Calorie-Count About.com Health
This page looks way better on our new site!
Easier to use. More tools and features. 100% free.
Diet Forums : Fitness (Library) Report Violation · Tag It!
How to AVOID runner legs? mimi_js
  Jul 19 2008 07:37

I do modeling, so I have to make sure to keep my legs looking really slim.

But lately I've been working out more and my muscles are pretty sore. I'm scared that my legs will get "buff" and I'll lose my slenderness Frown

I usually work out on the elliptical, and I always program it to work out only my glutes, chest, and biceps. But I still feel pressure on my thighs and calves when I'm working out.. do you think I should be worried? Will stretching/ massage help loosen the muscles?

Page 1 of 1 Post Reply
#1 clharr Jul 19 2008 08:07

Most models have some muscle in their legs.  Without it, legs are just knobby looking and shapeless.  No muscle is gross looking.  I don't think you need to worry so much about it.

#2 lilminime Jul 19 2008 14:52

Runner's legs are typically very thin and muscular.  True "runners" (i.e. - people that run for sport or competition and more than just a few times per week) don't usually have bulky legs.  I'm a runner and when people comment on my "runner's legs" what they usually say is that they look so long & lean (which is incredible since I'm only 5'3").  And the comments are very frequent - I get tons of compliments on my legs.

#3 mango89 Jul 19 2008 15:06

First of all ,"runner's legs"... what is that? There are two kinds of runners, long distance runners, who have very slim legs, and sprinters, who typically have larger, more muscular thighs because they need more explosive power for shorter distance runs.

You are not going to bulk up your legs by running on the elliptical. You might get a little more definition, but they will still be slim.

It's also practically impossible to change your natural body shape. Real life example: my friend is a cross country runner, I am a sprinter/jumper. We did the same preseason training for months, cardio mixed with weight lifting, and while we both looked very fit and toned, she still had stick legs and I still had muscular, thicker thighs.

#4 spirochete Jul 19 2008 16:55

You can't bulk up your legs doing a bunch of cardio, ok? You can't. When I'm running a lot my legs get too skinny for my body. Sounds good in theory but it's not.

#5 pgeorgian Jul 19 2008 17:02

i think you're either a bulker-upper or you're not.  lots of runners are lean and sinuey, but i know people who just bulk up the minute they get off the couch, regardless of what kind of exercise they're doing.

#6 ladylyz Jul 19 2008 19:16

mimi I think modeling is AWESOME. I think the trend now is to go for a more fit looking model. If you go to to http://www.fordmodels.tv/ you'll see some videos of the fitness models, like Kim, and see that they are still slender, but also toned!

I have seen several spreads where the fitness models have gotten shoots for non-fitness companies.

#7 lilmuncher Jul 20 2008 22:59

I am a model, and I have the same worry. My legs have some muscle, but I am scared of them beefing up too.  Well I just say dont over do it. I have started walking more, but I havent had anyone mention anything about my legs so i guess i am in no real worry.

Page 1 of 1 Post Reply
Welcome! Explore all our features with the Calorie-Count.com Walkthrough