Personal Training Advice - don't want big thighs!

[ily]

Hi!

I am 5'1 and not overweight but pear shaped. I need to do cardio to lose weight on my abdomen and inner/outer thighs - I know I can't target train so have to do cardio regularly. When I used to work out few years back my quads had become really big, but from not working out since, they were back to normal though not toned - still I got compliments on having great legs.

I am now in my mid 30s and want to be toned. My trainer suggests 30 mins minumum of running. He says even with an incline it won't bulk my legs. However with a few weeks gone by and doing classes like kickboxing which include squats plus running on the treadmill, I find my legs are growing bigger and muscular. Even when I put in the effort and want them to be lean and toned. This is the wrong outcome!

I just barely fit into my pants (size 2/4) and don't want to have to buy bigger pants. I find myself on the cusp - if I continue this routine it may get me further off from my goal, yet I'm not sure on my own how to change it and my trainer is adamant that cardio will not make me bulk up - BUT its all I've been doing on my legs and the results are plain to see.

Please help?!!!!

 

[Pure Pilates]

You could try Pilates. Pilates builds long, lean and balanced muscles while enhancing flexibility. Not all Pilates is created equal. There are a bunch of people who took weekend courses and call themselves instructors. Many True Pilates instructors actually assist in rehabing people after injuries or after physical therapy ends. Joseph Pilates taught all his exercises to his Protege Romana Kryzanowska. Romana is universally regarded as the only True Pilates method. EDIT

 

[Strive2define]

Hi!

I am 5'1 and not overweight but pear shaped. I need to do cardio to lose weight on my abdomen and inner/outer thighs - I know I can't target train so have to do cardio regularly. When I used to work out few years back my quads had become really big, but from not working out since, they were back to normal though not toned - still I got compliments on having great legs.

I am now in my mid 30s and want to be toned. My trainer suggests 30 mins minumum of running. He says even with an incline it won't bulk my legs. However with a few weeks gone by and doing classes like kickboxing which include squats plus running on the treadmill, I find my legs are growing bigger and muscular. Even when I put in the effort and want them to be lean and toned. This is the wrong outcome!

I just barely fit into my pants (size 2/4) and don't want to have to buy bigger pants. I find myself on the cusp - if I continue this routine it may get me further off from my goal, yet I'm not sure on my own how to change it and my trainer is adamant that cardio will not make me bulk up - BUT its all I've been doing on my legs and the results are plain to see.

Please help?!!!!

Cardio does not bulk you up nor do most women get bulky legs from lifting.Chances are what you are seeing is the layer of fat that is covering the muscle.Get your nutrition in check and continue with your lifting and cardio and eventually you will burn that layer of fat off.Fat loss comes from your nutrition.

 

[S. Max Gordon]

Some thing most women don't understand (and even most half-assed trainers!!) is that a ton of running isn't going ot get you to where you need to be. How long have you been running everyday? Have you seen the results you want? (i'll bet no.)

When you condition yourself to running so much, your body becomes more effecient at burning calories, making it so you have to run mor eand more and more to achieve the same effect. IF you're running for enjoyment, however, that's a different story.

What is your nutrition like? This is the area where you really are going to need to be strict to see the results you want. Especially at your size where you're probably already pretty close to your goals.

I would suggest weight training (yes, believe it or not this is one of the biggest things that is going to help you achieve your goals) with a routine focused on not building up your legs. I too naturally have large legs and have to work around them.

Get back to me with a sample of your daily menu an dmore specific information on your daily routine and I'd be happy to help you out with some advice.

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S. Max Gordon
www.awentraining.com