thick legs...what can I do?

As far as dimply, cellulite is a fact of life for women. All women get it, and some are genetically predisposed to have more than others. If you still have 40+ pounds to lose, keep at it and don't get discouraged. Your hard work will help reduce the appearance of cellulite, and you will eventually see slimmer legs.

If dieting and exercising via C25K isn't giving you the results you want, try to increase the frequency and intensity of your exercise regime while taking a better accounting of your diet. You might want to invest in a HRM for improved accuracy.

However, even now, you need to love yourself. You aren't disgusting by any stretch, and you're working hard to be the best version of you. Enjoy it!

Cardio does very little for me. I really want to start strength training...not sure where to start. I have weights at home but no barbell. What can I do?

What sort of weights? A program is a good guide: it'll essentially tell you everything to do, from warm-ups to progression. Try looking up Stronglifts 5x5 or New Rules of Lifting for Women (NROLW).

In general, these programs can be cobbled together with barbells, dumbbells, or kettle. If you don't feel you have a good handle on weights, try looking into a gym, getting them second-hand from Craig's List, etc. Otherwise, making your own (filling up bags with heavy things, filling up milk jugs, etc.) or using body weight are good starts.

In general, you want to make sure you do full body workouts (so not just working your legs) to help reduce overall body fat % the most efficiently, as well as making sure your body is "balanced" (people who tend to work only one part of themselves are more prone to injury). Overall, though: squats and deadlifts are going to be great for you.

squats and deadlifts and eat at a slight deficit to lose overall fat.

you cant spot reduce but you can firm up the muscle underneath

Run, strength train

I just finished C25K training..no change in weight or inches....won't calf raises make my legs bigger?

But are you still eating at a calorie deficit? Congrats on the training btw. :drinker: I LOVE running.

I didn't see much of an improvement after C25k... the first time on a treadmill.

I then joined a beginner's running group and we did C25K on the track, and once I was able to run longer on track/roads (never much faster, lol) I started seeing a HUGE improvement in my legs, and now that I am able to do 3-4 miles once a week or so (hard now due to snow and the fact that i now dislike the treadmill after running outside for a few months now) I really don't have "cellulite" on the back of my thighs (hammies looking pretty nice), calves are much slimmer/well-defined and kness and ankles are the ones I remember from many years ago

My hips, arms and back have also gotten MUCH slimmer from running (slimmer compared to being the same weight 6 years ago and not working out then). The middle bit is still squishy, but I still have more weight to lose and will begin adding in strength training soon.

Show them off!

Appreciate the body you have. Work toward improving it by continuing to "down size". Even at a healthy body fat percentage, my calves are huge. I just learned to be okay with my body as long as it is healthy.


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There's nothing shocking about it. Ever see a fat Tour de France rider? Cycling is one of the best cardio exercises out there for weight loss/management. Keep with it!

I have been near the middle of my weight range, really quite lean in my torso, and still had thunder thighs and cottage cheese butt. It's just genetic, and all you can do is lose body fat to eliminate it. You may find it quite difficult to get down to a body fat where it disappears. Me personally? I just accepted it and am working on becoming the strongest me I can be. I'm not in danger of becoming a swimsuit model, so there's no real downside to just finding that bridge, and getting over it.