Runners- how's your gams?

[morningstar]

So, as a person new to running (I am mostly doing interval sprinting mixed with power walking for about an hour a day at this point), I was wondering- why is it that apparently runners are in danger of losing muscle? I hear that "runners have skinny legs" and that doing too much cardio can affect your muscle mass. I am sure that if you do weight training, (which I do,) this isn't an issue, but otherwise, what's the story? I would think all that impact on your leg muscles would at least build up those muscles, not leave them skinny.

What's the scoop?

 

[janie1234]

How funny you bring this up. I was just thinking about my man legs. I have really muscular legs and I mean really muscular legs. My calves are bigger than my husbands. I lift for my legs one day a week and run 20 miles a week. I'd love to hear everyones thoughts on leaning out legs.

 

[horseshowmom]

I don't know if I can be called a runner after only 3 weeks and I might be delusional, but I swear my thighs are changing already. I am really noticing some quad definition. I cycle a lot as well which I've always heard will bulk your thighs so I'm hoping the running will counter any bulking effects. This forum convinced me to take up running because of a *leaning legs* thread where almost every poster mentioned their thighs not changing until they added running, especially intervals. I'm hoping it works!

Becky

 

[JeanneMarie]

I really think so much of it is genetics. I run a lot.... maybe not as much as some here, but at least 3 miles of hills a day. My legs are slender. They are pretty shapely I guess, but not overly muscular at all. I also wouldn't call them skinny, although maybe some would.

I believe you can tone up your legs by whatever method you choose, but your legs are your legs.

 

[janie1234]

I really think so much of it is genetics.

I believe you can tone up your legs by whatever method you choose, but your legs are your legs.

I totally agree. My gams are my strongest part of my body so heck I'll take the fact that my legs are at least strong. I do believe that running has help to lean me out and that if I didn't do it I would be just down right stumpy.

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi-

I run 3x/week ( only between 4-5 miles each time) and I think that my legs have slimmed down significantly since running. I also strength train them 1x/week, but I go hard and heavy.

I've not seen any reduction in muscle mass at all running this distance and frequency. However, when I was training for 1/2 marathon and then for my olympic tri at greater mileage, I did see muscularity go down. ( But I also cut back the heavy wt training too)

I'm naturally a pear, so my weight goes straight to my lower body.. Running has been hands down the best way for me to keep it leaned out.

Take care, Lynn
Lynn M.

 

[Jennifit]

I really think so much of it is genetics.
I believe you can tone up your legs by whatever method you choose, but your legs are your legs.

Definitely! I build muscle very easily, but so do both of my parents...

Some of the best runners I know look like they have not taken a step. If you build muscle easily or if you can never see a muscle ...thank you parents Muscle development, or lack of, is all genetics.