women cyclists wanting thinner thighs

[masking_agent]

okay i'm asking on behalf of a woman cyclist who fears her recent adventure into cycling is going to do the opposite, in that it will make her "thighs larger" instead of thinner. I suggested keeping cadence 85 -95 most times. I did recently look at pics of women's cycling clubs and I saw most thighs and legs fairly larger than normal ? So what makes thinner thighs ?

 

[kiwirider]

okay i'm asking on behalf of a woman cyclist who fears her recent adventure into cycling is going to do the opposite, in that it will make her "thighs larger" instead of thinner. I suggested keeping cadence 85 -95 most times. I did recently look at pics of women's cycling clubs and I saw most thighs and legs fairly larger than normal ? So what makes thinner thighs ?

Running ...

I'm not a medical person in any capacity, so my comments are only based on general observation - and a similar conversation with an ex-partner who wanted to go biking, but didn't want what in NZ is called "postman's/postwoman's ****".

Basically everyone I know who has started cycling has bulked up their legs. The only variable is how much bulk you'll build - which is a factor of genetics, exercise quantity, intensity, etc, etc ... It just goes with the territory and is a consequence of the nature of the activity and the fact that any physical activity that we engage in leads to the body adapting and building the necessary musculature to let us do that activity.

The only exercise that I've found which can cause the body to build muscle but to "fine up" at the same time is running ...

So, I guess it's a case of either your friend accepting that she'll put some muscle on ... or becoming a duathlete/triathlete ...

 

[TheNJDevil]

Just let her know that a little meat on her legs is more attractive. Truth be told, I go for the cycling/speed skater look in women.

 

[TERMINATOR]

okay i'm asking on behalf of a woman cyclist who fears her recent adventure into cycling is going to do the opposite, in that it will make her "thighs larger" instead of thinner. I suggested keeping cadence 85 -95 most times. I did recently look at pics of women's cycling clubs and I saw most thighs and legs fairly larger than normal ? So what makes thinner thighs ?

Cycling will make your thighs more toned and ultimately thinner. The key is you have to do a lot of miles (at least 150 miles/week for 8 weeks). Doing lots of hills will also make your entire body thinner, which will in turn give you thinner thighs.

Chances are the pics you saw of the women are for women who do not ride that many miles or the pictures themselves are deceiving. Pro cyclists who look like they have beefy thighs in photos...if you saw them in person look way thinner than the photos would convey.

Just remember, that even pro cyclists find it tough to lose weight, and you are no different.

The strategy you should employ to get your vanity results are to just give yourself 2-3 months to get that thinner look.

Diet also plays a role. If you really want a thin look, then target a week or two in your training where you eat less than you normally do and you will see some gains. But the bottom line is if you are riding 150 miles/week or better, you can't really starve yourself or you won't be able to complete your training.

Look for results after 2 months, and don't get discouraged before 8 weeks.

 

[DirtyWorks]

Pro cyclists who look like they have beefy thighs in photos...if you saw them in person look way thinner than the photos would convey.

This cannot be emphasized enough. Most of those shots of women cycling are at the sharp end of the race too. Or, just as bad, a portrait shot in cycling clothes. In street clothes, the bulk is not there.

Genetics plays a big part in what shape the body is. Weight/shape can be managed to some degree through diet and exercise. In a full life where an athlete is balancing a real job, relationship, etc. keep the expectations based in proximity to what the rider looks like now.

 

[Archibald]

Emma Pooley - Roadie:

search for some of the track ladies and you'll find that they're quite "bottom heavy".

Stick to the roads and don't do strength/sprint type riding - higher cadence/lower gears vs low cadence/higher gears...

 

[JayKosta]

I suggest doing easy recreational riding and not trying for speed or power - nice easy rides with a lot of spinning.
Also avoid hills.

And yes, genetics play a big part in it...

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[mewmewmew13]

I just don't know what to say about this thread...to me it is amazingly silly and/or sad.
Ride because you love it and go as fast as you can! Life is short...

Are we talking about a fit and firm body or are we worrying about having waif-thin legs in hopes of emulating models?? ..(skinny legs that aren't strong...yes, you can have flabby thin legs)

Genetics pretty much has the last say, but if you starve yourself and sit in a chair all day, you may still never have 'thin' thighs/legs.

Sorry, JayKosta, but I hope you are being sarcastic...'be a demure little cyclist and just look pretty on your bike' or get out there and enjoy the hills!

 

[oldborn]

mewmewmew13 we are just guys who s loves small talks about womens legs



Look those chicks or beer?

 

[fatandfast]

not to worry. You have to ride for so long before your legs change that whoever she is with or around will notice the difference and loke it or will have run off 6 month before it makes any difference

 

[mewmewmew13]

hi Oldborn. I know...
I'm just a cycling fanatic and can't imagine it making anyone's legs look anything but great!

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

I suggest doing easy recreational riding and not trying for speed or power - nice easy rides with a lot of spinning.
Also avoid hills.

Also...

Do not ride in wind.

Do not ride in bad weather. That is how hardmen are built.

Try to ride as little as possible.

Avoid wearing blue or black. Those are manly colors that build muscle.

Eat tofu and quiche. Avoid red meat and beer.

Do not under any circumstances watch the Three Stooges. Films starring actors with first names like Clint and Arnold should also be avoided.

Try driving a VW Beetle or a Mazda Miata. Avoid any vehicle with more than 250 horse power. There is an exception for Hummers since women are immune to the johnson shrinking side effects of Hummers.

 

[Boeing]

plus size chicks are all the rage now days.

 

[oldborn]

While in communism chicks here were not allowed to ride bikes, and party send them in labor camps or Gulag.
Now every chick has 11 spd Super Record, while i still riding my old 10 spd Chorus, democracy hmmm

 

[JayKosta]

I stand by my original suggestions....

The OP asked about how cycling could be used to achieve a specific goal - and that is what I did.

If your goals are different, that's fine.

If you have suggestions about how to 'tone' legs without adding extra 'bulk', I'm sure that would be appreciated.

This forum mainly consists of 'cycling enthusiasts', but it doesn't seem that is the case with the subject of the question.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

 

[Damiano Machiavelli]

I stand by my original suggestions....

Your suggestions are as bogus as mine. Actually mine might be more accurate.

Road cycling will not build big leg muscles for women. If the rider eats correctly then she will lose fat and get thinner legs.

 

[ElChingon]

I suggest doing easy recreational riding and not trying for speed or power - nice easy rides with a lot of spinning.
Also avoid hills.

And yes, genetics play a big part in it...

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

Genetics rules above all other suggestions. Some people are big thighed no matter how much spinning or non-spinning, climbing vs flats they do or don't do on the bike or life in general. Then there's the other factor of just being female, some will store every possible fat molecule they consume no matter how few they consume, genetics people, live with it.

 

[Rip:30]

Is there more than 10 women who post on the CN forums?

 

[stephens]

Genetics rules above all other suggestions. Some people are big thighed no matter how much spinning or non-spinning, climbing vs flats they do or don't do on the bike or life in general. Then there's the other factor of just being female, some will store every possible fat molecule they consume no matter how few they consume, genetics people, live with it.

It's behavior, not genetics. I guess if by "some" you mean, "hardly any" then sure. But for every person who has genetically determined fat thighs, there are 1000 who just have fat thighs because they eat too damn much and have too high a percentage of body fat.

 

[mewmewmew13]

It's behavior, not genetics. I guess if by "some" you mean, "hardly any" then sure. But for every person who has genetically determined fat thighs, there are 1000 who just have fat thighs because they eat too damn much and have too high a percentage of body fat.

hahaha
true this..



rip30---I hope there are more than 10 women on here! maybe more lurk but not post...

 

[ustabe]

Look those chicks or beer?

It doesn't get any better than this--velo-chicks with strong legs and beer.

 

[rickshaw]

Ugh!

It doesn't get any better than this--velo-chicks with strong legs and beer.

I find that image offensive. No one should publicly and proudly admit they drink Corona. Shame! Shame!

PS: are there really as many as 10 female posters here?

 

[Boeing]

Is there more than 10 women who post on the CN forums?

of those how many are skinny?

 

[oldborn]

mewmewmew13 as only woman here; show your legs, show your legs, show your legs...

 

[mewmewmew13]