How do I get great legs?

[dollface007]

So here's my problem:

Due to hours and hours of studying and sitting in front of the computer since i started graduate school, i have lost alot of muscle tone in my legs. I've also added some flab around my thighs and hips. This is after being tall and slender all of my life.

I've been hitting the gym as hard as i can (within the bounds of my schedule) for about 6 weeks. I'm doing 30 minutes of cardio 5 times a week and weight lifting (i.e., strength training) 3 times a week. I don't do well with diets, but i do try to eat healthily while still allowing myself some treats. I haven't lost a whole lot of weight, but i know it's partially due to building more muscle mass. I'm seeing alot of defintion in my arms and shoulders - they look fabulous.

Unfortunately, i'm not seeing a big difference in my legs. My quads (front) are slightly more defined but i still have alot of flab that i'm not comfortable with.

HOW do i get my sexy legs back again??? Am i being too impatient? For those of you who have been able to lose weight and get back in shape, what is your advice?

Thanks to all ,
D

 

[Jezebelle1458]

put on some comfortable shoes and walk,walk,walk,walk.walk,walk

 

[SlickTony]

What Jezebelle said. Plus any kind of exercise that'll involve your legs--cycling, real or recumbent, treadmill, elliptical trainer. Take the stairs.

 

[dollface007]

What Jezebelle said. Plus any kind of exercise that'll involve your legs--cycling, real or recumbent, treadmill, elliptical trainer. Take the stairs.

My cardio training involves using the elliptical trainer, recumbant bike, and rollerblading. Good to know i'm on the right track in that respect.

 

[tigerjen]

Try Pilates or a body sculpting class........even go out
dancing! Dancing is great for the legs!


tigerjen

 

[Stiffy Says...]

Well, from a guy's perspective...

...let's see, you're a grad student, (having seen your postings on here before) you seem to have an engaging personality, and you have the cajones to post on Lit....in my opinion you're significant other or potential S/O should consider all of that as evidence of your sexiness. A woman's body is nice, but who she is inside is what makes her body sexy, the rest is just packaging for that sexy minx inside

Besides - IMHO most women are too self critical anyway. The looks of a body is a great focal point for the insecurity that is exercised by purchasing useless dietary crap, clothing that is overpriced or makeup that is unneccessary.

 

[dollface007]

Re: Well, from a guy's perspective...

...let's see, you're a grad student, (having seen your postings on here before) you seem to have an engaging personality, and you have the cajones to post on Lit....in my opinion you're significant other or potential S/O should consider all of that as evidence of your sexiness. A woman's body is nice, but who she is inside is what makes her body sexy, the rest is just packaging for that sexy minx inside

Besides - IMHO most women are too self critical anyway. The looks of a body is a great focal point for the insecurity that is exercised by purchasing useless dietary crap, clothing that is overpriced or makeup that is unneccessary.

Thank you for this post, Stiffy. It definitely caused me to think twice about my insecurities.

I have no desire to be super skinny, nor do i think i'm fat. I'm basically making a lifestyle change so that i can avoid the road my parents have taken: prematurely "old," Type II diabetes, chronic pain, and a sedentary lifestyle.

I'm enjoying the changes i see in my body, but want to know if i can improve even more in certain areas

 

[sheath]

Stairmaster!

It is the best investment I ever made.

If you don't want to go that route or you want to tailor a routine, simply doing step aerobics makes a huge difference. Simply buy some weights, and the step thingie...it's just a short platform, really sturdy, and you can find it at any department store in the fitness section. For something so simple, it works wonders.

And I have a thighmaster I use while I am sitting down and writing or whatever...I have noticed a difference in tone with that.

Hope this helps!

S.

 

[bookworm69]

sounds like your doing a whole lotta things right

. . . cardio, eating the right stuff, but if you really want definition, I cannot stress strongly enough doing leg presses at your health club. different machines hit different areas. without lessening your cardio schedule, try to insert some leg work with machines while your legs are warm. also tinker around with your foot positions while doing the machines.

start off slowing and build. when you plateau, try a little harder. keep up the good work.

 

[curious2c]

Reclining leg presses, squats either machine or free weight, leg curls, and believe it or not...Tae Kwan Do. Yep...lots of leg work in that martial art.

 

[Miira]

If your gym has a trainer, try consulting with him/her. A trainer can tell which muscle group you are missing(or overdoing). It is hard to tell what you could be doing wrong without physically seeing you. A one time consultation ought to do it since you obviously don't have motivational issues.

 

[houseman]

You obviously have resistance and cardio training down.

The other? Diet.

Focus on a sound nutritional plan to shed bodyfat.

There's no such things as sculpting or toning. You can't "shape" a muscle, just make it bigger.

Sculpting or toning comes because of reduced bodyfat. Spot reduction is not possible.

Get the diet in check. It's 80% of the game

Good luck.

A

 

[fsumusic1981]

Here's the definitive answer you are looking for:

You said this happened since you started graduate school. So, what is it you did before you started graduate school that kept your legs oh-so-sexy? If you walked alot, start walking. If you stood up alot at work or something, try standing up more often. By simply doing whatever you did before, your legs should get back in the shape they used to be in.

I hope this was the definitive answer you were looking for.

-Peace

 

[firefighter02]

And I have a thighmaster I use while I am sitting down and writing or whatever...I have noticed a difference in tone with that.

Hope this helps!

S.

FF has just pissed himself from laughter....



I didn't see you as the Susane Sommers type LOL...

Doll...have you considered more sex? Was thinking something like cowgirl with lots of deep knee bending squats...

FF

 

[dollface007]

Doll...have you considered more sex? Was thinking something like cowgirl with lots of deep knee bending squats...
FF

Oh boy, have i ever considered it ! Are there any "trainers" out there that could help me out?

Houseman, i think you're right about the diet part. That definitely needs more work. Coupled with my old bad eating habits and my new increased metabolism (which makes me hungry all the time), I could use some help. I've been considering seeing a nutritionist...maybe i should consider it even more seriously.

 

[houseman]

Houseman, i think you're right about the diet part. That definitely needs more work. Coupled with my old bad eating habits and my new increased metabolism (which makes me hungry all the time), I could use some help. I've been considering seeing a nutritionist...maybe i should consider it even more seriously. [/B]

Increased metabolism is a wonderful thing

Stick to foods that will make you feel full, complete. Ditch the myth that carbs are the "enemy". They are not, just stick to carbs that are dense and fiberous:

brown rice
yams
lentils
multigrain breads
wholewheat pasta
oatmeal

you get the point.

Stay away from sugars. Sugar spike insulin. When insulin is elevated, anything you eat is LIKELY to be stored as fat.

Don't consume fats and carbs in the same meal. Only one can be used as an energy source, the other will be stored as fat.

Eat more lean proteins.

Eat 5-7 small meals a day.

Calories in vs. calories out. Weight loss still boils down to this basic concept. You have to expend more calories than you consume in order to lose weight/bodyfat but don't starve your bodyor it WILL horde onto everything you consume.

Up the water intake. 1 - 2 gallons day should be good. Yes, ypu'll be peeing every 15 mines. That's life - get used to it

That's it. Quite simple, really.

Nutritionalist are definitely good. If you decide to go to one, find one that teaches you about food and eating - how to eat, when to eat, what to eat, etc. Learn to count calories.

Enjoy!

 

[firefighter02]

Oh boy, have i ever considered it ! Are there any "trainers" out there that could help me out?

I once was a "Trainee Firefighter" does that count??

 

[SlickTony]

and believe it or not...Tae Kwan Do. Yep...lots of leg work in that martial art.

I know that's right. And the younger you are when you start, the better off you'll be. I have great difficulty sometimes getting my kicks up, especially my side kicks.