Quote Originally Posted by runnergirl
Welcome to the board, be sure to check in under the getting to know you thread!

You can't look like a vogue model and be an athlete. You have to have muscle to make the bike go, there's no way to not build muscle while continuing to work out (other than having an eating disorder). Embrace it and show of your shapely calves.

My quads have blown up since I started riding and I'm damn proud of it. The idea that women shouldn't be strong and powerful drives me buggy-because if you think about it it's a backwards notion meant to keep women out of "male" spheres.
Runnergirl, to your comments I say AMEN!

Noushkin, welcome to the board! I'm glad you are enjoying riding but don't fear bulking up. You'll never be the size of the incredible hulk because you aren't made up that way (ie testosterone).

Inevitably your hams, quads, calves, and glutes will get bigger but they are a testament to your hard work and they are there to power you on!!! I know it's easy to be self conscious about getting "bigger" but it's muscle, definition that you are building. Show it off!

If "hams" are really a concern, I do find that spinning at high cadences have really helped to burn the fat and increase definition without building insane bulk. Nonetheless, since I've been riding, I've noticed my calves have gotten bigger and my quads are cut, and I'm hella proud of them!