thunder thighs

prettie

hi can anyone help me on this one..need to loose a stone and have started running on treadmill,most i can do so far is 5k.my speed is limited due to nerve problem in my foot so i have started to use the incline for a bit of a challenge,now i am wonder is this goin to bulk my muscle as appose to burn fat even tho i do feel my thighs and calf muscles gettin a good workout(this is my problem area)any suggestions to loose it from the legs greatly appreciated..

ApeXaviour

Muscle hypertrophy (increasing size) is not a linear process. The fact that you can run 5k means you'll likely not increase any size by adding a slight amount of tension to an already endurance aerobic activity.

i.e. you are not going to "bulk" your muscle.

Have a read of this article (someone posted it in the OT thread, can't remember who it was but credit to them) http://www.stumptuous.com/strength-without-size-how-to-get-stronger-without-getting-bulky

ApeXaviour

Oh also working out your legs and thighs will not necessarily remove fat from those areas specifically. It preferentially gathers there for many hormonal and evolutionary reasons. What I mean is if you do any exercise you're going to burn calories, but your body will take it from all over.

Better to think of it as just general excess bodyfat than thigh/leg/belly fat etc. In which case your diet is the more important factor.

Paraphrasing EileenG from the Nutrition&diet forum:
Fixing your diet is how you lose weight/bodyfat
Working out in the gym is how you look great.

Lastly: fair play for upping the incline. More power to you.

(Sorry for the contiguous post!)