Hello, im new, have thigh questions

[Luna]

I have been biking with a group of people a few days a week. I ride a modest 25 miles a week just yet. I have a Townie cruiser bike as i cant ride a rode or mountain bike its hurts my bike. I have been doing 75 situps a night as well. I am 5'2 and weigh approx 118. Recently i noticed my jeans are tighter around my thighs and butt! and its making me frustrated, as i think fat. But people around me have saidi look fit. Now is this because im building muscle under fat? Or because I am just building muscle so my body now does not squish into tight jeans anymore. Im feeling a little confused, I thought I would slim down.

[CyclChyk]

Maybe you are pregnant? Bloated? Muscle typically takes up less space than fat so.... I am at a loss. Biking for me definately made me lose thigh and rump spread. If you have been riding and exercising for a short period of time, I would not worry just yet. But definately look into all aspects of what you are doing, including eating habits, caffiene intake, salt intake, etc. I know for me if I OD on salt and or caffiene, my otherwise loose pants feel abit snug.....

[missymaya]

There's a good chance that your building muscle and dont be scared of that. Its a great thing when you can wear somejeans and look at your rear and thighs and notice they're much fitter than they were before and you feel great When I first started riding, I lost a lot of weight, but then a gained a lot back,but not in fat. I didn't really notice until my BF told me one day that 'hey your legs and butt look really lean and great' that it was a good thing.
Also, if your being very active and eating well, your probably also loosing fat as well. Just watch what you eat and keep being active and you'll notice that your body is changing in a good way
Also, check out these forum discussions and you'll realize your not alone in weight gain.
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=4700

[lacyliz]

Welcome to the forum, Luna! BTW- 25 miles a week is great at the beginning. A year ago I started riding by doing 3 miles, then 4 etc. I now ride about 75 miles a week- and hope to do more.

I slimmed down pretty soon after beginning to cycle. I would definitely not worry about cycling making your thighs bigger - mine are more toned and muscular now, but less fat- in fact I need some new clothes because they are too loose now . So, like others said, check your food intake - if you are doing a lot of "carb loading" and not cycling long miles yet, that could be your answer. Just keep going and having fun out there.

[Wahine]

118 at 5'2" is not that big so my guess is that you are putting on muscle. Your glutes will definitely round out and your thighs will change shape. If you're noticing that your pants are tighter closer to the knees, that's very likely new muscle. Most people will find that they lose fat off the upper part of the thigh and gain muscle in the lower part.

Good job on getting out there and doing it!!

PS - even with back pain you can get a road bike, it's just a matter of finding someone to fit you properly. You can get special stems and headsets that bring your body position more upright, even on a road bike. Then you could still take advantage of the lighter faster bike with the comforts of a townie.

[freelivez2]

I must be gaining muscle, I am a newbie rider. Well not really but to the intensity that I am riding now is new for me and my pants are getting tighter!!! ahhhh, at 213 (maybe less) that's not what I want. I am paying close attention to what I put in my body and being a vegetarian protein is always a concern for me. so needless to say honey, I would definitely take your thighs and u can have mine. j/k

But today I had a good ride. 6.4 miles and a .9 mile walk; due to a flat
Dinner consisted of a herb salad, spaghetti w/ cottage cheese and a slice or wheat sourdough. YUM!!! I feel that I had a good protein day. Not worried too much especially after my evening workout.

[Meg McKilty]

Maybe you are pregnant?

Being in the Health Care field, I am loving this suggestion. Make her panic, maybe? (This is the most commonly asked question to women with health inquiries, which is why I find it funny. Most women either panic or are elated with joy.)

[Grog]

Being in the Health Care field, I am loving this suggestion. Make her panic, maybe? (This is the most commonly asked question to women with health inquiries, which is why I find it funny. Most women either panic or are elated with joy.)

When walking in the hospital for nearly any complaint, any women of procreating age is believed to be pregnant until proven otherwise!!! And sometimes even after being proven otherwise!! I once had horrible lower abdomen pain (which turned out to be ovarian cysts) and I had to take 3 pregnancy tests in 24 hours.

It was a smart thing to do, mind you. But it became old by the third one...

[Dianyla]

When walking in the hospital for nearly any complaint, any women of procreating age is believed to be pregnant until proven otherwise!!! And sometimes even after being proven otherwise!!

It's terribly annoying (and even borderline insulting at times) but the fact is that practitioners catch soooo many problems with this screening detail.