thick legs...what can I do?

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Replies

  • CTcutie
    CTcutie Posts: 649 Member
    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 :smile:

    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.
  • prettykitty1963
    prettykitty1963 Posts: 42 Member
    Thank you for all your replies and the advice. ..... I so appreciate it...so do my legs!
  • bagge72
    bagge72 Posts: 1,377 Member
    Show them off!
  • bcc112986
    bcc112986 Posts: 362 Member
    P90X
    Kickboxing
    Yoga, qigong
    Martial arts
    Burpees
    Walking on incline

    These are all workouts that helped to start transforming my legs. I also have huge legs, thighs and calves. I hate them sometimes but I know these exercises work if you do them consistently.

    Brittany
  • anlu37
    anlu37 Posts: 100 Member
    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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  • tomomatic
    tomomatic Posts: 1,794 Member
    Be awesome. Get stronger. You can't spot reduce.
    You're just the way you're supposed to be. And if anyone tells you that there's something wrong with that, I hope you kick him/her in the throat.
  • roanokejoe49
    roanokejoe49 Posts: 820 Member
    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!
  • aimeemarie150
    aimeemarie150 Posts: 354 Member
    I run. Not well, but it's helping with my legs. I also do heavy lifting, and it definitely is making a difference in my legs and thighs.
  • Fullsterkur_woman
    Fullsterkur_woman Posts: 2,712 Member
    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. :wink:
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    Brazilian butt is good
  • What does eating at a deficit mean?
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    What does eating at a deficit mean?

    Eating less cals than you burn.
  • Thanks
  • dj59lane
    dj59lane Posts: 52 Member
    spin class worked for me alog with losing almost 90 lbs.
  • leslisa
    leslisa Posts: 1,350 Member
    Book recommendation "thin thighs in 30 days". Just so you know, my thighs aren't really that thin. I have a woman shape and they will never, ever be small. They are not very fatty, but they are never going to be small.
  • ohthatzhott
    ohthatzhott Posts: 19 Member
    I'm a pear body type so I've had bigger thighs my whole life, even after I've lost weight. I do cardio and weights to keep them in line but I suggest you embrace it! Everyone is built differently, I can't imagine myself with tiny thighs. TONED thighs is always my aim. Plus I like how strong my legs are, it's pretty cool :)
  • linsey0689
    linsey0689 Posts: 753 Member
    I have large legs too and hate it (buying larger sizes to fit my legs) but there's really nothing you can do. Just keep losing weight but exercise and eating right. You can't pick where the weight will come out from
  • acpgee
    acpgee Posts: 7,995 Member
    If you retain water in your lower legs, you could try compression socks. Sold by sports manufacturers for preventing injury. I wore them in hospital due to risk of thrombosis. Was surprised at how much daintier my ankles looked.
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    I have bigger thighs/calves as that's where I put on weight, and my hips too. I managed to lose 10 inches off my thighs and hips just through doing a variety of cardio and strength training - spinning, boxercise, Zumba, aerobics, LBT, step aerobics etc and gym sessions. My calves also shrunk and I can wear knee high boots now.

    I put on a lot on my thighs in my last pregnancy, and my lower legs did retain some water then. I'm pregnant now and still doing strength training, so hoping my thighs remain ok.

    Even after losing weight/consistent exercise for over 2 years, I still consider myself to have bigger legs. That's just the way I'm built. I have an hourglass shape though, so I'm not complaining.
  • soldiergrl_101
    soldiergrl_101 Posts: 2,205 Member
    First to be put on, last to come off. If you gained weight in your legs first they are probably going to be harder than your other problem areas to come off
  • Flex382
    Flex382 Posts: 257
    First to be put on, last to come off. If you gained weight in your legs first they are probably going to be harder than your other problem areas to come off

    true
  • iammelli
    iammelli Posts: 42 Member
    Lose weight. Eat fewer calories. Closing the refrigerator door is the most effective exercise there is. :drinker:

    Haha! Love this
  • endoftheside
    endoftheside Posts: 568 Member
    I've lost over 50 and am within 15 pounds of my goal weight, and it is almost comical sometimes how the weight chooses to come off. It's only been in the last 10 pounds or so that it's been *really* noticeable on my legs, it started at my knees and it's shrinking up my thigh like someone squeezing a gogurt. :laugh:

    The best thing to do would be to focus on getting the weight off at a healthy rate and keep exercising. You won't have a good idea of what your shape is going to be until you get closer to your goal.
  • Purple_Orchid_87
    Purple_Orchid_87 Posts: 517 Member
    Lose weight. Eat fewer calories. Closing the refrigerator door is the most effective exercise there is. :drinker:
    if i close the fridge door i couldnt get to my steak and veggies
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I just finished C25K training..no change in weight or inches....won't calf raises make my legs bigger?

    Not unless you add fat deposits there. If you didn't lose anything after completing the C25k, then my guess is you aren't tracking your food accurately.
  • michellesz
    michellesz Posts: 429 Member
    Work those legs girl...along with your diet I would suggest some exercises such as: leg presses, squats, lunges and step-up lunges, calve raises, leg curl machine and hamstring curl machine & my favorite; the stair-stepper or stair-climber or old fashion steps!!
  • prettykitty1963
    prettykitty1963 Posts: 42 Member
    Thanks to all for taking the time out to offer me your advice. Hopefully by summer there will be a BIG difference in my legs. Toned and shapely :happy:
  • nomorebingesgirl2014
    nomorebingesgirl2014 Posts: 378 Member
    Bump
  • CorrieLA
    CorrieLA Posts: 51 Member
    I've lost over 50 and am within 15 pounds of my goal weight, and it is almost comical sometimes how the weight chooses to come off. It's only been in the last 10 pounds or so that it's been *really* noticeable on my legs, it started at my knees and it's shrinking up my thigh like someone squeezing a gogurt. :laugh:

    The best thing to do would be to focus on getting the weight off at a healthy rate and keep exercising. You won't have a good idea of what your shape is going to be until you get closer to your goal.

    Haha, this is the best thing I've ever read! ????