Skinny top, chunky legs!!! Help!

Lose_It_Leo

I've basically decided I don't want to lose weight around my arms or much of my torso. I need to lose it on my hips and legs. The problem is, although my legs have some fat on them (obviously) they seem very muscly! How can I stop my legs looking so chunky? Exercise only makes my muscles larger!!! I'm relatively boney around the shoulders so it's making me look oddly disproportionate. I heard that you can't do location weight loss. Is this true?

Here are my stats:

H: 5'8" W: 115lb (I'm small boned and yes I know I'm underweight, dont reply if you're going to comment on that)

Macros: carbs 45%, protein 30%, fat 25%. I tend to go over in fat quite a bit and under in protein a lot though.

Exercise: Virtually none! I hate doing it and Im not very motivated to. Much of my exercise involves walking and dancing around the room.

Any help would be appreciated.

Lukazetta

I've basically decided I don't want to lose weight around my arms or much of my torso. I need to lose it on my hips and legs. The problem is, although my legs have some fat on them (obviously) they seem very muscly! How can I stop my legs looking so chunky? Exercise only makes my muscles larger!!! I'm relatively boney around the shoulders so it's making me look oddly disproportionate. I heard that you can't do location weight loss. Is this true?

Here are my stats:

H: 5'8" W: 115lb (I'm small boned and yes I know I'm underweight, dont reply if you're going to comment on that)

Macros: carbs 45%, protein 30%, fat 25%. I tend to go over in fat quite a bit and under in protein a lot though.

Exercise: Virtually none! I hate doing it and Im not very motivated to. Much of my exercise involves walking and dancing around the room.

Any help would be appreciated.

Good luck on your goals of 2012.

lorilynnschisler

Your arms, legs or torso are not your problem. Your motivation is.

kdiamond

At 5'8" 115 pounds I doubt you are "chunky". What you probably are complaining about might be flabby legs which is definitely possible if you're not exercising at all and you're most likely skinny fat.

What you really need to do to change your shape and make your legs shapely and smooth you need to lift weights. Any additional cardio and/or losing weight will make them look worse. Best advice I can give you is get into a heavy lifting routine 3-4 days a week.

tenunderfour

Your arms, legs or torso are not your problem. Your self concept is.

FIFY. :bigsmile:

pamelak5

It sounds like if anything you need to gain weight on your upper body - maybe focus on heavy weightlifting and increasing your protein/overall calorie intake to balance out? A lot of women are stronger on the lower body than in the upper body.

dad106

Exercise does not make your muscles larger... Girls can't bulk nor can you bulk in a deficit. Plus you are doing nothing that provides muscle resistance.. which means, that there is nothing to make the muscles grow larger.

My suggestion, Eat at a deficit, Lift weights and do some cardio.. and see what happens.

Ophelia2013

I really appreciate your honesty! I feel the same way. I am asthmatic and although I know exercise is really great for me health and physically. It takes real motivation for me to get moving. I am not a sit around the house type person. I am always busy, but to stop and think I better go for a walk, or ride my bike for 30 min. I don't want to take time to do that, nor do I enjoy it. I say.... let's start out small and try to change our frame of minds. Good luck, I'm with ya girl-friend.

Shayztar

I've basically decided I don't want to lose weight around my arms or much of my torso. I need to lose it on my hips and legs. The problem is, although my legs have some fat on them (obviously) they seem very muscly! How can I stop my legs looking so chunky? Exercise only makes my muscles larger!!! I'm relatively boney around the shoulders so it's making me look oddly disproportionate. I heard that you can't do location weight loss. Is this true?

Here are my stats:

H: 5'8" W: 115lb (I'm small boned and yes I know I'm underweight, dont reply if you're going to comment on that)

Macros: carbs 45%, protein 30%, fat 25%. I tend to go over in fat quite a bit and under in protein a lot though.

Exercise: Virtually none! I hate doing it and Im not very motivated to. Much of my exercise involves walking and dancing around the room.

Any help would be appreciated.

Good luck on your realistic goals of 2012.

*snort*

Not attractive, I know. But that it literally what I did when I read that.

I agree. Eat more, do resistance training. Squats. Lunges. Lift weights. I don't yet, but when I get closer to my goal weight, you betcha I'll be working on my definition.

p.s. You really can't be "chunky" when you're underweight. Like the previous posters say...you're skinny fat from not doing any exercise.

secretlobster

I'm not sure how chunky your legs could be if you're 5'8' and 118lbs... I kinda wish you had posted a pic so we could talk you out of trying to lose any more mass! But really you cannot lose weight in specific places. it just won't happen.

The best advice I can give is to do weight training, especially in your upper body, while still getting a fat-burning workout (cardio). It might help even up your body while you lose fat in the only places you have left. At least that way, you will be building muscle mass so you can still have a healthy body composition and you're not just wasting yourself away.

Shayztar

I'm not sure how chunky your legs could be if you're 5'8' and 118lbs... I kinda wish you had posted a pic so we could talk you out of trying to lose any more mass! But really you cannot lose weight in specific places. it just won't happen.

The best advice I can give is to do weight training, especially in your upper body, while still getting a fat-burning workout (cardio). It might help even up your body while you lose fat in the only places you have left. At least that way, you will be building muscle mass so you can still have a healthy body composition and you're not just wasting yourself away.

here here.

mfpcopine

I would use weights only your upper body and do a lot of cardio. If you are predisposed to have fairly fat legs, direct weight resistance may make them bigger.

I don't know why this is controversial. Most people who work out find some enlargement. If it's in an area they're happy to build up, it's not a problem. But if you're already concerned about excess weight in one area and have no need for the kind of strength you get from weights I would avoid using them on your legs.

If you do use weights on your legs, don't do the workouts that cause hypertrophy, e.g., heavy weights, 8 to 12 reps, 3 sets.

dad106

I would use weights only your upper body and do a lot of cardio. If you are predisposed to have fairly fat legs, direct weight resistance may make them bigger.

I don't know why this is controversial. Most people who work out find some enlargement. If it's in an area they're happy to build up, it's not a problem. But if you're already concerned about excess weight in one area and have no need for the kind of strength you get from weights I would avoid using them on your legs.

If you do use weights on your legs, don't do the workouts that cause hypertrophy, e.g., heavy weights, 8 to 12 reps, 3 sets.

If you read the OP, she's not doing anything to cause muscle enlargement.. She said she walks and dances.. how the hell is that going to cause muscle enlargement? I highly doubt she's even retaining water in her muscles doing that.

I'm a pear.. which according to you in previous posts we shouldn't do weight training on our bottom because it will only make us bigger.. well low and behold I do plenty of heavy weight training on my bottom and have only gotten smaller. The bulk people see is fat.. if they lose the fat, they lose the bulk.. that simple.

NCVF

think about it. probably look like Beyonce or Shakira. I'd love to have that problem. :P
Do some squats and lunges. Run a little too.

ninerbuff

Try exercise.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Lose_It_Leo

Maybe I should have said more? Here is some further info:

- A couple of times a week I do some aerobics and stretches, including lunching and squats, even sit-ups sometimes.
- When I say, I walk, I'm talking upto 15 miles a time; the minimum is 6 miles.
- When I dance I do it vigorously
- I used to run but I have a bad knee so I don't often want to try that.
- And I do use some weights occasionally.

I only mentioned my main exercise. I DO exercise but I enjoy it about as much as I enjoy being run over. I just don't do nearly as much as everyone on this site.

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

dad106

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

Let me say this again slowly.. you. are..not..gaining..muscle. If you are eating in a calorie deficit, and doing weight training occasionally, then it's not muscle. Might you be seeing what muscle is already there? Yes.. but there is no way you are gaining. To gain muscle, would mean that you have to eat in a calorie surplus, do heavy strength training and be gaining weight(since when you gain muscle, you gain fat). Since from what I can gather, none of these things are happening.. you are not gaining muscle.

BTW, people are not being negative.. they are telling you the truth. If you want smaller shaped legs, then get off your rear end and go lift some weights.. end of story.

BrokenBarbiexoxo

I would say I'm surprised at the negativity on this board, but then I remembered I was reading the MFP forum.

Good luck, I have the same problem so if you find the solution, I'd like to know it!

castadiva

Some people claim that Pilates extends and refines the muscles. I've never done much, so have no personal experience of this, but might be worth a try. I have to agree with others here though that you're unlikely to be 'chunky' at 115lb. What you may be experiencing is more definition and development in you leg muscles proportionately to your upper body. The simplest/best(in my opinion) way to balance this out is not to try to thin down the leg muscles, but rather to build upper body strength, so that you 'match', and will probably feel less conscious of your leg muscles.

Regretfully, you cannot 'spot reduce' - otherwise my upper arms and legs and lower stomach would all be gone!

HeatherLeahxx

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

Let me say this again slowly.. you. are..not..gaining..muscle. If you are eating in a calorie deficit, and doing weight training occasionally, then it's not muscle. Might you be seeing what muscle is already there? Yes.. but there is no way you are gaining. To gain muscle, would mean that you have to eat in a calorie surplus, do heavy strength training and be gaining weight(since when you gain muscle, you gain fat). Since from what I can gather, none of these things are happening.. you are not gaining muscle.

BTW, people are not being negative.. they are telling you the truth. Why ask a question and then ***** about the answers you don't like? What did you expect us to tell you? If you want smaller shaped legs, then get off your rear end and go lift some weights.. end of story.

If you have nothing nice to say to her, don't say anything at all.....shag off and leave her alone.

ickybella

Your arms, legs or torso are not your problem. Your self concept is.

FIFY. :bigsmile:

This, but if you're really concerned about looking disproportionate, why not build up your upper body to match? You could go on a bit of a bulk (wouldn't hurt anyway if you are underweight) and lift some heavy weights on your upper body, get some sexy muscles and maybe during that time you could concentrate on learning to love yourself. :flowerforyou:

nananie2

I would say I'm surprised at the negativity on this board, but then I remembered I was reading the MFP forums.

Good luck, I have the same problem so if you find the solution, I'd like to know it!

:drinker: :drinker: :drinker:

BrokenBarbiexoxo

:laugh:

LorinaLynn

Photos really would help. Because even 5'5 and pear shaped, my legs were anything but chunky at 115 pounds. I wasn't shaped like a super-model, because don't have the proportions for that gazelle-like look. If my goal was to have a thigh gap, that's just not going to happen for me. The only times I had very slim legs was before I went through puberty.

A combination of heavy strength training and running did make me much more proportionate and streamlined. And I was told I had bad knees and shouldn't run, too, but strength training helped with that, too. Strong muscles support my weak joints.

_hi_hat3r_

OP, you are fine just the way you are.

dad106

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

Let me say this again slowly.. you. are..not..gaining..muscle. If you are eating in a calorie deficit, and doing weight training occasionally, then it's not muscle. Might you be seeing what muscle is already there? Yes.. but there is no way you are gaining. To gain muscle, would mean that you have to eat in a calorie surplus, do heavy strength training and be gaining weight(since when you gain muscle, you gain fat). Since from what I can gather, none of these things are happening.. you are not gaining muscle.

BTW, people are not being negative.. they are telling you the truth. Why ask a question and then ***** about the answers you don't like? What did you expect us to tell you? If you want smaller shaped legs, then get off your rear end and go lift some weights.. end of story.

If you have nothing nice to say to her, don't say anything at all.....shag off and leave her alone.

No thanks.. Not going to feed into the misconception that you are gaining muscle in calorie deficit.

HeatherLeahxx

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

Let me say this again slowly.. you. are..not..gaining..muscle. If you are eating in a calorie deficit, and doing weight training occasionally, then it's not muscle. Might you be seeing what muscle is already there? Yes.. but there is no way you are gaining. To gain muscle, would mean that you have to eat in a calorie surplus, do heavy strength training and be gaining weight(since when you gain muscle, you gain fat). Since from what I can gather, none of these things are happening.. you are not gaining muscle.

BTW, people are not being negative.. they are telling you the truth. Why ask a question and then ***** about the answers you don't like? What did you expect us to tell you? If you want smaller shaped legs, then get off your rear end and go lift some weights.. end of story.

If you have nothing nice to say to her, don't say anything at all.....shag off and leave her alone.

No thanks.. Not going to feed into the misconception that you are gaining muscle in calorie deficit or that you can just sit on your butt and your body will magically change.

You need to calm down girl.....why you getting so angry? :flowerforyou:

Lose_It_Leo

As for my legs, they are the shape I want and are very strong, but not the size I want. I said I look "disproportionate". I simply want the same shape but smaller! And for those that said I can't possibly be gaining muscle... the evidence speaks for itself. My legs are really quite toned.

BTW to those people so damn negative.... WHY?! Really? Bother?!

Let me say this again slowly.. you. are..not..gaining..muscle. If you are eating in a calorie deficit, and doing weight training occasionally, then it's not muscle. Might you be seeing what muscle is already there? Yes.. but there is no way you are gaining. To gain muscle, would mean that you have to eat in a calorie surplus, do heavy strength training and be gaining weight(since when you gain muscle, you gain fat). Since from what I can gather, none of these things are happening.. you are not gaining muscle.

BTW, people are not being negative.. they are telling you the truth. Why ask a question and then ***** about the answers you don't like? What did you expect us to tell you? If you want smaller shaped legs, then get off your rear end and go lift some weights.. end of story.

i understand that it is difficult to know everything when posting something on here, but you should remember not to assume. I am well aware that muscle can only be gained with the energy put into it. I know how this works. I AM eating an excess of my maintenance calories, albeit unintentionally. If i wanted to gain weight on my upper body I would have said so. I specifically enquired about my legs only. I thought that was obvious?

And by the way, your first sentences isnt simply "telling the truth", I consider it rude and rather condescending to be honest. I can tell the difference between negativity and bad manners.

It seems many do not believe I can have "chunky" legs at my weight. I manage it. It is not simply bad personal image on my part. I used that word to describe how different they are compared to my torso, hence "disproportionate", which, I repeat, I do not want to make larger. It is toned enough to my liking. I looked stupid with larger muscles before - I'm an odd shape.

LorinaLynn

If you have a self-described "odd shape," what do you expect anyone to do to help you with that? People have different shapes. We're not always handed one we like. All we can do is make the most out of what we have.

If you're a pear, you're going to be a pear. Embrace it. Beyonce, JLo and Shakira seem to do just fine with a larger bottom half.

dls06

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/body-type-diet-solutions-big-belly-or-big-butt?page=2#copy

shannashannabobana

I'm not as skinny as you are, but when I was on the bike a few times a week it helped me get definition in my legs. That and maybe weight training might work well for you, since it's not excess weight that's the problem, it's toning.