thinner thighs with running or elliptical?

Both of them are good, but the elliptical you can change resistance which will help

After running.... where should you feel the burn? I always feel like I'm doing it wrong so its hard to keep going. But, I have heard only good things about running to help reduce thigh size so I really want to keep going!!!

I think either will help maybe a mix to keep your body guessing. I do incline intervals on a treadmill for my thighs and butt. 2.5 - to 3.0 speed increase the incline by 2 every 2 min. up to 12 and back down. I am so not a runner though. Whatever you choose best of luck.

If you go to a gym, change up your routine and use all the types of ellipticals and the treadmill. You can burn fat with the cardio from running, but using the ellipticals will offer good resistence training in addition to the cardio. Plus, using different types of machines allows you to work the same basic muscle groups with small variations in form and movement, also keeping your body from falling into a workout that has become too easy or routine. Doing the same workouts over and over will make you stronger to the point that you will get less of a workout. Changing it up is the key to all over strengthing and the most consistent fat burn. Also, try throwing in some intervals for a good fat blasting burn!

Running is definately the best exercise even though I am not a FAN of it. Couch to 5K huh? I might have to try that one.

I run also, and it does help your thighs. I do walking lunges as well and love the results.

I just recently read somewhere, {I wish I can remember where!}, that interval training helps to lose more weight/fat on the lower body than straight running. I lost inches doing intervals on both the treadmill and the elliptical.

Tizzz--just keep doing what you're doing with your intervals. It takes time to build up endurance. Also, make sure you're giving your body a chance to rest up in between runs--it will help.

I started running last May, and was doing intervals that sloooooowly increased until late August, when I was finally able to run 30 minutes straight for the first time. So, it takes a while. Just keep taking care of yourself.

I didn't use C25K, but a lot of people on here do. It might be worth looking into.

Oh, and one other thing--I still have hope that my thighs might start slimming down eventually, but I don't think I will ever have thin thighs. It's really not possible to "spot reduce" with exercise, because your genetics, body type, etc. will always play a role. The best thing is to eat well, be consistent with cardio and weight training exercises, and your body will respond. Not always exactly how you might envision, though.

i just started running outside and i feel like it is alot harder so if you are beginning running i would stick to a treadmill for a while until you get into the groove of things

I read a fitness mag article, that compared treadmill running to the outside. Running at a 0% incline on the treadmill is compared to a slight downhill run outside. It suggested to increase the incline on the treadmill to 1-2% to feel more like flat running outside. Also the treadmill belt helps to propel you forward, while outside the hard ground, and wind resistance does not help. So be prepared to have a harder time running outside, but the change in scenery and fresh air is well worth the effort. I have been interval running on the treadmill all winter. I am looking forward to getting outside! I just hope I can do it!

I want to lose my thighs as well and I try to run 1-2 mins then walk for a few mins then 1-2mins running again but running is so hard. How do you get to were you can run longer? I really struggle to run 1-2 min intervals. ANy suggestions??

I have started to tun in the last month having really thought I never could (I have chronic asthma and arthritis). I started at runnning for an hour at 30seconds runnning and 60 seconds walking, gradually building it up . In the last two weeks I've increased my circuit by 1/4mile and yesterday I ran for 90 seconds and walked!

I was so chuffed with myself but have to say what really helped me was downloading a CD of running music which paces at (I think) 136 -146 beats per minute. I discovered that previously I'd been trying to go too fast without really being aware of it and holding myself back by following the beat enabled me to increase my run time.

I also used runkeeper which really helped too.

Good luck with it!

Thinner thighs = Running. It is awesome for them. But I do advise to change it up and do different types of cardio if you belong to a gym!

Running would be my answer too! I run at least 3 times a week and sometimes mix in elliptical or stair master. Last year I only did intervals on the elliptical, but this year I decided to give the treadmill a try. My boyfriend always asked me if I would run with him, but I would tell him I'll be by the elliptical machines.

Like the other posters mentioned, C25K is a good way to work up your endurance. I followed it loosely and was able to run 5K straight. After I reached that goal, I started to run in intervals. My workouts now are typically a warm up and then 2 minutes at a jogging pace and 1 minute sprint. I repeat this for about 20 minutes and then cool down. I also incorporate weight training, which includes squats, lunges and step ups. It took awhile, but my thighs and calves got slimmer. Trust me when I say it will take awhile! Thighs are my stubborn area, but I never gave up and I'm still working on them.

Great thread! Thanks!!