How to slim bulky legs (quadriceps)

summerbod77
summerbod77 Posts: 6
in Fitness and Exercise
I have always been heavy and recently started losing weight over the past few years. I have lost over 100 pounds and still have a few more to go. I am much leaner now but mainly muscular and toned which I don't mind and I know that when I fully dedicate myself to eating clean and exercising weight does come off, I have just been having trouble adjusting to university and such, anyways my legs are my problem. they are HUGE! I know its partly a genetic thing and many women have this problem but my thighs, and legs, mainly my quadriceps and calves are ginormous and I can't even fit into any shorts or skirts, let alone feel comfortable wearing them! I'm sick of being so self conscious and hiding my legs, I want to show them off this summer! I used to play hockey as well so that gained a lot of muscle growing up. I am unsure if I should stop training my legs either with or without weights, I usually do a leg training day, along with a shoulders/bicep/tricep day and a chest/back day. I also have been upping my cardio by doing 3-5 spinning classes a week. Please help! anyone with this problem who has solved it or anyone with knowledge in this in general, I Would love to start now to be able to finally wear shorts and love my legs bu the summer (and I mean it, my quads are suuuupppper large and disproportionate to my body). I hate running, or anything boring like that, the only cardio I can seem to manage to stick to and enjoy is spinning classes, so I hope this will be beneficial. and I will definitely folow a clean eating plan.

Replies

  • ErinRibbens
    ErinRibbens Posts: 370 Member
    Congrats on your amazing loss!

    In my opinion I would focus on your diet and losing a bit more fat, that should help a bit with the bulk. Your trouble spots will always be the last part to come off. I wouldn't stop doing any exercise, you need the muscle mass to burn calories.

    My thighs are always my trouble as well, but since lifting heavy they look better- much less cellulite and better shape even if they're not necessarily smaller.
  • summerbod77
    summerbod77 Posts: 6
    Thank you! And I agree, I am not going to stop exercise I am just confused if weight training my legs will make it better or worse. Im thinking I should focus on just cardio and upper body weight training. But not sure if I should include even a weightless leg routine once a week. Thanks for the tip!
  • jbum68
    jbum68 Posts: 23
    I've found my legs slimmed down more with weight training (squats especially) than just cardio. I've always had big quads, even when I was really skinny and in track (I had to buy pants the next waist size up just to fit my legs). Now the rest of me has outgrown my legs.
  • summerbod77
    summerbod77 Posts: 6
    So you definitely noticed slimmer thighs WITH weight training your legs? Including squats, lunges, etc.? And using weights, or just body weight?
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Your quads really aren't nearly as big as you think. Just focus on losing fat and your legs will get slimmer.
  • mrydavis
    mrydavis Posts: 32 Member
    Try looking up ballet barre exercises. I danced for 13 years and nothing has ever compared to the exercises done at the barre. It's all strength and control. Plus, while you're working your legs, a lot of the time you're improving your balance and core.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    bumping this so it will show in my feed
  • jbum68
    jbum68 Posts: 23
    So you definitely noticed slimmer thighs WITH weight training your legs? Including squats, lunges, etc.? And using weights, or just body weight?

    Like others I also was dieting, and doing some cardio so not completely only weights, but I noticed more of a change with weights (heavy) + cardio than cardio alone. I use weights for squats but was doing body weight or dumbbells for lunges. My legs didn't bulk up if that's what you mean, but also my goal wasn't to get huge.
  • carrieous
    carrieous Posts: 1,024 Member
    I love the stairmaster for strengthening legs and also burning fat. Also, walking lunges give my legs a nice shrink-wrapped feel

    Edited to add that its important to switch up your routine from time to time. The body will adjust to whatever you put it through, so always keep it guessing by changing it up to get it in the best shape possible!
  • KatieHall77
    KatieHall77 Posts: 129 Member
    Try looking up ballet barre exercises. I danced for 13 years and nothing has ever compared to the exercises done at the barre. It's all strength and control. Plus, while you're working your legs, a lot of the time you're improving your balance and core.

    This. Dancing, when I did it daily gave me the thinnest, leanest legs I have ever had in my life. It's cardio, weights (from your own body weight) and toning all in one. If you can't find a dance class, buy a dance video or something similar. Good luck, and great job!
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Are they really that large or do you just think they are?
  • DontStopB_Leakin
    DontStopB_Leakin Posts: 3,863 Member
    May I ask what your thighs measure at?
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Try looking up ballet barre exercises. I danced for 13 years and nothing has ever compared to the exercises done at the barre. It's all strength and control. Plus, while you're working your legs, a lot of the time you're improving your balance and core.

    This. Dancing, when I did it daily gave me the thinnest, leanest legs I have ever had in my life. It's cardio, weights (from your own body weight) and toning all in one. If you can't find a dance class, buy a dance video or something similar. Good luck, and great job!

    Wait. So you're both saying that spot reducing works?

    I'm not saying that dancing can't be an important part of a healthy calorie deficit environment and a great way to burn calories, but I'm reasonably certain it isn't because you're spot reducing your legs.
  • Barbellerella
    Barbellerella Posts: 1,838 Member
    meh. bulky legs rule.
  • Bownzi
    Bownzi Posts: 423 Member
    I have bitten the bullet and been riding on the stationary bike.... Moderate to vigorous but that is the only thing I have done.... And for the most part my legs were enormous ...
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Are they really that large or do you just think they are?

    This is what I am wondering. My thighs are 24" and I do not feel they are disproportionate.

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