Heavy Weights on Lower Body

[Seabush]

I'm curious to know if those who tend to carry lots of weight (e.g., fat or muscle) use heavy weights on their lower body. My problem areas are my thighs. That's where I need to lose the remaining fat. I'm reluctant to go heavier because my thighs tend to get bigger not smaller when I use heavy weights. My theory is that lifting (lunges, leg presses, squats, etc.) my body weight plus 20 pounds seems more than adequate enough challenge to my lower body.

Are those using heavier weights trying to slim or bulk up their legs?

Thanks

Crystal

 

[jillybean]

I carry excess weight in my upper legs and hips. I always have. So when I want to lean out (which is always, again) I go heavy with my weights. If I do enough cardio and clean up my eating, my legs don't look bulky, but long and sleek. If I do lots of lifting with minimal cardio and eat like crap, then my don't get bigger, but they don't get smaller either. I guess what I'm saying is don't be afraid to go heavy, but also take into consideration clean eating and cardio.

 

[mogambo]

I too am cursed in the thigh/jodphur area. I could only lose 10 pounds even theoretically, and it is all in two big dollops right on my upper thighs. I do exactly as jillybean does. My legs continue to have that unattractive lumpy coating, but the muscle underneath is now spectacular.

I do cardio 4 times a week, work my legs twice a week once very heavy and slow, once more for endurance. That's all my 46 yr old knees can take. If I back off on the heavy weight, the legs just get flappier and lumpier, not smaller. The choice is between fat and muscle. Having slender legs is apparently not an option.

 

[Francine]

shaping lowerbody!

To Anyone interested in Lowerbody toning in general! The biggest mistake anyone can make is to only target the muscles of the thighs and butt. The entire body must be trained for maximum fat loss! The key to improving the appearance of the thighs and butt is total bodyfat reduction. Remember that these two muscle groups will naturally be the primary areas for fat storage. Diet modification should be your primary focus, while cardiovascular exercise will significantly help to trim these areas as well as the rest of the body.Diet modification makes it easy to eat and burn fat. Try to eat a very low serving of carbohydrates with your last meal. This technique literally forces your body to burn fat while you sleep. Or consider using the zigzag method for dieting. This method involves eating less when your activity level is low, and more when your activity level is high. Spot reduction is a myth! Proper nutrition will yield the most noticeable results. You cannot target the butt and thighs for fat reduction. The "entire" body must be trained for best results. When training your lowerbody during your workouts don't be scared of crosstraining with heavy weights or the option of doing lower weights with higher reps or no weights at all! The variety will confuse the muscles and keep them responding! However, If you are experiencing results that make you more prominent in the lower body area then avoid those exercises! If you are not happy with the outcome of treadmill,bike, or stepper at a higher intensity then keep resistance low to medium. Listen to your body , be aware of how your training is sculpting your body.We all have a different genetic blueprint and results will always vary! Train smart and Eat Well!

 

[bethj]

RE: shaping lowerbody!

What I want to know is how Cedie finally lost ber butt and saddlebags! I could not believe the change in her from the earlier videos. I notice she is considerably thinner in her face and upper body as well, so I guess it is a total body fat issue. I read her bio and she seemed to emphasize wieght training over cardio, plus a much cleaner diet. I would have thought you needed 6 cardios a week to burn off fat, but maybe not???
Beth