Will regular cycling make your legs/calves bigger??

[betagirl]

My musles are certainly bigger, especially my calves. But at the same time I lost all the fat in my legs too. So they look good I'm pretty tall and slim, so I think I carry extra muscle well.

[tygab]

I think well muscled legs look great, and on overall fit people even better. Ok, now a side note: I got to see thousands of Ironpeople prepping and strolling around pre IM Lake Placid, and the thing that I came away with was, what incredible shape these people were in. But yet, they were ordinary people from all over, with careers they were taking time away from, and families in tow.

They had different body types too. Some predisposed to being muscley, some thin types that looked like they could run across the Sahara with the best of them... and most in between. It just stuck in my mind that it was possible to be in so much better shape and something that I, a cycling newbie focused on just getting base fitness, could work toward. The best part is it's a very balanced look, across the body types. It's not all legs, or arms, or shoulders, or back. It's not just heaps of muscle on someone who can't run around a block (I've seen those too). It's just a level of balance in fitness you can see and appreciate in person.

I am not saying I will ever be at that level, but it's a pursuit for me now to attain that balance.

Anyway, after completing our big ride, my husband a few weeks ago said to me, I guess I can't call you chicken leggies now (this was a name I'd made up for myself long ago). My legs haven't really changed size, though, they've just been made into defined muscles. Anyone looking at me would probably still assume I am a weakling, but they are solid now, very solid, and I love it! I now am trying to build on what I feel I have achieved so far.

I guess this is a very long winded answer to say, I'd encourage you to enjoy the resulting muscle from bike riding! It's something to be proud of, IMO!

[Dogmama]

It is difficult for women to grow big muscles anywhere because we lack testosterone. So, unless you are lifting big weights, eating lots of protein, resting and taking certain supplements, you won't get huge.

Leg definition is beautiful. When you can see the separation of the hamstring from the quad, it is impressive. Of course, you'll need to get to a lower body fat, if that is an issue.

My experience is that even if you are mashing big gears, your knees will give out before you look like a body builder. And if you're just riding one day a week, enjoy it!

[light_sabe_r]

from personal experience my calves HAVE grown bigger. I was pretty thin to begin with anyway.

BUT The upside is they're less wobbly! I love it! I'll take toned legs over wobbly ones anyday!!

[mimitabby]

Here are a couple of fotos, one is quite old because with legs like these, you just don't exhibit them very much. I am standing with my grandmother and my mother; both of whom had much nicer legs than me.

The second foto is recent, uh, today. Shows firmer legs with muscles rather
than just bones and skin. The only thing that changed was bicycling.

[KnottedYet]

Mimi - like the "after" photo! Whooooo-eeeee, check out those gams!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Woo-HOOO!!! Great NEW legs, Mimi!!!!
Biking gals just get better and better as they get older!