The Leg Thread - Toning, Firming and Questions

[laurette]

^I meant how long you are actually running, like 30 min/day or so

 

[notmanons]

Oh, I run 35 minutes But on high speed.

 

[handbag Whore]

so i lost about 15 pds. this summer, and i definetly noticed that my thighs have become smaller - but they are still pretty big (muscular)...they seem to bulk up very easily. I really want to lose some of the muscle...

I was wondering if this might be because i run 1 mile about 4 times a week? Should i stop running and just use the elliptical longer?

Help

 

[cheiby11]

great for firming long and slim muscules is Pilates - it works perfectly... try it

if you are running - you should run slower but longer - look at long distance runners, they have slim legs... on the other hand - sprinters have got muscular legs.

I personaly love combination of:
Pilates lessons
40min or more on exercising bike or
25min on elliptical + 20min stepper

one day exercising (pilates or bike or elliptical) and relax another day

and what you eat is very important!

hope it will help
I´m sure, that if you run 4times a week, you have wonderful legs

 

[Belle Princesse]

I'm slim but I love pilates for toned legs, if you're afraid of the muscular look I'd recommend it because it gives an almost 'I have to exercise but I look great' look. Is there a way of exercising the calves to tone them a bit without them looking muscley at all?

 

[Kawari]

I wish I could help you Belle Princess but I'm sure someone else here could!

Eh, you guys are an inspiration. Frankly, my fave way to exercise is about two hours straight playing my favorite video game: Dance Dance Revolution. It really is quite fun and I don't even notice the time flying by-it's made a big difference in my legs and I've got great reflexes now! Plus, my sister and the other little kids I know love it which is great because it allows them to get exercise.

Question: I've got pretty good calves but I'm still having trouble with my thighs-any advice that can help with toning them?

 

[cheiby11]

Belle Princess, I read that shape of your calves depent on genetics a lot. To change it, it´s long-time work. Good are heel raises and than stretch your hamstrings

Kawari, if your knees are ok, try lunges, also Pilates side kick series are great

 

[Belle Princesse]

Thanx cheiby, I don't really want to change the shape of my calves but that's comforting to know that too many leg exercises won't give me muscley calves.

 

[cosmicgirli]

you should do a lot of streching that will make your muscles long and slim

 

[justlooking]

Lunges and Squats give you great shapely legs
Done with extra weights (using a barbell on your upper back and increasing the weights as you get stronger) will do wonders.
Then,
As cosmicgirli said, Use something like Pilates to then release your muscles so they're not so tight so that they can be nice and 'lengthened.' (you can't actually make a muscle longer)

Of course, you have to make sure that you've got a good healthy diet.

spinning gives great legs
so does running
but it depends on your genetics of course. some people feel that running or spinning bulks up their legs.

 

[justlooking]

Question: I've got pretty good calves but I'm still having trouble with my thighs-any advice that can help with toning them?

Lunges and squats are your best friend.

 

[Couture_Tribe]

I dare to day I have pretty nice legs, and luckily my gene gives me a pair that does not touch at the top.

On top my my gene, I do lots of long distance running almost daily. Sometimes biking, walking is a must in my daily lifestyle.

Weekly heavy squats and lundges.

And stretch before and after workout.

Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, protein and adequate carbs. Never drink less than 3 litres of water a day.

 

[ninins]

i started running, because it's a great workout and it builds nice legs. atleast runners i know have nice legs. i've been running every other day for about 20 minutes 2 miles. I don't have a gym membership so I've been running around town. Trying to avoid sidewalks and run on asphalt. My knees have started to hurt. Has anyone experienced knee injuries when first starting? Does it go away once your body grows accustom? I'd hate to take a few days off because I'm trying to keep a routine. other than the knee problems my calf muscles look better (i have very skinny lower legs). Walking in heels has become easier too. =)

 

[laurette]

When I was running regularly my knees would hurt every now and then, but I have deformed knee bones so I can't tell whether that's normal or not.
I advise you to invest in good running shoes, ever since I wear Adidas Supernovas my knee problems have become much better.

 

[Kawari]

When I was running regularly my knees would hurt every now and then, but I have deformed knee bones so I can't tell whether that's normal or not.
I advise you to invest in good running shoes, ever since I wear Adidas Supernovas my knee problems have become much better.

Oh yea, shoes are so important. I've got flat feet and for years I would go to school P.E. with hurt feet and legs. It was awful until I finally got help and realized lots of pain could've been easily dealt with by getting better shoes.

If you plan on running regularly, try to invest in good shoes. Also, I always go to someone who actually knows shoes at the store.

ninins, I had the same problem when I started running. Make sure you have good shoes and pay attention to the way you run. I had horrible tecnique and posture, but things got a lot better when I learned my own running style. Good luck.

 

[katieo]

Shoes are the most important part of healthy knees. Make sure you ice if they hurt after runs, and stretch. It also helps to strengthen leg muscles so they better support the knees, just do lunges/wall sits/calf raises, pretty standard stuff will help.


I've had bad knees for years thanks to competitive soccer... physical therapy is the only thing that keeps my knees semi-working, but I still can't run a lot, such a bummer!

 

[ninins]

thanks for the advice guys. I have mizuno running shoes, which seem comfortable, maybe i need to feel around for different brands. I haven't run for two days, My knees are back to normal.

 

[Kawari]

thanks for the advice guys. I have mizuno running shoes, which seem comfortable, maybe i need to feel around for different brands. I haven't run for two days, My knees are back to normal.

Don't be scared to try new shoes and take your time. It doesn't matter how long you're in the store or how many shoes you try on. You've got to wear them, not the people who work there.

 

[adorefaith]

well...not sure where the right place is for this piece of info but i thought i'd share here..

i work out usually about 4 times a week and eat a healthy diet..

lately i've been using a cream on my legs and bum called 'dream cream' by a company called 'aroma crystal therapy'..

it is all natural...made with 100% pure essential oils....
lavendar, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, cinnamon oil, tea tree, chamomile and arnica...
and describes itself as 'a natural healing hand, body and skin cream with essential oils for skin conditions, pain management and circulation concerns'...

it is AMAZING..
ive only been using it for a few weeks but it's wonderful..
the minute you put it on it soaks right in....not oily or greasy..
but it is very rich and thick....and you immediately notice a 'tingling' cold sensation all over your legs....it must get the blood pumping....it's a great feeling..

i feel like it has toned my legs really well (along with the exercise)..

i just thought i'd share...
and i just found the website - here we go...
http://www.aromacrystal.com/

 

[misssakura]

Everybody mentions good running shoes - but is it possible to buy good running shoes that aren't made from animal skins?