running hasnt really done anything for my butt, anyone else?

So, I started running about a year ago and I really enjoy doing it and have improved tons. I have also lost most of the weight that I wanted to lose by running but it hasn't helped me tone at all. Maybe it is because I run on mostly flat surfaces but I just don't know, everyone tells me how running does great things for your legs but I have gotten more benefit from lifting weights than from running. anyone else with a similar experience?

i think running has improved my legs a lot (it's pretty hilly where i run), but hiking has done more for my butt.  it's even better in the snow, so i'm actually happy that it's winter ;)

If you are looking to tone up, you won't get it all through running/cardio. I have to say that 6 months of strength training has done more for my body/muscles than years of running. I would encourage you to switch up your workout routines and include strength training exercises as well as your running. So many things can be done without a gym or even weights, ie squats, push ups, sit ups, etc although as you progress, using additional weights helps your muscles develop. Give it some time and you should start seeing muscles appear.

Good luck!

i also love running, but still have a little flab on my thighs if i don't do at least a little stregnth exercises. i got my legs toned by taking 10 minutes every other day, and doing 25 squats, then 50 lunges, and 25 calf raisers. I also use 10lbs weights to do arm excercises. It really doesn't take hours in the gym or expensive equipment, my dumbells cost like 15 bucks at target. hope this helped.

-Adrea

If you want to tone your butt and get a fab behind, you really have to strength train.  You can use the cardio on the treadmill but set the incline up high so that you are really working those muscles. 

You can try some squats or squat jumps, just don't let your knee go pass your toe.

Try agumenting your running routine with wind sprints and high jumps. These will RIP UP your legs and bum!

A high jump is just a big, slow skip. Really push off with your foot, jump high and bring your knee as high as it can go, and then do the same thing with your other leg. About 20 yards of High Jumps and your bum, hamstrings and calfs will be burning!!

With the wind sprints start out at 20 yards of a dead run, as fast as you can. Do 20 yards about 2 times through out your run. Then the next week up it to 30 yards 2x a run. Increase it 10 yards every week until you reach 100 yards of a dead out sprint. Then just increase the amount of sprints each run session. You will see results in your core, thighs, arms and bum! See if there is a running clinic offered at a local college or YMCA. They can give you more specific tips on sprinting.  

Steady state cardio decreases muscle tone.  Pass it on.

Original Post by robokitty:

You can try some squats or squat jumps, just don't let your knee go pass your toe.

 What if you have really little feet?

Same rules apply.  I have little feet, but proper form will save you every time.

Original Post by devilish_patsy:

Same rules apply.  I have little feet, but proper form will save you every time.

 Proper form will often dictate your knees going past your toes. Limiting how far forward your knees go based on how big your feet are is arbitrary and has no basis in biomechanics.

Studies have shown that while limiting the forward range of motion of the knees during a squat will slightly decrease the stress on the knee joints, that stress is shows up several orders of magnitue higher on the lower back.

The length of your limbs and mobility of your hip and ankle joints, not what size shoe you wear, should dicate how far forward your knees go.

Running will flatten your butt, not make it firm / round. If firm / round is what you're looking for, do squats, lifts, presses and possiblt step aerobics (with 2-3 lifts under your step.) Hope this helps!

Oh- also, spinning made me gain a ton of leg and rear muscle... if that's what you want, spin classes might help.

I definitely agree with mel_e_mel. After running three-four times a week for half a year, my bottom has definitely flattened out, and I have heard that this happens with long distance runners.

But I don't think this is true for everybody. I tend to gain weight in bottom, so that might be why.

Oh, one other thought - jumping rope! The other exercises will improve your rear faster, but rope jumping, in addition to being excellent cardio, will tone up your calves, arms and butt.