reducing leg muscle...? I want skinny legs :(
Replies
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I say embrace the muscle and start training for a triathlon! Muscles are bad-*kitten*...why would you want to be skinny fat? Because if you TRY to lose muscle, that's what's going to happen. You'll be skinny with excess fat and no muscle tone and you'll basically have to start building muscle all over again. You can't really spot reduce - that goes for muscle as well as fat.0
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When I was a preteen, I hated my thighs. I wanted pencil-thighs. Then, I grew up and went to college. I was surprised to find that my thighs were one of my best attributes. Plus, the bigger the leg muscles, the better to kick some @ss.
So, maybe...just maybe...consider a new goal. Instead of, say: I want GAP khaki-sized thighs, try: I want to register these babies as lethal weapons because I could totally take someone out with them.
Just a suggestion.0 -
I've always had muscular legs even when I was a size 2 when I was younger. It's potentially genetic in your case, not a repercussion for being heavier. I love my muscular calves though...makes my ankles look cute and tiny
Oh haha well my ankles have never looked cute and tiny. They still don't. I can't even wear most anklets becasue my ankles are wide around too.
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I don't have this problem, so I can't relate, but don't forget if you intentionally lose muscle mass, your metabolism will decrease accordingly too, since muscle burns more calories than fat. I'd rather have "big" calves and ask for wider boots than have skinny legs and have to eat like a bird to maintain it.
mmmm nope.....I'd rather eat like the birds..... I HATE my legs..... I've dreamed of slim legs my whole life and if I have to eat less that's fine with me.0 -
Ok so I was always heavy- and I hold the majority of my extra weight in my calves thighs and hips. Well I've lost a bunch of weight over the last couple years and recently when I started dieting again. I read a forum a while back about how people who are heavy will build bigger muscle in their legs from carrying all that weight around- then after they've lost the weight their legs are still really big because those muscles were enlarged still from the extra weight they used to carry....
My question is- now that I have lowered my body fat%....how to I lower my muscle mass% in my legs so that they're slim and shapley and not still looking bulky?.... Wearing shorts and skirts is sooooo not happening with my big wide calves and thighs.
. I mean I'm a size 6 now in pants and I still can't wear tall boots because of my huge calves!! Asking for wide calf-boots at the store...embarrassing, no thank you.
Girls with this problem- you understand me right?....
thanks
The body will fit the activity it undertakes - eventually.
This is why sprinters end up with muscley legs whereas marathon runners have slimmer legs and a racewalker will have even slimmer legs (albeit, all three physiques will have muscle but the "look" will be totally different).
The more the explosive power of the activity, the more muscley will the legs be. Your trick is to find the correct activity for you and thereby, eventually, your legs will slim down to your desired size.
Having said all that, it will not happen overnight and can take many months or years to get your desired effect as genetics will play a major role in the size of your legs.
Oh...ok that makes sense I'll try that....lots of walking....0 -
I don't have this problem, so I can't relate, but don't forget if you intentionally lose muscle mass, your metabolism will decrease accordingly too, since muscle burns more calories than fat. I'd rather have "big" calves and ask for wider boots than have skinny legs and have to eat like a bird to maintain it.
mmmm nope.....I'd rather eat like the birds..... I HATE my legs..... I've dreamed of slim legs my whole life and if I have to eat less that's fine with me.
Unfortunately, it's going to be very difficult to be genetics. You will more likely end up losing your muscle from your upper body since that is where you lost from first. And you will lose a lot of definition and look flabby all over. You can try to follow Eric's recommendation, but in the long run, you will probably screw yourself over in terms of progress. You can try to cut body fat more (until you hit around 15%) to see if that helps but in the end it's you vs genetics.0 -
Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.0
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You could also try yoga/pilates which are meant to be good for building lean muscle.0
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Essentially, you can accomplish this with very high rep/very low weight and muscle starvation. Sounds extreme, but, let me explain.
Essentially what you need to do is train your slow twitch muscle fibers more than your fast twitch muscle fibers. You're goal then is to train in such a way that you are endurance training... Your ulitmate goal should be to do one set of 100 reps. The exercises you choose are up to you. Start off with five sets of 20 and work up from there until you reach 1 set of 100 reps.
Now, as far as post workout nutrition. For 3-4 hours after you workout, you don't eat protein. No protein, no muscle rebuild. You can eat protein before and 4 hours after, but, the key is to lean out your muscle, not replenish it. In other words. Eat a salad or chomp on a carrot to feel full...
Ramp up your cardio too. Shoot for something low impact and do it for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week.
Here's a link with a more step by step approach: http://www.livestrong.com/article/240846-how-to-reduce-muscle-size/
I too have big legs from hockey. When I get thing again, I'll have to start wearing pants that don't fit my waist so my thighs and butt can all get in there
YES! Exactly! I have to wear pants that do NOT fit my waist so my thighs and calves can all fit in! Ugh I HATE that! I'll try to do more reps and lighter weights and more cardio! Thanks a bunch!0 -
The body will fit the activity it undertakes - eventually.
This is why sprinters end up with muscley legs whereas marathon runners have slimmer legs and a racewalker will have even slimmer legs (albeit, all three physiques will have muscle but the "look" will be totally different).
The more the explosive power of the activity, the more muscley will the legs be. Your trick is to find the correct activity for you and thereby, eventually, your legs will slim down to your desired size.
Having said all that, it will not happen overnight and can take many months or years to get your desired effect as genetics will play a major role in the size of your legs.
I quite beg to differ - this theory conflates correlation with causation. She is saying "Marathon runners have skinny legs BECAUSE they run marathons" when in reality it's much more likely that people who run marathons tend to have skinny legs. The marathons didn't cause it. If you trained like a ballerina for a year you still wouldn't get longer limbs.
What is your body fat percentage? You carry your weight in your legs - that's still fat you're seeing, not muscle. Keep losing FAT and result will be MUCH better than trying to lose muscle mass. ALL of the advice above about not eating protein etc. is rather wrong headed because in the end, I very, very much doubt it's really muscle that's creating this bulk.
When you have sub 18% body fat and still think you should lose muscle mass then it's time to revisit all this advice.0 -
i blame mom and dad...they both have thick legs, and i've learned to accept genetics and appreciate a pair of strong legs.I want skinny legs too but aint ever gonna happen! just the cards i was dealt. make them strong and they will be sexy
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Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...0 -
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...
Keeping working at this! Continuing to lose body fat will really help, especially since it sounds like genetically that your legs are the last place to lose. As you cut down fat your legs will get smaller.
Also, remember to modify your expectation for YOUR body. It's no one else's. You can't have their legs just like you can't have their eyes or hair or waist.0 -
I suffer from (as I like to call it) "Fattus Calfus". I did dancing for years which made my calf muscles fairly big so I can't get knee high boots or even skinny jeans. If I get the next size up to fit my calves they are baggy round my knees and bum. Running is supose to change your shape which I'm hopefully getting into soon0
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Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...
So get your pants tailored. Seems easier to make pants fit your body than to make your body fit your pants. Or wear a belt. Or keep shoping. I have a 28" waist, 40" hips, and 24" thighs. It's difficult but there are certain brands/styles of pants that do fit me.0 -
I suffer from (as I like to call it) "Fattus Calfus". I did dancing for years which made my calf muscles fairly big so I can't get knee high boots or even skinny jeans. If I get the next size up to fit my calves they are baggy round my knees and bum. Running is supose to change your shape which I'm hopefully getting into soon
Actually, rather than fighting your build and body a good tailor is your best bet. Same goes for the waist/thigh issue.0 -
I am built that way too, but I would NEVER want to lose any muscle for any reason. Of course I want to be strong and fit, not just skinny. Plus muscle is good for your metabolism!!!0
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The body will fit the activity it undertakes - eventually.
This is why sprinters end up with muscley legs whereas marathon runners have slimmer legs and a racewalker will have even slimmer legs (albeit, all three physiques will have muscle but the "look" will be totally different).
The more the explosive power of the activity, the more muscley will the legs be. Your trick is to find the correct activity for you and thereby, eventually, your legs will slim down to your desired size.
Having said all that, it will not happen overnight and can take many months or years to get your desired effect as genetics will play a major role in the size of your legs.
I quite beg to differ - this theory conflates correlation with causation. She is saying "Marathon runners have skinny legs BECAUSE they run marathons" when in reality it's much more likely that people who run marathons tend to have skinny legs. The marathons didn't cause it. If you trained like a ballerina for a year you still wouldn't get longer limbs.
What is your body fat percentage? You carry your weight in your legs - that's still fat you're seeing, not muscle. Keep losing FAT and result will be MUCH better than trying to lose muscle mass. ALL of the advice above about not eating protein etc. is rather wrong headed because in the end, I very, very much doubt it's really muscle that's creating this bulk.
When you have sub 18% body fat and still think you should lose muscle mass then it's time to revisit all this advice.
Yea- i am working on getting my BF% lower. I'm at 24% according to my scale but 18-20% would be best.0 -
Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...
So get your pants tailored. Seems easier to make pants fit your body than to make your body fit your pants. Or wear a belt. Or keep shoping. I have a 28" waist, 40" hips, and 24" thighs. It's difficult but there are certain brands/styles of pants that do fit me.
I'm very similar! 27' waist 39.5 hips and 22.5-23" thighs....my calves are like 17"!0 -
Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...
So get your pants tailored. Seems easier to make pants fit your body than to make your body fit your pants. Or wear a belt. Or keep shoping. I have a 28" waist, 40" hips, and 24" thighs. It's difficult but there are certain brands/styles of pants that do fit me.
I'm very similar! 27' waist 39.5 hips and 22.5-23" thighs....my calves are like 17"!
me too!!
27" waist, 39" hips, 22" thighs and calves are 16" -- oh and i'm only 5'3"!0 -
Nordic Track will work as long as you go a medium pace for at least 45 minutes per day. Your legs will shrink and get toned. I have the same legs from squating heavy weights and my legs are looking thin and ripped now. :-)0
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Yea- i am working on getting my BF% lower. I'm at 24% according to my scale but 18-20% would be best.
Scales are not very accurate sadly. Error ranges tend be quite high and I find they tend to give low results I would recommend getting tested by an experienced trainer with calipers at least.0 -
I'm very similar! 27' waist 39.5 hips and 22.5-23" thighs....my calves are like 17"!
Our numbers are nearly identical (26", 38", 22", 17", 23.5%BF) and I don't consider myself big. I think my legs are my best feature! It is all a matter of perception. Do you know what your measurements were before losing weight? I know I've lost inches everywhere so that might help me accepting my current measurements.0 -
I have the same thing. I learned that there is also fat within the structure of the muscles, but it seems to be harder to get rid off - I always lose in my face and belly first - legs always seemed to be the last place to go. The exercising that is helping me (may not be the right answer for everyone - just stating what is working for me.) I do strength training with fairly heavy weights to build more muscle 3X/week. I also do a LOT of stretching to lengthen those muscles. Seems to be getting to the fat within my muscles. My legs ARE getting smaller and better defined. Will I ever have skinny legs? Not likely, but they are getting better every day!0
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I have always had big legs, at 145lb, at 190lb, and now at 166lb. It's just the way my body is, and that's ok. I have been realizing though as my waist is shrinking and my legs are getting more defined, shorts actually look pretty good.0
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Great example of Charlotte in Sex in the City. I think her legs are amazing and she is absolutely stunning. Defined legs look so good.
Oh yes! I would love to have her legs.... But they don't look like that. They look like tree trunks. I'm 24%BF so my legs still have a bit of chub....but I'm working to get that off. I just want my legs to slim like the rest of me is....and to get pants that fit right instead of buying them to fit my thighs(tight) and beign too big in the waist...
So get your pants tailored. Seems easier to make pants fit your body than to make your body fit your pants. Or wear a belt. Or keep shoping. I have a 28" waist, 40" hips, and 24" thighs. It's difficult but there are certain brands/styles of pants that do fit me.
I'm very similar! 27' waist 39.5 hips and 22.5-23" thighs....my calves are like 17"!
Why don't you cut body fat before trying to cut muscle. You will be surprised of the results. Try to get down to 15-18% before making any drastic assumptions.
Figure out your TDEE, cut 20% and do a lot of strength training. This will tighten up your body.
BTW, 17" calves aren't all that big, I have 16" biceps and I don't believe my arms are that big.0 -
Yea- i am working on getting my BF% lower. I'm at 24% according to my scale but 18-20% would be best.
Scales are not very accurate sadly. Error ranges tend be quite high and I find they tend to give low results I would recommend getting tested by an experienced trainer with calipers at least.
Well i don't use a gym I use exercise videos and treadmill and elliptical.... So I can't go to a trainer. Plus the one time I did have a membership and the guy tested my BF% with calipers he told me i was 17% BF!! Like....no....My legs were bigger then than they are now too. So I don't really trust that. I might order some calipers online just to see if I get teh same numbers but ....I don't really trust those either. 0 -
My non-professional advice to obtain skinny legs instead of muscular ones: sit down and exercise your legs as little as possible. They will turn flabby in a matter of months. Also, you might want to consider doing strength training for your upper body to even things out.0
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I'm very similar! 27' waist 39.5 hips and 22.5-23" thighs....my calves are like 17"!
Our numbers are nearly identical (26", 38", 22", 17", 23.5%BF) and I don't consider myself big. I think my legs are my best feature! It is all a matter of perception. Do you know what your measurements were before losing weight? I know I've lost inches everywhere so that might help me accepting my current measurements.
Haha well if I didn't have fatty looking knees and inner thighs I might think the same thing. I didn't take measurements but I know I have lost inches. I am just trying to lose more inches. LOL0 -
Yea- i am working on getting my BF% lower. I'm at 24% according to my scale but 18-20% would be best.
Scales are not very accurate sadly. Error ranges tend be quite high and I find they tend to give low results I would recommend getting tested by an experienced trainer with calipers at least.
Well i don't use a gym I use exercise videos and treadmill and elliptical.... So I can't go to a trainer. Plus the one time I did have a membership and the guy tested my BF% with calipers he told me i was 17% BF!! Like....no....My legs were bigger then than they are now too. So I don't really trust that. I might order some calipers online just to see if I get teh same numbers but ....I don't really trust those either.
Getting your body fat done is tricky regardless. Even calipers, when used perfectly (and they most often aren't), have a big error range. Just important to know your scale may or may not be reliable. If you are really interested in knowing what it is then you can look into a bod pod test. There's one at a university near me - I can buy 2 sessions for $30 each.0
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