weights - NO-ONE does it by accident
  • DopeItUp
    DopeItUp Posts: 18,771 Member
    Yup, some simple biking will produce this in no time:

    greipel-and-forste_2294083b.jpg
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    No, unless you are eating over maintenance, in which case you'd be getting bigger everywhere, not just your legs.
  • carlosjenno
    carlosjenno Posts: 174 Member
    No. Toned, lean and defined, but not big. Check any of the Tour GC riders, all skinny. Sprinters have massive thighs, but that's because they train them to be like that.

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