Toning legs?

SomeoneSomeplace
SomeoneSomeplace Posts: 1,094 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I've lost a decent amount of weight since joining this site. However almost all of it has been from my upper body. I want to tone and lose weight in my legs and butt. Are the exercises I can do to tighten this area? It seems now matter how much weight I lose, my legs and butt stay the same.

Replies

  • SparkleShine
    SparkleShine Posts: 2,001 Member
    What kind of exercises have you been doing?
  • spazofthedead
    spazofthedead Posts: 175 Member
    Squats, deadlifts and lunges are your friend. :)
  • SomeoneSomeplace
    SomeoneSomeplace Posts: 1,094 Member
    I tore my Achilles tendon last June. I have been running on the treadmill and lifting. However, running has recently become REALLY painful. So I've switched the the elliptical. I lift when I can but sometimes that's too painful too. You don't realize how much you use your Achilles tendon until you injure it... it seems like running isn't enough. Actually that might even make my legs bigger? I want slim/fit legs. Not overly muscular. I played hockey for 15 years so my thighs have alway been large. They are not fat, but muscular. But I'd prefer them to be lean.
  • anastasiab1621
    anastasiab1621 Posts: 23 Member
    What spazofthedead.

    You want slim legs, you need to build some muscle. Muscle gives them shape, losing fat will make them slim. If you make them slim without adding muscle you will most likely just end up with' legs that are slim but still have wobble about them - nothing toned about that. Don't be afraid of weightlifting.
  • adietron
    adietron Posts: 155
    I struggle with a similar "bottom heavy" thing... I've always been athletic, and I've always had large thighs and calves. Just like you, my arms and abs tone up quickly, but things get stubborn below the belly button. Unforch, a lot of this has to do with genes. My mom, grandma, and cousins all had bodies just like mine when they were my age.

    That being said, the only things that have made some noticeable toning changes for me have been high-rep, low-weight resistance exercises. Keeping the weight low (or using only your own body weight) will keep you from bulking up, but you still have to do enough reps to feel muscle fatigue. For instance, when I do walking lunges, I don't use weights, but do them for a full 90 seconds without stopping. My legs BURN by the end of it. The prolonged poses in yoga seem to help too.
  • crisanderson27
    crisanderson27 Posts: 5,343 Member
    Squats, deadlifts and lunges are your friend. :)

    With heavy weight's somehow attached to your body, preferably.
  • jennyredfern
    jennyredfern Posts: 94 Member
    I use resistance bands around my ankles and do side steps up and down the gym floor several times. I love pushing myself past the point of feeling the burn in my muscles... it's awesome. I've also read you have to lose a good amount of body fat before your legs look lean... one of the last spots to look toned in girls. Keep that heart rate up and burn off that fat! :)
  • MissJay75
    MissJay75 Posts: 768 Member
    Have you been taking measurements? It's possible that you are losing in your lower half, but since our body shape tends to stay the same just get smaller, you may not see the changes because propotionately you still seem big on bottom.
  • Allic1971
    Allic1971 Posts: 145 Member
    Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs is a really good workout, Youtube it before you buy it, I really enjoy it :happy:

    Good luck
    Alli
  • nnylee
    nnylee Posts: 811 Member
    You actually can't spot reduce anything. You gotta just work on everything and it comes off eventually in which ever area genetics wants it to.
  • sarajo16
    sarajo16 Posts: 142 Member
    Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs is a really good workout, Youtube it before you buy it, I really enjoy it :happy:

    Good luck
    Alli

    This dvd is the best! Love love love it for legs! plie squat hops are killer for inner thighs :)

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