Last Updated May 26th, 2020 02:05 PM
You’re exercising regularly, pushing yourself to your maximum, adding more weight each time for one more round of heavy squats, lunges and/or HIIT.
But, it seems like your legs are just getting bulkier and bigger instead of smaller.
You’re finding it difficult to fit into your skinny jeans and shorts.
What is going on? Why are you getting bigger, instead of slimming down?
First of all – I understand this frustration. A couple of years ago, I was in this exact same situation and struggled with adding too much muscle for my liking.
But, there is a way around it.
This is why I decided to give some advice on how to lift weights without getting bulky – especially in your legs.
WILL I GET BULKY IF I LIFT WEIGHTS?
Most personal trainers will tell you that women cannot really get bulky.
If you have already tried talking to someone about your fears of getting bulky, there’s a good chance that you were told you’re just imagining things, or have a wrong mindset.
Or, that you should stick with lifting heavy because you will get a lot bigger before you get smaller. Well, not really.
While working out with personal trainers, I was a bit conflicted, ’cause every trainer always pushed me to lift heavy (especially more heavy weighted squats and lunges), but I didn’t like what it was doing to my body.
It wasn’t just my legs that were getting bigger, either.
My upper back was really broad and my crop tops and gym singlets didn’t fit anymore.
Overall, I felt like a bigger, bulkier version of myself. I just didn’t look slim and lean like I used to.
And no matter how many times I tried explaining that to my trainer, I just ended up getting frustrated or feeling guilty, because I am not happy with my ”strength gains.”
I couldn’t understand why some of my friends got amazing results from lifting weights, while I almost ended up hating heavy weights because they made me too bulky.
But then I started learning about different body types.
DIFFERENT BODY TYPES RESPOND TO WEIGHT TRAINING DIFFERENTLY
There are 3 main body types – ectomorph (Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss), mesomorph (Jessica Alba, Gigi Hadid) and endomorph (Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez).
And, actually, 2 out of 3 female body types can get too bulky.
You must understand your body type to know how to build muscle without getting bulky.
If you are not sure about your body type, I have created a special Body Type Quiz that is completely free.
It will help you determine your body type in just 2 minutes. This is your starting point.
ECTOMORPHS
Ectomorphs are naturally very slim (think Victoria’s Secret models) and find it difficult to gain weight (both muscle and fat).
This body type can lift very heavy weights without getting bulky and often get amazing results from heavier weight lifting.
However, a lot of models do not lift very heavy because of the fear of getting too muscular.
Everyone’s body is different, and some models may be a combined ectomorph/mesomorph body type, and do have the ability to get too muscular.
Having big legs is something that no model wants, so they are very careful about this.
If you are a true ectomorph, heavy weight lifting will make you toned, and it’s very unlikely that it will make you bulky.
If you are a combined ectomorph/mesomorph body type, you still have the ability to get bulky if you do the wrong type of exercise.
MESOMORPHS
Mesomorph girls can be slim or overweight, but they have the ability to lose and gain weight (both muscle and fat) very easily.
I am a mesomorph.
Mesomorphs need to be careful not to do too much weight lifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) because this can make them too bulky for their liking.
RELATED: FULL BODY HIIT WORKOUT THAT WILL NOT BULK YOU UP
ENDOMORPHS
Endomorphs have a curvier body type, with shorter arms and legs.
This body type has a much harder time trying to lose weight, and they find it very easy to gain muscle, especially in their legs.
I would suggest that endomorphs avoid any HIIT and heavy weight lifting because this will just make them bigger and focus instead on doing more cardio with lighter circuit training (that doesn’t focus on building up too much of the leg muscle).
I know a lot of personal trainers say that lifting heavy weights is the key to slimming down, but for endomorphs, this isn’t really true.
RELATED: FEMALE GUIDE TO GETTING LEAN AND TONED (NOT BULKY)
IF LIFTING WEIGHTS MAKES ME TOO BULKY, WHY DO I STILL NEED TO DO IT?
I know you might think that you should just avoid any type of weight and resistance training and only do cardio, right?
Well, I’ve done that before, too!
I only did cardio, and yes, I’ve drastically slimmed down. But, I still always had fat around my hips and belly that I found hard to get rid of.
I ended up being more skinny fat than lean.
It wasn’t until I started lifting weights and building some muscle again that the fat really disappeared and I finally had abs!
1. LIFTING WEIGHTS (I.E. RESISTANCE TRAINING) WILL GIVE YOUR BODY MUSCLE DEFINITION (TONE)
Any type of resistance training will build muscle – even if you’re lifting low weight and high rep, doing bodyweight or endurance-based workouts, Pilates, or even yoga – these will all build muscle.
But the thing is, you need muscle to give your body tone and definition.
There is a certain way of exercising, including lifting weights and building muscle without bulking up, which I will talk about, below.
2. LIFTING WEIGHTS WILL HELP YOU LOSE FAT & PREVENT THE “SKINNY FAT” LOOK
Having muscle also helps with keeping your body fat levels down.
A lot of women (and men) who only do cardio and avoid lifting weights will end up looking “skinny fat.”
Skinny fat is a term used to describe people who appear slim or skinny (in their clothes), but actually have quite a high percentage of body fat.
I used to be skinny fat, and whenever I avoid resistance training, I go back to being skinny fat.
3. WEIGHT/STRENGTH TRAINING HAS A LOT OF OTHER BENEFITS
There are SO many other benefits of strength training such as improved sleep, reduced stress, and anxiety, improved mood, lowered risk of heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, plus lots more.
It really does benefit you both on the inside and out!
HOW TO LIFT WEIGHTS WITHOUT GETTING BULKY
As you can see, lifting weights does provide a lot of health benefits, and if you know how to do it according to your body type, it can have great results.
The key to being able to lift weights and build muscle without getting bulky is:
1. LEARN WHICH BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES TO DO AND WHICH ONES TO AVOID.
Most bodyweight exercises will help you get lean and toned.
But there are some that are known to cause bulkiness, especially in 2 out of 3 female body types (these are discussed, below).
2. LIFT LIGHTER WEIGHTS FOR HIGHER REPETITIONS
By lighter weights, I mean 1-2 kgs dumbbells, a resistance band, ankle weights or just your own body weight.
Lifting lighter weights with higher repetition (15-20) will not bulk you up.
BEST BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES THAT WON’T MAKE YOU BULKY
Below you have my FREE Train Like a Model video course. These are full-length videos that will help you get toned without becoming too muscular.
Also, on my blog, you can find a lot more workouts that are designed especially for women who want to be able to lift weight without bulking up.
Here’s one example, below. :)
OTHER TYPES OF WORKOUTS YOU CAN TRY
1. PILATES
Pilates is exactly what I have been talking about. It’s often done using your own body weight, ankle weights or lighter weights that you can lift without bulking up.
I’ve also been to a few reformer Pilates classes, and these are great for toning up and slimming down!
The reformer machine uses resistance bands and a moving platform – it’s fantastic for your core.
In these classes, you will sometimes also use very light dumbbells for your upper body.
2. SWIMMING
Swimming is great for toning your arms and doubles as cardio!
When I used to do cardio only, I also did some swimming. My arms were really toned, and I didn’t do any weights or boxing.
Yes, professional swimmers have bigger arms and shoulders, but they train twice a day, 6 days per week, and that is why this happens.
Swimming 1-2 times per week won’t cause you to become bulky.
3. BOXING
Boxing is amazing for toning your arms really quickly, but not making them bigger. It’s also great for your core, too! And I know that a lot of Victoria’s Secret models do boxing.
I always notice a significant difference after just a few weeks of boxing. But just be careful about what type of boxing class you attend.
I’ve been to a few classes that do more of a boxing circuit, which includes a lot of squats, wall sits, burpees, etc. So, try to attend a boxing class that mainly focuses on boxing.
AVOID EXERCISES THAT WILL MAKE YOU BULKY
I know a lot of personal trainers won’t like to hear this.
The following exercises are great for your body (and mind), but they do build a lot of muscle and can make you bulky.
Also, I am mostly recommending this for mesomorphs and endomorphs. Most ectomorphs can lift heavy weights without getting bulky. But for the other two body types, these exercises should be avoided
1. DON’T DO ANY HEAVY WEIGHT LIFTING
Any time you lift heavy weights to failure, you will most likely build muscle (granted your protein intake is also high to moderate).
If you want to lift weights without getting bulky, avoid “training to failure” strength workouts.
2. SKIP (HEAVY) SQUATS AND CHIN UPS
I can see all personal trainers cringing here.
Yes, these exercises are great for your body and use LOTS of different muscles. But for me – and most of my clients that want to get lean and toned – squats just made legs bigger and chin-ups made their back broader.
Theses build SO much muscle and really change the shape of the body, in a way that I do not like. These 2 exercises will most likely make you bulky.
Other exercises that will most likely contribute to bulkiness include overhead pressing, deadlifts, lunges and burpees.
3. STAY AWAY FROM CROSSFIT
If CrossFit is your go-to-workout, and you enjoy lifting heavy, by all means, go for it.
But be aware that this type of training includes LOTS of squats and squat variations, burpees, deadlifts, chin-ups, and overhead pressing exercises. And if you are a mesomorph or an endomorph body type, these workouts will defiinitely make our legs and upper body bigger.
These are all exercises that I suggest you avoid if you don’t want to increase your muscle size (and not to mention that I’ve yet to meet someone doing CrossFit that hasn’t had an injury or badly messed up their spine).
4. AVOID SPRINTS
Any short bursts of energy using your legs will make them bulkier and bigger, because of the muscle fibers it recruits and the energy system your body uses.
By short bursts I mean around 30 seconds. A lot of people do their sprints by running as hard as they can for 30 seconds, resting for 30-60 seconds and then repeating.
Unfortunately, this type of sprinting will make you bulky.
I do some sprinting (but only when I am already very fit). I prefer to do my sprinting as more of a fast-paced run.
I run faster than normal (but not at my maximum) for 2 minutes, and then rest for 1 minute. By the end of the 2 minutes, you should be so winded that you need to stop.
This type of running will still get you fit really quickly, and won’t make your legs bulky.
5. AVOID HILL SPRINTS
Any type of hill sprinting will make you bulky, especially your quadriceps (the muscles at the front of your thighs).
Avoid doing these and always option for a flat surface when doing cardio.
6. DON’T ADD INCLINE ON TREADMILL
Walking on an incline on the treadmill will use your quadriceps and may make your legs bigger.
Walking is amazing for slimming down your legs, but it’s best done on a flat surface.
7. PASS ON THE STEP MACHINE
I’m sure you’re getting the theme here – anything uphill will bulk up your legs. The same goes for the step machine.
EXERCISES THAT MAY CAUSE YOU TO BULK UP (PROCEED WITH CAUTION)
These are exercises that I am always questioned about. Results from doing workouts, below, vary, depending on the person’s nutrition, body type, genetics and all other factors.
But, I will try to provide some general advice.
1. SPIN CLASSES / CYCLING
If you are an endomorph, I would avoid spinning/cycling because it will make your legs bigger and more muscular.
You probably already have shorter and muscular legs, so there’s no need to increase the muscle size.
Mesomorphs can do it, but just monitor the changes in your legs and see if it makes them bigger.
For me, I can do a spin class once per week without getting bulky. But a lot of mesomorphs can’t (especially if you are a combined mesomorph/endomorph).
I would keep spin classes to once per week – maximum.
2. HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING (HIIT)
This is a tough one, because it’s such a great workout. But if you overdo it on leg exercises (jump squats, jump lunges, burpees, box jumps, etc), you will get bigger legs.
You can still do HIIT, but it’s all about the exercise selection. I still enjoy doing HIIT workouts, but the exercises I do are different.
I have written a blog series of HIIT workouts that won’t make you bulky, so you can use this for some ideas.
3. SKIPPING
This is another tough one, because it is great cardio, especially if you can’t go outside.
Skipping will help you lose weight overall, but won’t necessarily slim down your legs. Skipping will also probably make your calves bigger, as skipping really focuses on your calf muscles.
If you want to slim your calves, it is best to avoid skipping. I personally don’t do any skipping.
4. CROSS TRAINER / ELLIPTICAL
I know a lot of women use the cross trainer in place of the treadmill, especially if they have knee injuries.
The cross trainer is a good alternative if you can’t walk, but for slimming your legs, it is not as effective as walking.
The cross trainer will build muscle in your quads because of the pushing down motion, but it will not build as much muscle as cycling or weightlifting.
Also, it won’t help reduce thigh fat as effectively as walking.
5. BARRE
I have done a barre class and was surprised at how leg-focused it was.
We did lots of squats, squat jumps, squat holds, etc. It wasn’t really what I was expecting.
I’m sure different teachers have their own different barre routines, but the class I went to would definitely make my legs bigger.
Many women have also told me that they have developed big legs since doing barre.
I don’t think this is the case for all barre classes, or all body types, but just be cautiou
6. RUNNING
A lot of models don’t do any running because running actually builds muscle. It doesn’t build the same amount of muscle as cycling or weight lifting, but it will still build muscle.
Endomorphs in particular need to be careful with running.
Running is an amazing exercise for slimming all over – especially your legs – but if you build muscle really easily (like an endomorph), I would run with caution.
When you are running, monitor the changes in your legs and see if it makes them bigger.
If it does, I would avoid running. But if not, keep doing it!
HOW TO GET SMALLER THIGHS
Resistance training alone will not make your legs thinner, it will just make them more toned.
If you want to get thinner thighs, you need to do cardio!
I have written a really detailed blog post on how to do the right type of cardio to get skinny legs, so have a read for more information.
Also, you’ll find it very useful to read my blog post on how to slim down muscular thighs.
SUMMARY: HOW TO LIFT WEIGHTS WITHOUT GETTING TOO MUSCULAR
- There are 3 main body types, and each has different exercise requirements.
- Your body type will determine how bulky you get and what type of exercise you can and can’t do.
- To lift weights without getting bulky, you need to lift lighter weights (i.e. 1-2 kgs dumbbells, a resistance band or just your bodyweight) and higher reps, PLUS you need to choose the correct exercises.
- Exercises that are great for toning without getting bulky include the workouts in my 3 Steps to Lean Legs Program, Pilates, reformer Pilates, boxing and swimming.
- Certain exercises will cause bulkiness, including squats, lunges, deadlifts, chin-ups and overhead pressing. Other exercises that make you bulky include heavy weight lifting, CrossFit, sprints, hill sprints, and the step machine.
- Exercises that may make you bulky and should be done with caution include cycling, HIIT, skipping, cross trainer, barre and running.
START WITH MY 3 STEPS TO LEAN LEGS PROGRAM NOW
My 3 Steps to Lean Legs Program will help you slim your legs and tone your body without getting bulky in the process. I know from my own experience how frustrating it is to train hard and end up with results that you didn’t want. I used to work with a PT who trained me in such a way that caused my body to become too bulky for my own liking.
That’s why I created this program – to help women who prefer a more lean and slim look to get toned without having to worry about getting unwanted muscles. :)
LEAN LEGS PROGRAM BEFORE & AFTER
”I trained with a personal trainer 3 times a week and while traveling, I used to do Kayla Itsines’ SWEAT program.
However, my thighs continued to be a problem despite exercising like a machine (in fact, I started measuring them and the more SWEAT I was doing, the bigger they became).
With [Rachael’s] program, I started seeing the results almost immediately. I measured my thighs, butt and muffin top and I lost inches after first week!
Read Jeanne-Mare’s Full Review Of The Program Here
Here’s my 6-month transformation <3 I never thought I’d be able to lean out my muscles!! I have never felt happier & more confident with my body! Eternally grateful to you and your program!
@AlexBGamez
This is only my 5-week progress, I was too eager to share the results with you. After years of trying other programs and even when I entered fitness competitions, I have never seen my legs this lean! I can’t wait to see my progress at the end of the 8weeks and again at the end of 16weeks after Round 2! Thank you and your lovely team. I am beyond grateful!
My program includes cardio, a complete 8-week meal plan and the style of resistance training that I mentioned in this blog post.
Also, the resistance training part of my program now has FULL-LENGTH videos that you can follow from warm up to cool down.
To find out more about my 3 Steps to Lean Legs program, click the link below:
https://www.rachaelattard.com/skinny-legs-ebook/
To find out more about my FULL-LENGTH VIDEOS, follow this link:
https://www.rachaelattard.com/lean-legs-video-course/
And, as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Love,
Rachael xx
Related Posts:
Rachael is an Australian born certified personal trainer and nutritionist who holds a Bachelor degree in Science.
After struggling for years to find an exercise and diet program that is tailored to women striving for lean and toned body with no bulk she designed her Lean Legs Program. This program is tailored to each body type and focused on helping women get toned but feminine bodies, without getting bulky.
Her mission is to empower women and help them stay in shape in a healthy and balanced way.
How many pounds/ should the ankle weights be
Hi lovely <3
Rachael advises going with the 2lbs ones :)
Love,
Tina
Thank you so much, Marina! This really helps! And especially seeing those results from the girls whose before bodies look more like mine. I am so impressed and very convinced! :) I will be buying the program
Thank you, lovely! I’m glad I could help :)
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact me here or Rachael on Instagram :)
Hi Rachel,
I came across your website while googling “how to slim down thick legs” :) I am intrigued but also really doubtful about your program. I know you reply to pretty much everyone with “we have a 8-week program” but I am hoping for a more substantive reply as I am considering buying the program, which isn’t exactly cheap. I am an endomorph, size 10-12 (US), so medium (L on the bottom for pants, M for skirts) but definitely heavier on the bottom and have a body more like Beyonce’s. I am just not convinced that walking 10 kms a day will slim down my legs.. How is that going to happen? I don’t feel that will do anything in terms of making me sweat or burn that many calories. How will my legs get slimmer? I already have a lot of muscle, a smart scale tells me my muscle mass is about 100 lbs (!) So I definitely do not have your physique or the physique of all the ladies who left testimonials on your web – you and these ladies appear to be pretty thin and healthy TO BEGIN WITH with their legs looking not at all “bulky” to me. I would like to see a bigger variety of body types that used your program to be convinced. And trust me – I really do want to be convinced – I have tried so many things and from everything I know stopping to do resistance with weights will make me just get all the fat back on my endomorph’s legs. How can you be sure you didn’t just find something for your body physique and those pretty skinny looking testimonial girls? I would like to see examples of someone who looks like Kim K, Beyonce – those type of bodies – true endomorphs on your website. Thank you for reading all this and hoping for a substantive response. Thank you for replying!
Hi lovely,
Thanks for reaching out! :)
First, please let me show you some lovely Endomorph girls who did Rachael’s program and then I’ll explain how Rachael’s program works. It will be a bit longer so I apologise in advance :)
Some of our lovely Endomorphs who did Rachael’s program and shared their results:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6k2CASBRy0/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2JdXATBfyN/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6dFZIvBNbV/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Xj3xIhBkh/
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7veqashPfv/
How Rachael’s program works :)
Rachael’s program combines – low to moderate intensity cardio with high-intensity activities like running and resistance training. Also, it has a full low carb meal plan that’s going to ensure you’re eating at a slight calorie deficit and burning more calories than you’re eating. Let me explain how it all works :)
Our bodies constantly burn both carbs and fat for energy. Sometimes the dominant source of energy is fat and sometimes carbs. It all depends on what’s readily available and what type of activities we’re doing.
Our bodies convert these nutrients – carbs and fat into a usable form of chemical energy called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.
But in order to turn fat into energy (ATP), our bodies need a lot of oxygen that’s going to oxidize that fat. So when we’re at rest and breathing normally, oxygen is readily available and we can metabolize fat at a slow and steady pace.
And in order to turn carbs into ATP (energy), our bodies don’t always need oxygen. That’s why when we do high-intensity workouts like HIIT or lift weights – when we’re puffing and struggling to breathe normally (when there’s not enough oxygen to oxidize the fat) our bodies burn carbs first and in a larger quantity than fat.
So for example, let’s say I just had a meal high in carbs and I go and do a quick HIIT session or some resistance training. Since those are high-intensity activities, my body needs to get energy quickly. But in order to get energy from fat, my body needs plenty of oxygen that’s going to oxsidizes the fat. However, since I’m struggling to breathe normally (remember, I’m doing intense activities) there’s not enough oxygen to burn fat. And since I just ate carbs, my body is going to burn those first. Carbs are more available and my body doesn’t need oxygen to turn them into energy.
I will eventually burn fat too, but still, the percentage of carbs burned will be higher than the percentage of fat.
And let’s say it’s morning and I didn’t have my breakfast. My body is low on carbs and I decide to go for a power walk (fasted cardio). I have plenty of oxygen and not a lot of carbs in my system so my body starts to use fat for energy. Fat is more abundant and is a great source of slow-burning energy which makes it perfect for the times when I’m resting or doing low to moderate intensity activities such as walking :)
This is why Rachael recommends both high-intensity activities and low to moderate intensity ones. She knows very well that doing just one type of activity is not enough. You’ll get the best results if you do both.:)
That’s why her program combines low to moderate intensity cardio with HIIT and resistance training. Also, Rachael’s program includes a complete meal plan – it’s low carb and it’s intended for you to be in a slight calorie deficit so that you can be sure you’re burning off more calories than you’re eating.
So yes, I will burn more calories in a shorter amount of time with HIIT and resistance training. And yes, these activities will also raise my basal metabolic rate which will help me burn more calories even when I’m resting. But still, if I do low to moderate intensity activities, I will, in fact, burn more fat with low to moderate-intensity cardio.
Hope this helps! :)
Love,
Marina
Hi,
I am mesomorph, my height is 156, I will 18 years old soon, and my weight is 52kg. I really don’t want to get bulky, I am a huge desire to get just like victoria models! I have many struggles that I can’t get lean legs and abs, always feel tiring that without supplements, I already spent days having a workout, but it’s not success and it doesn’t work! I am not happy with that. My legs are bigger and fat but not at much. Can you give me some suggestions about workout time to get lean legs and abs? (I mean, the videos which lean gets and abs without bulky, because I am so confused where to start and I can’t manage the schedule for workout time. if you have suggestions, can you give me some links?) I really want feminine body! not muscular haha…
Thank you
Hi lovely,
I know that reaching your fitness goals can be hard and that you probably have lots of questions about how to get that lean and toned body.
I would suggest downloading our free 7 Day Slim Legs Diet for some great healthy meal ideas and dietary guidelines. We recommend power walking daily for at least 60 minutes, occasional running and resistance training 3 days per week.
Also if some workouts are making your legs bigger, avoid them (especially squats, lunges, deadlifts, etc).
You could also check out our YouTube channel with lots of great workout videos that will help you slim and tone your legs and upper body without making you bulky. :)
Love,
Diana xx
What is your recommendation for how many days a week to do leg resistance training or Pilates type resistance training? And how many days of cardio would you recommend as well?
Hi lovely,
We recommend doing resistance workouts 3 days per week and light intensity cardio as often as you can! :) xx
Love,
Diana
Sometimes the “bulky” look is because of tight muscle groups, usually the lats/ chest and the hip flexors. Stretching these muscle groups properly will give your body a slimmer appearance because your shoulders will be back in place and your lower back will not be rounded.
Hi lovely,
We always recommend stretching after each workout as it’s great for flexibility! However, stretching won’t change the size of your muscles, it will only slightly relax them.
Love,
Diana
xx
I’m an endomorph (bulky basketball forward kind of build) who, for the endorphins, would always rather jump into a tough long endurance or HIIT workout (like swimming or running) than hit on the floor for some Pilates, but I know this needs to change. I started OrangeTheory a few months ago, and now my legs and ass and arms are HUGE. I love the workouts but not how bulky I look. Also not a fan of being so sore all the time. Should I quit OrangeThoery and get back to my own varied training: kickboarding (my arms are so big I don’t want to swim full stroke much), walking/jogging, yoga and core workout videos? Diet advice would also be appreciated. I worry I’m eating too much protein and too much nut-based fat. Also do you eat dairy like Greek yogurt and cheese? What about fruit? Thanks so much for your guidance!
Hi lovely,
We would love to help you as much as we can :) So that’s why we have created the Lean Legs Program.
Our Lean Legs Program has been designed to include the perfect type of resistance training and cardio to give you a lean and toned look, without making you bulky.
It’s an 8 week workout and nutrition plan that will help you slim down your entire legs, but will also help you slim and tone your upper body and core too (the workouts are full body).
It also includes a full meal plan, a separate recipe ebook and demonstration videos.
If this is what you’re looking for I would definitely recommend giving our program a go. :) You can find out more about it here:
Lean Legs Program
I suggest downloading our free 7 Day Slim Legs Diet to get a better idea of what the meal plan is like and what our recommendations are. The meal plan in the program is gluten, dairy and processed sugar free, but feel free to modify it to suit you! xx
Love,
Diana
Hi! I am new to the fitness world. I was wondering, what if you maintain a calorie deficit and to squats (without any heavy weights) will they still make the thighs bigger?
Hi lovely,
Changing your diet will help you with reducing fat on your body which is great! And it will also help you reduce fat on your legs (although not as much as cardio).
If you diet and eat better, but continue to squat, your legs won’t go down in size. You can still build muscle at a calorie deficit.
So this might help you lose weight but won’t change the size of your thighs! xx
Love,
Diana
Sorry, but I dont agree at all. Your muscles can only grow in one way. The only difference is that low rep training activates the bigger muscle fibers wich results in faster muscle gain, but it looks the same.
Wether or not you will look bulky is all about proportions. For example a huge upper chest and very wide lats may look bulky. Thats why I can agree with you on the chins.
What about cheerleading I used to be so much smaller now I do more cheerleading I can see everything bulk its really upsetting for me we do squats lifting team mates, squat walk and lots of conditioning is this why I am getting bulkier ?
Hi lovely,
Yes, it’s possible that you’re getting bulky by doing too many high intensity exercises, heavy lifting and squats.
If you’d like to slim down you would have to quit that training and start doing more cardio with resistance exercises that will help you get lean and toned :) xx
Love,
Diana