trying to tone my thighs without getting bigger

and I know I'm not the only one. Any tips on how to get long, leen legs?

we share the same fear, my old trainer told to do more reps with less force, for example if you are on a bike lower the gears so its easy to peddel and just go for longer. if you wanted to build up your muscles you would put more impact (heavier weights) and less reps.

also stretch your thighs after excersize so the muscles dont bulid up and rather stretch out for that 'leen' effect.

mikala_doll x

Hmm, I keep reading that to really build up muscle, like bulging-bigger muscles, you have to lift a LOT of weights for hours a day. I do weights 3 days a week, about a 40 minute routine, increasing my weights as I can and in 2 weeks (the last time I measured), I have LOST 1/2" in both thighs (and increased each machine by about 10 lbs). So, unless you are spending hours everyday doing weights, you are not going to see your thighs get bigger just from exercise.

My experience is different Lauren. Two summers ago I decided to bike ride to get in shape. I made the mistake (as Mikala said) of using the low gears figuring that if I had to pedal harder I would lose inches on my thighs sooner. After two weeks of biking an average of 10 miles per day, I had gained over an inch on each thigh! I was totally disgusted...gave up biking for the rest of the summer. Last summer I did as Mikala suggested. Higher gear and allowing myself to actually coast every so often. Sure enough, it worked

thanks. I actually rode my bike today, and I always choose the highest gears possible.

For a weight programme...

Only if you're lifting to much weight for your frame will you really build heavy muscle. in order to build lean muscle you can safely do weights once a week.

Just be sure that you dont have to much weight. You should be able to do 12, but no more than 15 repitions in each set. This is a good guide. If you can only do five reps, the weight is to high.

As for toning down. Any exercise for longer intervals. Instead of sprinting while biking, bike for 2 hours at an even pace. instead of running really hard for 20 min, run for an hour at a slower pace. we all know marathon runners are sticks ;)