Killer Legs

LegacyUser

Hi there,

I am not fat per se but am quite skinny on the top and fat on the bottom (Pear shape I think is what you call it). Its my legs though that really get me down. I have really chunky legs and ankles with no definition and am so self conscious about them. Now that the summer is approaching I am really freaking out about showing my legs. generally I never wear any dresses and I would love to. I am so jealous when I see other girls with lovely legs. Do guys notice unshapely legs? Does anyone know any exercises I could do to reducr the size of my legs (especially lower half) and give them shape? Sorry I know this might seem shallow compared to other problems here but this is so upsetting for me. Thanks JJ.

Acoshla

A friend of mine has pretty "curvy" legs, as in she has a 16 inch calf and has to get knee high boots specially made. She hates her legs, so she has developed the best ways of dealing with it and showing off the parts she likes.

When going out at night she wears mid calf length dresses with heels, she has fabulous cleavage (not too big not too small) and a tiny waist so she shows that off in 50's style dresses or fitted ones. Or else she wears really short dresses with black tights or patterned ones and more fabulous shoes - loves her shoes! Heels elongate your legs too.

She loves maxi dresses for during the day in summer, and in winter she wears little pleated mini skirts and black tights.

Inari

Guy here.

Never liked what's considered "Fashionably Beautiful" and have always liked a womans NATURAL Shape. Some women have a tiny frame, and are naturally lean. Others have a larger frame, and are naturally curvy. Both are as pretty/beautiful as the other. But for me it comes down to natural body type. If I had to choose, curves = better.

If your legs really bother you, increase your physical activity and exercise regularly. What I mean by this is to increase the amount of natural movement you do (less escalators, walking more etc) and exercising on top of that. What this will do is make your muscles more metabolically active, which means they'll burn more calories. When paired with a good diet (even by just following the food pyramid i.e 55% Carbohydrate, 30% Fats, 15% Protein), you'll find that you'll lose inches and get a greater definition.

On that note, just want to dispel a couple of things:
- Exercise is not limited to sport (Physical activity is exercise)
- Spot Reduction = myth (i.e. you cannot reduce body fat in one area alone)
- Lifting weights will not make you look like Schwarzenagger (You need a lot of Testosterone for that and women have far less Testosterone than men)

Overall it should improve your lifestyle, make you happier (exercise stimulates release of 'Happy' Hormones), give you more energy, and boost your confidence by gradually improving your body's definition.

I hope this helps.

LegacyUser

Theres nothing I like more than a girl who is slim on top and has a decent sized bum. I think a lot of guys would agree with me.

LegacyUser

God...I have a REAL hang-up about my legs too. I'm thin and they look small in jeans and black tights etc..but I just don't have a very tapered ankle, and I think they look out of proportion with the rest of me. I've tried EVERYTHING diet and exercise-wise. The only time I was happy with him was when I had been ill and then my top half looked ridiculously gaunt so it certainly wasn't a look I could or wanted to maintain.

Wedge heels, with no ankle straps, (the higher the better!) can make legs look fab, as can a bit of fake tan and some shimmery lotions, which are nice for the summer. I LOVE maxi dresses too.

As for guys...I really don't think they see a girl and say, "oh she's hot, but her legs are a bit big/her boobs are a bit small/(insert hang-up here!)". Men will look at you as a whole. Took me YEARS to cop on to this! I bet you're always looking at other girls' legs first as opposed to anything else. The same girl could be looking at you thinking that she'd love to have your arms or boobs or whatever.

The funniest thing is that guys I've gone out with have told me they think I've great legs, even when they're completely unaware of my obsession with them, and aren't trying to reassure me. The only conclusion I can draw from that is that they don't love little stick legs..and that it's also more about the lady they're attached to!!

whatever99

Hi OP,

It sounds like you are describing 'cankles', where there isn't much difference between your ankles and calves? I would think that if you did some exercises that worked your calf muscles and defined them more, that that would give you a more shapely lower leg.

If you stand up, then slowly raise yourself up onto the balls of your feet, and slowly lower again, you should be working your calf muscles. Or you could stand at the edge of a step, with the balls of your feet on the step, and the back of your foot sticking out. Then raise and lower your feet like described above. Make sure to stretch before and after.

dudara

When I was working in Brussels, I was walking a lot on cobblestones and I think that really helped to tone my legs and improve the shape of my calves.

Maybe it might be worth investing in a pair of fit-flops or those new Reebok runners- shoes that keep you deliberately slightly unstables, so your legs are constantly being exercised.

miss5

OP I think your being hard on yourself once you exercise you should wear
anything you want too. I think we all have body image issues but you
should feel confident in yourself.

Munstermad

Thurguest....me too!!! Been fighting this battle for years but you will never beat mother nature and her gift of variety... I also have yearned for skinny thighs calfs etc, but despite every effort it has never happened!!! I worked out, lost weight ,gained weight yadda yadda yadda.... Make the most of what you have and focus on the whole package... And remember being slim on top makes you appear slimmer allover..Best of luck x

Victor

Go running or cycling. It will add a bit of muscle and definition and remove some of the flab (no, I'm not saying you have flab, although you can have skinny flab and fat flab). Running and cycling won't give you "fat thighs" either.

Here is a good thread about what guys think about women's legs. http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055855751

LegacyUser

I started swimming at christmas and by march had lost 6 inches off my thighs and calves... if you could see the difference, it is unbelievable. everyone comments on my legs now (and I still have chunky calves..let's just say if i wanted knee highs id have to get them made) so swimming DEFINITELY pays off!

LegacyUser

I have the same problem. All my life. I am 5 '6 and legs are 32 in length, but my thighs are 22 inches around and my calves are 14 inches, ankle is 9.

I am a size 10 but have been an 8 and there is rarely any difference in the legs. I could starve myself and I would still have big legs. I absolutely hate them and have always covered my body.

Excersise never made any difference. I did gymnastics as a kid and teenager and wonder if this is to blame?

Its very difficult to dress. I have always worn jeans and trousers. I hate wearing dresses or skirts. I find this problem extremely embarassing but have grown used to it over the years.

I would love to have proper feminine slim legs like most women too. I'm sorry I dont have any good advice for you but just wanted to let you know you are not alone.