De-bulking legs-Rotation help?

[finner]

Cathe (and board),

I am short (5'2) and a petite 4-6, but the pants are tight in the quads and butt most times. I have developed more muscular legs than I would like due to sports like step and the stairmaster over the years. Since adding standing weight training the past 3 yrs. they have become tighter, but I would still like to loose some of the "bulk" (It really is muscle not fat). I like a lean, muscular look, but these legs are too big for my liking these days. I feel out of proportion.

I cannot run for the next 4-6 weeks due to a trochanter hip bursitis, but am open to most suggestions for anything else within a rotation. I have all of Cathe's DVDs except the Intensity Series, some pilates/yoga tapes, Firm tapes and access to a gym.

What would be the best debulking rotation? Have others dealt with this sucessfully?

Thanks.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Finner! First you have to look at what you are currently doing and then make changes from that stand point. For instance, if you are lifting heavy for legs, then lift lighter. If you are lifting lighter, try lifting one heavy day for every three light workouts. Or you can lift heavy one day, light the next workout, and then do do a hi-rep squat and lunge workout without any weight at all and really squeeze the muscles with each and every rep.

Pay attention to your eating habits? This plays a strong role too. High amounts of starchy foods can make the body hold extra water. How is your water intake? Try very hard to get at least 8 glasses a day to help flush through impurities and keep your system running optimally.

Many claim that pilates and yoga give their muscles a longer and leaner appearance. If you have not worked a lot with your yoga and pilates tapes, perhaps try a rotation which has these tapes playing a heavy role in your leg work.

Hope this helps!

 

[susanz]

Hi There! I'll just add my 2 cents! I too tend to "bulk" up in my legs and have found the only thing that works for me is doing very little leg work. My legs get most of their toning from Cathe's step tapes and Cardio Kicks! I do use her endurance strength tapes(MIS,Muscle End.,Power Hour) however I use lighter to no weight and really focus on squeezing the muscle. I've really notice a difference by doing this! Hoipe this helps! Susan

 

[dani21496]

I think it's a great idea to incorporate pilates into your rotation, and playing a heavy role in leg work. I have Winsor Pilates Buns & Thighs and I really like it. I just started using it more this week and I'm loving it. I have the same problem with my legs getting to bulky.

Thanks for bringing up this question Finner, and to Cathe & Susan for the great advice!!

Danielle :7