training legs without growing?
- Thread starter paula2373
- Start date
Legs
Hi Paula,
This is a topic that comes up often. I too have this concern/problem. Being only 5'1" my legs tend to look 'bulky' when I train them alot.
What I found worked for me was I did more crosstraining - and didnt do step for EVERY cardio session - maybe only 2-3 times a week and I walk/run the other 2-3 times. Also, I stay with the lighter weights (20-25 lbs is probably good) and I only train them once a week - but for a longer time, maybe 40 minutes.
For me, adding the running and switching to once a week training for legs made a lot of differnce. Hope this helps!
Anne
Hi Paula,
This is a topic that comes up often. I too have this concern/problem. Being only 5'1" my legs tend to look 'bulky' when I train them alot.
What I found worked for me was I did more crosstraining - and didnt do step for EVERY cardio session - maybe only 2-3 times a week and I walk/run the other 2-3 times. Also, I stay with the lighter weights (20-25 lbs is probably good) and I only train them once a week - but for a longer time, maybe 40 minutes.
For me, adding the running and switching to once a week training for legs made a lot of differnce. Hope this helps!
Anne
Legs
I just wanted to add my experience here. Everyone is different obviously. When I really started working my legs I decided I'd give the heavy weights a try and if I noticed my legs getting big I would try lighter. On my best day I squated 210 pounds! Well, my legs have actually decreased in size by a little more than an inch in the past year. I don't know the technicals and this is just my opinion but it seems to me that your muscles get more compact and dense before they bother getting big.
Of course I have lost some bodyfat so that might explain the size loss in my legs but they definitely didn't get bigger.
I would highly recommend taking measurements, tape measures don't lie. And you can always change your routine if you don't like the results.
Brenda
I just wanted to add my experience here. Everyone is different obviously. When I really started working my legs I decided I'd give the heavy weights a try and if I noticed my legs getting big I would try lighter. On my best day I squated 210 pounds! Well, my legs have actually decreased in size by a little more than an inch in the past year. I don't know the technicals and this is just my opinion but it seems to me that your muscles get more compact and dense before they bother getting big.
Of course I have lost some bodyfat so that might explain the size loss in my legs but they definitely didn't get bigger.
I would highly recommend taking measurements, tape measures don't lie. And you can always change your routine if you don't like the results.
Brenda
H
HONEYBUNCH
Guest
My experience was like yours....
.....my legs got smaller, and I train really heavy. Legs are definitely my big problem area. My calves remain big, but I'll settle for big calves when I can wear a size 6 britches.
.....my legs got smaller, and I train really heavy. Legs are definitely my big problem area. My calves remain big, but I'll settle for big calves when I can wear a size 6 britches.
J
jennifer2
Guest
legs and training heavy
Hi Paula!
I think I'll have to agree with everyone--it really depends on your own body and how you respond to the exercise. Myself, I can train either heavy or light and my legs don't bulk up, and in fact, they get more defined and compact (now if only my upper body could work that way, it would be perfect!!).
I guess the best thing to do would be to experiment and see what kind of results you get with either way of training... Good luck
Hi Paula!
I think I'll have to agree with everyone--it really depends on your own body and how you respond to the exercise. Myself, I can train either heavy or light and my legs don't bulk up, and in fact, they get more defined and compact (now if only my upper body could work that way, it would be perfect!!).
I guess the best thing to do would be to experiment and see what kind of results you get with either way of training... Good luck