Getting definition in the legs?

[penguinchik]

Hi There,

I am wondering what you all have experienced to be the best way to get some real definition in your legs. I have some already, but a lot more in my upper body (thanks to Gym Styles!) My problem is this. I am used to going heavy (for me) with standing leg workouts. I use 50lb for most everything. I never do floor work. I am afraid that if I add in the floor work, I might lose some of the muscle mass I've gotten from doing standing work (because I might wind up doing fewer standing leg exercises per week). Is that incorrect? I have had such success with Cathe and don't want to go backwards. Forgive me if my questions seem naive! I know all about diet and work very hard in that area. So, tell me what has worked for you all. I guess I want my legs leaner so that more definition will show. Thanks so much!
--Jennifer

 

[kristieschultz]

I have found for me that heavy leg work makes my legs appear bigger, not necessarily defined but floor work makes them more cut. You really really feel the floor work in all the right places, believe me. You should try it I think you will be happy with the results.

 

[andtckrtoo]

The floor work works in places you cannot get with standing work. I do not feel that I'm getting a complete workout unless I do both - and for the the hams and glutes - floor work gets them better in my opinion.

 

[Maximus]

If you want definition in your quads & hams & don't have access to a gym, I'd suggest doing extensions & curls on a chair and/or bench.

You can use either a barbell or ankle weights. For your quads, just sit upright on a chair or bench & do high rep leg extensions (basically extending your shin/foot while your upper leg stays stable).

For your hams, lie on your bench & do your basic ham curl with the weights. Again, high reps for definition.

These are not substitions for things like squats, lunges & presses--they're additions. The latter 3 exercises will build your muscles, the extensions & curls will define them.

Hope this helps!

 

[amybajamy]

Which Cathe workouts have floorwork besides Legs and Glutes? Do the leg drills in Kick Max help define the legs even though they're done standing?

Amy

 

[hippahips]

PS-Legs, PLB, and GS-Legs all have floorwork. I believe the leg drills in KM work as well. Kickboxing is also a great way to get definition in the legs, at least for me. Since I'm an ecto in the upper body and an endo in the lower body, it helps to watch what I eat when I want to lean out my legs. You know what they say about the best abs being made in the kitchen, not the gym. The same goes for my legs.

Pinky

 

[kirstyscooby]

I would suggest mixing things up a little. Muscles adapt really quickly to the same stimulus whether it be the same weight used, number of reps or exercises etc.

For example: you could alternate weeks of high rep/lower weight enudurance workouts with weeks of lower rep/higher weight hypertrophy workouts.

I also find adding in running for cardio helps to tone up and define the legs as it blasts away stubborn fat (on my legs anyway).

I hope that this helps you
Kirsty

 

[Marnie]

long runs on hilly trails works for me

also combination of standing & floor work to strengthen leg muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissues to prevent injuries.. so i can keep running!

 

[penguinchik]

Hey Everyone, thanks so much for your replies. Unfortunately due to old knee injuries running is out for me. I will try to add in some floor work. I am just so afraid to lose muscle that I've built in my legs. I guess I have to relax and try it out. I may give the other suggestions a try as well. Thanks!
--Jennifer

 

[kristieschultz]

Don't be scared. You can try a workout like leg and glutes that has both standing and floor then you'll get both. I don't think you will be disappointed. ALso you can easily add on the floorwork from PLB or Gym style legs, which I believe are both only about 20 minutes, the PLB is even less I think. Both of these have phenomenal floorwork. JUst add that on to your regular leg work and see how you feel.

 

[lindadrobinson]

Hi,

I have seen more definition in my legs from spinning. I can't run any more either and that was a great way of defining and keeping the legs lean. Spinning for me does the same thing, only kinder and sweeter on my knees. Think about it.

Linda

 

[kathryn]

Some of these answers might help:
http://69.0.137.118/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=56960&mesg_id=56960&page=

 

[singinggoddess]

The best way I have ever gotten definition in my legs without looking bulky is from Power Yoga. I know some may not agree, but I have done it all as far as PLB and Slow and Heavy and all of the strength workouts and I always look the best with power yoga. I guess everybody is so different.

Susan