big thighs - myth or reality?

[newcyclist]

Hi,

I've been cycling everywhere since I got a bike six months ago - and the front of my thighs has gotten hard and ... bigger.

I don't want huge thighs.

Will they keep growing?

Thanks!

[Selkie]

I guess it's a matter of what you like. It's a fact that biking will give you strong legs. I am very proud of my muscular legs and cycling has given me what some might consider "big" thighs/glutes. They get me up tough hills, and allow me to ride hard & long.

[doc]

2 things will determine your ultimate thigh size. One is whether you're a masher or a spinner. Spinners will look more lean like a runner. Mashing with lots of power at low cadence is closer to weight lifting. The other, and this is the biggie, is your genetics. As a female you'll never be huge. But some people tend toward big bulky muscles and some tend toward long and stringy. Can't do anything about that but love your new strong and hard legs.

[CR400]

Don't worry as a woman unless you take male hormones, your legs will never get really huge. And even they have to get down to a low level of body fat to get all ripped. They may get bigger then they were before but not by much. I think most of us would rather have slightly bigger legs that are full of well conditioned muscle, then legs that are mostly fat. Yes even thin women that don't work out such as cycling have more fat in their legs then they would have. Remember thin does not always mean little fat and fit. Or big mean out of shape and fat.

I mean my thighs are still 20.5 inches. and you can see most of the muscles move as I ride, sign of low body fat in that area.

[alpinerabbit]

Be proud of your motors....

[Geonz]

From what I've seen in folks in the bike club, your thighs won't get that much different than their natural shape. Bulking up just doesn't happen as much for women.
On the other hand, it's not as if I care in the least. I am a little concerned about general flexibility.

[Irulan]

the mashing vs spin argument aside, there's something to be said for what you get dealt in the thigh genes departemnt. Even when I was a practically no body fat body builder, my thighs has the same basic shape they do now, which is not thin. My genetic tendency is to have muscular quads if I work out at all... as she said.. love your motors...

irulan

[bluerider]

Agreed, it's tough to fight genetics. I am spinner but my thighs are really muscular. I am really lean all over with the exception of these "thunder" thighs which I am insanely proud of.

[sydney_b]

Be proud of your motors....

Gotta agree with alipinerabbit on this one. Whatever you might think is unattractive about more muscular thighs will be insignificant when you exude the confidence and good attitude that often accompanies a fit and healthy body and mind.

/s

[mary9761]

I'm still spinning the excess body fat off my motors, but I'm DAMN proud of my legs. My calves are WONDERFUL and I won't be able to tell if my thighs are actually BIGGER because they were so heavy with fat before, I can tell they are MUCH more IN SHAPE now.
I feel like they've hauled this 254 pound body [down from nearer 290 earlier this summer] around for nearly 2000 road/city trail miles and 2318 total miles since the end of July I'm going to wear the fruit of my labors like a badge of HONOR!!
I'm beginning to look a bit more like an athlete and I'm healthier physically and psychologically. :D

[CR400]

Mary, Congrats on the weight loss, you go girl. And the milage is sweet too.

[Dogmama]

Ditto on what everybody else has said.

You might consider walking/jogging/running to build your hamstrings. It is important to have equal strength in your legs.

And muscle makes everything tighten up. So, even though the dimensions might be the same, they look smaller because they're tighter. Wait until shorts season girl - you're gonna be buff!

[nicolezoie]

I have big thighs. Always have. But, I don't know anyone who can fill out jeans like I do OR shorts like I do (other than other women cyclists, of course ;) ). My legs are two of my most prized posessions, even though I am *very* self conscious on how big they are. As far as spinning versus mashing, it doesn't matter for me. For me, it's just the way I'm built.

[bluerider]

I have big thighs. Always have. But, I don't know anyone who can fill out jeans like I do OR shorts like I do (other than other women cyclists, of course ;) ). My legs are two of my most prized posessions, even though I am *very* self conscious on how big they are. As far as spinning versus mashing, it doesn't matter for me. For me, it's just the way I'm built.

Agreed on the jeans! I fit into jeans well everywhere with the exception of my thighs. I used to be self-conscious and wear only loose fit or no shorts at all but now I wear pretty tight jeans to show them off. I'm proud of my ripped thighs!!! YA!!!

[bikerchick68]

yup... genetic here too! My thighs were big BEFORE I cycled... now they're big but very muscular! I have been fortunate to find more and more jeans cut for what they term "curvy" women... bless them for the term curvy as opposed to what they COULD call it... LOL! :D

[Eaglewalker]

What I like about what cycling does for my thighs:

When I was not cycling regularly, jeans were tight across the upper thigh and seat, where my bigness was. When I do cycle regularly, jeans are looser there and tighter across the front mid-thigh region.

This pleases me. Given that I am extremely long-waisted, full in the hips and thighs, and pants are ALWAYS at least two to four inches too large in the waist if they fit in the hips, I like a bit more definition to my saddle bags. :D

(BTW this is why I have fallen flat in love with Pearl Izumi shorts. If you check the sizing charts, you can see that of all the makes, they have the greatest difference between the hip and waist measurements.)

[velodrome.co.nr]

they will keep growing but once you get to a stage in your cycling they sort of level out and stop 'bulging'
just don't use big gears all the time and no weights, lol
plus big thighs are kind of cute

[yellow]

The first time I saw a photo of these girls (attached), I thought "WOW! Now those are some strong, tough women!"

(I assume you all know who they are???)

I'd much rather be strong and tough than not...but then I fall into big-quads-genetically category, so I have to be happy with them!

[Eaglewalker]

(I assume you all know who they are???)

Actually not, though I might well recognize the names. I don't watch TV, so I never recognize anyone's photo.

[yellow]

I don't watch TV either but do read women's sports publications, which is where I first saw a photo of Serena and thought "Now SHE has a hard time finding pants that fit in the legs!".

Venus on the L and Serena on the R. The Righteous Williams Sisters!

[Yasmin]

And that beautiful skin really shows off the definition, I think. Better than freckly, Irish skin like me!

[Nanci]

Yeah, but those of us with freckly skin can get some nice tan lines!! (Mine is English, and my freckles don't go _totally_ crazy.)

I think nice strong quads are hot. I love how mine are developing from biking- much more than from horse-shoeing or running. Unfortunately, I have short little femurs. Oh well...

Nanci

[tulip]

proper stretching will not only improve your riding, but also lengthen muscles. I've noticed that since I've been doing pilates, my legs seem to be a leaner shape (and I'm just riding more, so it's all good). My core is stronger, too, which sure helps with the hills.

[liasoul]

good news here. My fiance has very big thigh but after we've been riding a lot, his thigh became skinnier. For me, my jeans are tighter but if I don't ride for a while it comes back to normal.

so my analysis is that you'll definately lose some fat from your thigh and get some muscle because you are exercising. Some people may have skinny legs and might grow bigger because of the muscle but I don't think they'll get too bulky or look fatter.

[LauraPaura]

I actually asked this very same thing from my spinning instructor just a couple of weeks ago after a girl who used to do spinning as well told me that she didn't want to do it anymore because she feared she would get big thighs. My instructor told me that in doing spinning you would not get big thighs in such but your thighs would eventually get a very nice shape.
I suppose I have no choice but to believe her since her thighs are very lean and not too big at all :)
For myself I have noticed that me thighs are starting to look pretty good and muscular. My true problem lies in the "love handles" or what ever the huge lumps of fat on your hips are called :D But I believe I'll get rid of them before summer though - or at least hope so :rolleyes:

[AuntieK]

Since I started cycling, I've noticed that my quads not only look better, but feel better-nice and tight! The one thing that has been bothering me though is that the left leg is nice and round on the front of the quad, but the right leg still seems flat. I am very right-legged, so this surprises me. I wonder if I could be that I baby that leg because of a knee problem? :confused: Anybody else notice a diff between leg muscle development?

[SnappyPix]

I used to be very self conscious of my thighs - and still am to some extent (poor body image is a hard habit to break); all those girls with skinny pins seemed so much more attractive.
But then a strange thing started to happen, as I got more into cycling, and my legs grew stronger, I started to appreciate the fact they could power me along and get me up hills; I'd picture those skinny girls with their stick-thin legs and smile to myself because I knew their legs would never be so strong or as powerful.
My legs are my trophy, my motor, my pistons, my accelerator (and even sometimes, my turbo fuelled injection engine!).
Sometimes I sit on the couch and flex those babies and we engage in a little mutual appreciation session - I can see dips and hollows and muscles that never used to be there.
I've now got calves - I never had calves before in my life! :eek: I'm so excited! In the words of "The Incredibles" Edna Mode: That's a new feature!
It's all good!

[yellow]

The one thing that has been bothering me though is that the left leg is nice and round on the front of the quad, but the right leg still seems flat. I am very right-legged, so this surprises me. I wonder if I could be that I baby that leg because of a knee problem? :confused: Anybody else notice a diff between leg muscle development?
Yes! I have the same issue: right leg dominant, cranky right knee, and a left quad that is 0.5 inch bigger than the right quad (and the muscles are more defined in the left leg). I asked the sports medicine doc about it and he kinda shrugged and pointed out that in spite of our believing it should be true, our bodies are not totally symmetrical.

So I have one "shapley" quad and one "blah" quad. :p

And LauraPaura, let me know if you discover some magic secret to getting rid of those handles. I've been trying unsuccessfully for years! :rolleyes:

[AuntieK]

Hmmm...maybe it's a Utah thing.:rolleyes:

[SadieKate]

And LauraPaura, let me know if you discover some magic secret to getting rid of those handles. I've been trying unsuccessfully for years! :rolleyes:LauraPaura, ignore Yellow. It's all in her head. That 3.2 Utah beer is having weird effects on her. :rolleyes:

[Veronica]

geez Yellow - the only "handle" you have is your camelback. (picture a giant picking Sue up.)

I was told this morning, by someone who should know, that my thighs are getting smaller. Gee all this training IS good for something.

V.

[SadieKate]

Any one see anything extraneous on that little thing in the blue helmet? I wanna climb like her. Power thighs she can discuss. Love handles, no. I'll take her legs and hips any day.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b310/SadieKate/SLC%20Thanksgiving%202005/black_widows.jpg

[carimail]

I think they both look good! That's a great picture.

[Selkie]

The photo made my day. What happy, fit, gorgeous chicks---love those red tops, gals!

[fixedgeargirl]

I'm of the big-by-birth quads category. I call 'em my speed skater thighs :D ! Where do those speed skaters buy pants, anyway? Do they just not wear jeans?

[yellow]

I call 'em my speed skater thighs :D !
LOL! I've often believed I missed my calling as a speed skater. I was a mighty fast roller skater in my day (and that was waaaaaaaaaaay before the time of inline skates), always won the fun races. Fabulous wipeouts.

The speed skaters buy their jeans wherever Venus & Serena Williams buy theirs, I'm sure. Monster-Quads-R-Us? (Edit: oooh ooh! USA won the gold in the men's 5000m speed skating today!)

Oh, BTW, those are our BLACK WIDOW outfits in that picture. My name for them anyhow. SK may have another opinion.

[spudfun]

Hey,
I've been mtbiking for years but I have been working out at the gym (elyptical) and mountain biking much more seriously these past 6 months and I have to say although I LOVE to MTB, and my friends that MTB with me are great, this thigh thing is soooo depressing! Not only have I gained like 7 or 8 lbs (it cannot all be muscle!?) but my thighs are huge! They DO get my up some pretty hard climbs and I love their strength, but hey I did not want way bigger legs! :eek: Frankly I am not ready to embrace the beauty of my big thighs because they really aren't attractive. Other than pilates (sp?) are there any other suggestions on elongating the leg muscles!!

thanks!

[jovana]

i am 5feet and 5 inch tall,have 106lbs,and ave a musclle tighs .i think it is pretty and i am proud of it.fat is much less attractive than huge musscle legs...in summer when i am wearing a shorts everyone looks at my legs.one thing more:they tell about how much i cycle and how i love it!

[spokewench]

I love my BIG THIGHS and BOOTY. Can't have big thighs without that nice strong butt. They go hand and hand and they are SEXY!:D

[missymaya]

I've lived with my big thighs for quite a long while and I'm pretty used to it. But, when I'm on the trainer, which is parked right next to a 'shiny '62 mercury, and notice my thighs pushing to get me through the work out in the reflection, I couldn't be more greatful and impressed! To see them flexed and doing their thing, I think it's pretty hot. I love my muscular thighs!:D

[lacyliz]

I have been almost totally reshaped by cycling. I've also lost 28 lbs in the last year- at 5'5" and 127 lbs at 42 years of age I feel better than ever - plus I LOVE cycling. It also helps to keep what should be standing up standing up :D . I wonder if the men are this concerned about their thigh size. I bet they want bigger thighs...:p

[Kitsune06]

Why does anyone care so much about big, muscular thighs from *biking*? There's a massive difference between big thighs from being a sofa jockey and big thighs from biking/etc. :eek: Shame on whoever can't tell the difference!!!

[violette]

I have been doing Spinning classes for about 3 years. And I have a Kurt Kenetic at home, which I do quite often. Genetics is correct. I am very thin. 5'6" 120lbs. My legs are quite slim, not a lot of muscle definition.

Someone said something about cadence. To build muscles, do you go harder gear and low cadence, or lower gear and higher cadence?

[spudfun]

harder gear and a low cadence...which is why mountain biking can really build those muscles, often we are pretty much doing track stands and balancing slowly through obstacles and then pushing hard over them without a whole lot of momentum...yah, so get into a harder gear...good luck!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Violette,
If your goal is to build more muscle- yes you need to up your resistance and push your body a bit more, BUT don't forget to feed your body the nutritious food and calories it needs in order to build those muscles. Expect to gain some weight as you build muscle- muscle is heavier and denser than fat, remember. I think you may find you feel better overall if you gain a bit of healthy weight anyway. :)

[stacie]

harder gear and a low cadence...which is why mountain biking can really build those muscles, often we are pretty much doing track stands and balancing slowly through obstacles and then pushing hard over them without a whole lot of momentum...yah, so get into a harder gear...good luck!

I have to disagree with you. J Friel has a picture in his book of a sprinter and a climber. Which has larger thighs? The sprinter. A body builder uses significant weight and few reps to build muscle. And, it's actually pretty hard to add muscle mass. Climbing, or using a big gear would be the equivalent of lighter weight and many, many, reps. Cycling is an endurance sport and does not build muscle mass. That being said, we can be genetically predisposed to strong muscular thighs.
Embrace your body for what it is and appreciate the beauty in her strength.

[Bluetree]

Kinda off topic here, but I work with all kinds of racehorses. Sprinters and Stayers (endurance runners) are built very differently.
Sprinters have shorter legs, shorter backs, and well developed muscles, esp in the hind area. Helps with adding propulsion. Shorter legs enable faster turning and higher cadence.
Stayers are long, lean, greyhound-like, without an ounce of added weight. Long, loping, ground-eating strides are desired in a distance race.

As for big thighs, I think a big part is genetics. The collegiate women athletes in my family all had disporportionately big thighs, as do I. But hey, as long as my "engines" do what I ask and more, I can't complain about the packaging. ;)

[AutumnBreez]

I don't mind getting strong muscular legs but the back of my pelvic bones (love handles-blah) have more padding then desired and it is not muscle, but spot reducing is not possible to my understanding....only liposuction! I have heard too many horror stories but have thought about joining in the nightmare once or twice-phewy! Any pointers on the padded back syndrome?

[KnottedYet]

I did some PT work with a patient who'd had a botched back lipo. And she had been in really good shape!

I don't reccommend it unless you have a serious deformity to correct.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

You're better off just losing a bit more weight. My love handles were quite pronounced when I was 30 lbs overweight. Then I lost abuot 23 pounds of fat and they are WAY smaller and not very noticable now. I know if I lose another 5-10 pounds like I want to, they will be pretty much gone. P.S. you don't want no curves at ALL, though! :rolleyes:

[spudfun]

I have to disagree with you. J Friel has a picture in his book of a sprinter and a climber. Which has larger thighs? The sprinter. A body builder uses significant weight and few reps to build muscle. And, it's actually pretty hard to add muscle mass. Climbing, or using a big gear would be the equivalent of lighter weight and many, many, reps. Cycling is an endurance sport and does not build muscle mass. That being said, we can be genetically predisposed to strong muscular thighs.
Embrace your body for what it is and appreciate the beauty in her strength.

Hmm...I don't know, I look at Lance and all his buddies doing the long haul; climbs, flat etc. and they're pretty long and lean. The guys and women mountain bikers around here have big thighs and calves. We're doing few rotations and a lot of pushing and climbing in hard, slow gears. We're not spinning.

[five one]

I'm your basic mesomorphic body type. I have muscular thighs and butt, but I also have a thick layer of subcutaneous fat which prevents the muscles from showing through :( . It was this way even when I was in my teens and weighed 100 lbs. (30 lbs. ago) It's discouraging sometimes. I don't mind weighing more than I appear to because of the muscle. It's only a number, after all. But I wish that muscle could actually be seen in those big thighs. Now that I'm in menopause, I don't think 20 lbs. of fat is going to go away without some severe compromises to my lifestyle. I eat well, ride, lift weights 3X/week. I get stronger - and bigger. Not fair! Sure makes finding pants and jeans that fit a challenge. I don't have any real health issues, so I probably shouldn't be complaining at all, but...

*Sigh*...If I had a smilie blowing a raspberry, I'd insert it right here :-P:::::::

[spudfun]

I totally understand! too bad stronger and in better shape didn't translate to looking that way! Bigger is not always better looking....I take consolation in knowing that my heart is in great shape, I feel good, have tons of energy and am happy...what else can we do! (I'm approaching menopause too...that has to figure in to this!)

[fatbottomedgurl]

I was in this morning for my first PT session after my car accident. I asked if he could take a look at my healing quad where I bashed it going over the bars five weeks ago. When I pulled up my pant leg he said, "Wow, you have cyclist's legs." That was the first time I have EVER felt proud about my thighs.:)

[roguedog]

I was in this morning for my first PT session after my car accident. I asked if he could take a look at my healing quad where I bashed it going over the bars five weeks ago. When I pulled up my pant leg he said, "Wow, you have cyclist's legs." That was the first time I have EVER felt proud about my thighs.:)


Oooh.. I'm jealous. I'd love to have something even slightly cut (or some definition of some sort) so I can see the fruit of my labors.

Have always had big thighs and rear and calves. Just the way I'm built, I guess.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

i am 5feet and 5 inch tall,have 106lbs,and ave a musclle tighs .i think it is pretty and i am proud of it.fat is much less attractive than huge musscle legs...

I think the MOST attractive thing is to have a good balance between fat and muscle. That looks really good. Having no fat at all is not healthy and doesn't look good either, like those scary skeleton supermodels. :)

[missymaya]

heck, those super skinny supermodels dont even have muscle. I was browsing through the stations the other night, taking a little mental siesta from studying and stumbled upon americas next top model and apparenlty the cool thing about this year was that they picked 2 "plus size" models. These 2 ladies looked pretty normal and, hold onto your seat for this one, healthy, to me.
Besides, anybody standing next to those ladies, with their winky dinky thighs and twiggy arms, would look plus sized.

[spudfun]

ya, i agree, emaciated is not a good look and i would take ours over that. plus there's the whole unseen healthy thing like lower cholestrol, happy heart, etc from cycling...not to mention the emotional benefits...it helps keep my anxiety in check.

[annie]

So much is due to genetics. We can only work with what we have to begin with. We can change/improve to a certain point through our own efforts and then try and be satisfied with it. Personally, I think nice strong thighs are awesome looking!

Annie

[Bluetree]

These thunder thighs are part of my genetic legacy.

I had always wanted to be lean and lithe, and even though I wore small-sized clothing, I was never going to be so. I will always have short, thick legs, and with cycling, they now look like the ones on the collegiate (female) athletes on my mother's side of the family.

Dad's family got the lithe, svelte gene, of which I was soooooo envious. All my girl cousins looked so good in jeans with their long, skinny legs. Well, I used to be envious. Not anymore. None of my cousins on my dad's side can climb 4000 ft. on a bike. So phooey to them! :p

Be proud of those thighs, gals... we earned 'em.

[emily_in_nc]

Bluetree, your thighs look awesome! :) Wish I had them -- and your coloring rather than my pasty white legs!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, I wish MY legs looked that good! :)
Fabulous!!!

[Aint Doody]

Bluetree, I would not call those "thunder thighs." I would call those gorgeous legs. Grade A Gams!

[Bluetree]

Thanks gals.
It took a long time for me to accept my body type, as it is not common for Asian women to be so prone to muscle build-up. We're supposed to be very waiflike. But looking at the female athletes on my mother's side (volleyball, swimming, ice skating, tennis) I can see that we're all predisposed to short, muscular legs. We may not be very fast, and we may not look so great in jeans, but we all have some innate propulsive strength in our legs.
And honestly, I don't know if it's my age or my training, but I just don't give a flying freak what I look like anymore... as long as I can still swim, bike and run!

Emily - My thighs may come from Mom, but the coloring comes from Lancome... Lancome Flash Bronzer to be exact. (Shhh.. don't tell anyone!) :p :p :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And honestly, I don't know if it's my age or my training, but I just don't give a flying freak what I look like anymore...

Ahh...so easy to say when you're young and gorgeous! ;)

[Brandi]

My mom had nice long legs. My dad once talked about the first time he saw my mom and how first he noticed her legs.... he says this with a dreamy look on he's face.
And then there is me! My inseam is 29, my bike frame is a 14 inch frame, all my pants are short. And I have big thighs! And all the darn sports I choose don't help them get smaller. They just get bigger! But at least they are strong!
But bluetree you have wonderful legs! I have a little cellulite on the back of mine and no matter what I can not get rid of it. You don;t look like you have any. You look perfect! Sorry for coping your pic idea I thought it would be funny to copy you! All in fun! Oh and you have a nice waist too!

[RoadRaven]

This thread is SUCH a relief!
I thought I was some kind've freak, because there have been so many comments about massive thighs, power muscles, thunder thighs...

I knew I was getting muscle definition (something I have never had in my life in my legs apart from those calf muscles from high heels!)...but MY thighs weren't getting huge... not the way TE gals were describing theirs...

THEN... phew!!! I see these pix and it such a relief. Thunder thighs are just stunning toned legs... the way mine are trying to look.

Thank you those who have posted pix. My thighs no longer feel inferior :p

[Brandi]

This thread is SUCH a relief!
I thought I was some kind've freak, because there have been so many comments about massive thighs, power muscles, thunder thighs...

I knew I was getting muscle definition (something I have never had in my life in my legs apart from those calf muscles from high heels!)...but MY thighs weren't getting huge... not the way TE gals were describing theirs...

THEN... phew!!! I see these pix and it such a relief. Thunder thighs are just stunning toned legs... the way mine are trying to look.

Thank you those who have posted pix. My thighs no longer feel inferior :p
Large thigh women unite!
I am glad we could be of service. I mean that is why we are here to help!

[ausgirl]

I don't mind when my thighs get big - as long as it's muscle. The only downside is that it can be hard to find long pants that properly fit when you have big thighs and a smallish waist - unless you want the pants to look baggy.

However, because i am a road cyclist and more endurance, my thighs don't get as big as some girls. Check out any track sprinter - they get really big thighs, but for them its an asset - they wouldn't have their great sprinting abilities without them.

[KnottedYet]

Brandi, you have very nice legs, too!

I have scrawny little birdie legs that just get harder, not bigger. And I have upper thigh saddlebags that don't go away even when the waist/butt ones do. (it's genetic, so I've given up hope. but when the crops fail and food is scarce I WILL SURVIVE ON MY STORED FAT mooh he hee.)

What biking does seem to give me is nice abs and calves. Hence the proclivity for capris and biking skorts... :p

[GLC1968]

OMG...this post kills me! I've been revelling in all the ladies here who have 'big thighs' and then I see the pics of Bluetree and Brandi...

Those are NOT big thighs. Those are strong legs, ladies!! I would LOVE to have your thighs!!

These are big thighs:
http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4/legs1.JPG http://www.tranquilitysystems.com/gallery/files/4/legs2.JPG

These were both taken last summer (on the same day).

When I was at my slimmest a few years ago, my waist was only 4" bigger than my thighs. I used to HATE my legs. As I approach 40, I'm learning to appreciate their good qualities...but finding pants will always SUCK. :p

[mimitabby]

boy i agree, Blue you have gorgeous gams, and brandi, you do too.
and hey, Knot your legs are nice too!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh brother.....hey ALL you ladies have great legs!!! I don't know what anyone is complaining about! Get OUTTA here....and come back later and moan about your "terrible" thighs when you look like bony skeletons or blubbery whales.

;) ;) :D

[mimitabby]

yeah, what Lisa said!

when my legs were skinny, they were coveted, but I couldn't ride 10 miles without feeling weak.. because I was.
I'd rather have the muscles.

[smilingcat]

you could say I have thunder thighs... Can't wear skinny tight jeans. Besides, relaxed fit jeans are much more comfortable.

I got the thunder thighs from learning to ski before I learned to walk, atleast that is what my parents tells me. Excelled a alpine skiing then onto mogul skiing.
moguls are extremely hard on your quads, back well everywhere...

but like every one else here, I could finish some of the more challenging fun rides like Breathless in Agony (yes its a fun ride), Death Ride (yes it too is fun)... You can't do them unless you have some leg muscles.

but the question is what do you consider thunder thighs?? Mine are well toned not flabby with cellulite... If you ride deligently you wont have cellulites. I think well toned thighs are sexy looking. I think several pictures prove the point.

[freelivez2]

I have always been a bigger boned girl. I danced, swam, ran track, played soccer, rugby, everything and still was about a 12 - 18. All my life. A struggle with the big thighs and my mother didn't help the situation. Mind you we wear the same size??? So anyhow, I'm getting serious into training now and I can see the ole' thighs getting bigger, I don't like it!!!! I think more than that, I hate the comments about how much I work out but my body never really changes drasyically. Any suggestions? ideas? But I admire strong legs and I don't feel that I have a problem with my thighs on my own but more as a collective when others comment. I love my mom but she has contributed greatly to my body image, issue. Anyhow ladies, biking chic look great! the thighs go with the spandex, embrace it! :p

[pooks]

It really is frustrating to see what our cultures and society imprint on us!

I looked at all those pics of beautiful legs and wondered how on earth any of you could seriously think you have a prob? But then, I also recall being 5'7" and 17 years old and weighing 127 pounds and thinking I needed to lose weight.

You see, I had a rather Olive Oyl straight up and down body (long legs and nice butt, though, as my husband will attest, heh) and since I didn't have a flat-tummy and small waist, I felt fat.

Now of course I'd LOVE to have that body again!

But as others have posted, this is largely genetic. One of my friends has a tiny waist, large butt and thighs. (Which of course is much better for her heart.) I'm apple-shaped, very round and desperately needing to lose weight -- but proportionally, I still have a nice round butt and long legs. Though the weight keeps them from being as slender as they once were, they are still proportionally "slim" if that makes sense (and I'm pretty sure it doesn't).

Anyway, my "thunder thighs" are due to fat, not muscle, though the muscle in my calves and thighs is getting more defined, the more I ride. But I'll never have a flat stomach and instead have the horrid midriff/belly blubber.

It's always something, isn't it?

Anyway, muscled thighs will never look like "thunder thighs" so embrace the muscle!

By the way, I was watching "What Not to Wear" and they were showing "sagging bottoms" and I kept twisting this way and that, looking at my own, and finally I asked my husband, "Is my bottom sagging?" He thought I was crazy, but affirmed my impression that no, despite everything else wrong with my body (my words, not his, of course) -- my butt is still an onion. Fortunately I lived long enough for that to be a good thing. <g>

[Pixiepowered]

Hi Everyone, new here,

I only recently really got into biking; I use to be a speed skater. In training 3 times a week for 2-3 hours a stretch, wow I got some big legs.

I thought it was cool looking. All my friends that were girls would joke; say if a big lizard with stout legs came on TV, or a frog or something, they would heckle me. It was a riot. And honestly the guys loved it. I certainly had a choice of dates and much flirting that summer! Not being rude but more honest, it seems that mostly women get the blocks on body size. (so a few women looked at me funny, stared at the gams not nicely, I did not let it stop my fun life or infringe upon my self image)

The MOST fun thing I can remember is going to the pool...(I was 30 then), and doing BACKFLIPS into the water. It was just a blast. SOOOO much fun. MY legs gave me the strength to really jump. I almost, but not quite, did a double flip.
I know they also helped me out to (just on a recreational level in local races), win 3 silver medals in the Georgia Games.

Now that I am getting back in to the swing of things, this is my main goal and what I am most looking forward too. (Perhaps I should do a before and after pic, that would be funny, and I might work harder.)

So all in all, get big legs, love them, and have big fun with them any which way you can!!

Cheers,
-Pixiepowered

[stacie]

Pixie, I think that is the most inspiring thing I have read in a long time. Thanks for sharing your story. We could all learn something from you about loving our bodies and being the best we can be. I hope you reach your dreams, big legs and all. :D

[FreshNewbie]

Don't really have a picture ready but wanted to comment. I am 24 now and always been fighting to keep my weight down through diet and exercise. Even though I am still in my early 20's it's really hard for me to get the scales moving no matter what I do. However, I always had large thighs and calfs. My calfs are bigger than my BF's and a lot of young men I see in the gym. The thing is that I always wanted to make them stronger and more muscular, never had a desire to have these skinny lets with knee cap sticking out ( model look). Last year I went on a ride with my bf that had these really challenging hill that his male friend couldn't finish. Well, my big thighs and calfs helped me climb it twice without using granny gear while my bf was on a granny (shh don't tell anyone I said that). What I want to say is : we should enjoy every positive thing that biking and exercise gives us, love your thighs because they will get you up these hills and let you smoke your SO on hills.
I am off to do more squats and leg presses :p

[stacie]

i wish I had thought like that at 24. You have a huge world of opportunity with that attitude. Now go kick his arse!

[FreshNewbie]

Stacie I came a long way, I was struggling with body image dis. since I was 14 due to many factors. I always tried to lose weight even when I was 100lbs at 16 y/o. I started lifting weights about 4-5 years ago and started looking at myself a little differently. I started to appreciate muscle more and the strength and energy my muscles gave me.

[Kitsune06]

I can attest to the big thighs thing...
when I wasn't riding at all, I bought a bunch of clothes for work- little business casual attire, etc etc, which fit snugly but comfortably...

then I started riding. Not just to work but everywhere.

My thighs are now ranging from 'tight' to 'very tight' in some of these pants, and... uh... butt, too. I *swear* it's not extra shpeck. :rolleyes: *sigh*

it's great having a sculpted butt and nice-shaped thighs/calves, but now I have to go clothes shopping (again!) to find things that will fit comfortably. Grr.:mad:
Why can't I just wear freakin' baggy cargos?

[run it, ride it]

Hey, not enough pictures of all your gorgeous legs! Keep 'em coming!

I used to have tiiiiiiny little muscley distance-runner thighs.

Now? DGIS (Dear Guy I'm Seeing) has tiny little distance runner thighs and I've been feeling like quadzilla.

I apologize in advance for the blinding Canadian paleness:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/ELEEEG.jpg

Oh, and don't forget the bruise from Sunday's bicycle crash! I've been using it as an inkblot test on unsuspecting victims. What do YOU see?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b328/transfusions/bruiiise.jpg

[pooks]

You call that "quadzilla?" You could be a Rockette with those legs. LOL

[run it, ride it]

Oh, I know they're not all that big!

But you gotta understand how COMPACT this guy's motors are! And how compact mine USED to be! All his housemates are x-c runners, too. They told me my thighs were "gigantic!" hahaha.

Cycling + lazy horse = 'gigantic' thighs!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just crack up with all these pictures with the hands pointing at the thighs thing. Like we wouldn't notice all the gorgeous thighs if you guys didn't "point" at them. :D :D :D Too funny!
All your legs look GREAT!!! If I could get rid of some of my cellulite and the last of my "love handles" I'd send in pictures too! ;) :rolleyes:

[surgtech1956]

What's spinning? (Sorry for the dumb question) - Have patience with this newbie. Thanks

[Pixiepowered]

Cheery hello to All ~ :D

Stacie thanks ! I can't say it was always a road of self acceptance, but now it is just too sweet to be here to dare travel elsewhere.
Interesting thread. Shows our frailty as women, the body issues we carry no matter what size. Love Thyself should be a commandment if you ask me.:)

Did I mention that the stork is to drop off a new baby at my house, a 2007 Jamis Nova? The bastard charges these days....heh. I am SSOOO excited, and then I will be back in the saddle trying to get those big legs back.... Oh to be riding again. Just sitting here sans kitten in lap, puppy at feet, wanting to ride...Humm could get pup tart in a trailer perhaps....Chi cat is too busy vege-ing out and snacking to be bothered. She is not worried about her thighs...and totallly blissed out. Perhaps we all could learn something from the cat....

ANY of you ladies that can't wear skinny jeans, and have some muskaly (Popey's word) gams to feel proud of, please feel free to share, and in doing so inspire me onwards and upwards...(as all of you have already in this thread)

[Reesha]

Hello! I'm new to these forums and to road biking but not to mountain biking! To answer your question stacie, spinning vs. mashing has to do with the way you cycle. Do you keep in the low gears and go for a high number of RPMs? That's spinning. Or do you keep the gears up high so you're power pedaling and pushing super hard with fewer RPMs? This is mashing. :)

[makbike]

I love my "thunder thighs" and am very proud of them. They have logged some serious miles since I started riding 30+ years ago and they have yet to let me down. I look forward to summer and shorts weather so I can show them off to one and all :)