I’m pretty sure I’ve said it before, but let me reiterate…
exercise does not come as a natural joy to me.
Hiking? Love it! Splashing around in the lake? I’m in! But as for an exercise that I can do every (or every other) day and enjoy… it’s slim pickins!
That’s why I think I enjoyed the Couch to 5K challenge so much- because it was a challenge. It was something that forced me motivated me to get out there everyday and see if I could do it. It’s also the reason I thought Couch to 10K sounded like a great next step!
I haven’t mentioned it on here for a while because… I haven’t been doing it.
But it isn’t laziness that has kept me from the challenge. First I was feeling the pain in my left knee and decided to take a breather. Though that pain has began to subside, I’m having some tightness and pain in my lower back (like wayyyy lower back… almost the top of my behind!) Weird, huh?
Anyways, it’s making me second guess this whole running challenge for now.
However, I’m not giving up the Couch to 10K in favor of sitting on the couch- I’ve been staying active, but it a more monotonous way. 3 days a week I’m making it to the YMCA where I’m doing to elliptical for 30 minutes followed by some free weights. The other 2 days (I only count week days ;)), I get some kind of walk in with the Bug. It may only be a mile or two, but I’m moving.
Here’s my (superficial) worry:
When I started running I noticed a dramatic different in my thighs. From cheerleading and gymnastics, I had always had (and still have) bulkier thighs than most. But with running, I saw them become more defined and less jiggly. I liked this side effect… A LOT.
I’m afraid my poor thighs are going to return to their previous state without running to keep them in check.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to keep thighs slim without pounding the pavement?
I’m willing to try anything, so please share!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
NO clue….but my guess would be a combo of toning exercises (perhaps something simple like squats or even some pilates moves?) and cardio….but isn’t that how to keep your whole body slim?
Sorry to be of no help whatsoever….perhaps the new issue of one of my fitness magazines will have some advice I can pass on…
Caree @ Fit-Mama says
Toning would be a great way to keep your thighs slim. Have you ever heard of Brazil Butt Lift? Well, on top of it being a huge butt workout, it also works the thighs REALLY well. There are specific moves that will work the inside of the thighs and the outside of the thighs. I wish I could explain it in more detail but its hard. Maybe do a google search for “how to tone your thighs”?
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans says
You definitely don’t have to run to get and stay lean. Swimming would be great because it engages your whole body, torches calories and tones your muscles. I might also suggest body weight resistance exercises like squats and lunges as well as some plyometrics (jump squats, burpees). Power yoga would also be great for long and lean muscles!
Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says
I so easily fall in and out of love with running. Usually on a daily basis, so I understand your lack of desire for the Couch to 10k, other than the pain.
Squats and lunges! These are the only things that work for me (running makes me thighs bigger I feel). Start with unweighted squats and lunges, then start incorporating weights (like lunge walks with 10lb dumbbells in each hand). Also, plyometrics (jump training) will be great for you as well. Find a box jump at the gym and do 3 sets of 15. Your legs will be burning! Good luck!
Melissa says
I hope you find something you enjoy! I noticed nice toning results when I did pilates regularly.
Jess @atasteofconfidence says
Squats and lunges are really effective for me, especially since I hate running!
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
I have the same thigh issue! I always bulk up down there first! I agree with Jess–squats and lunges really tighten things up…Since incorporating these moves into my routine (2-3 tmes/week), my legs have gained more definition and lost the jiggle. 🙂
grace says
running is the best! i didn’t used to like running, but when i did it for someone else it became a big part of my life! maybe you could try that? “Fear makes you run for your life, hope makes you run for someone else’s”
Melissa says
Running and even speed walking causes pain in my hip and lower back; I’m thinking my form must be bad. So I’ve just been doing a mix of cardio machines and strength training. I am no expert in the thigh area though–I could use help myself. I do think it must be a combo of cardio and weights because the weights bulk/tone the muscle and you cannot spot train to get rid of the jiggly layer under the skin from what I’ve read. That’s where the cardio comes in. Again, no expert here.
TheHealthyapron says
Just because you don’t run doesn’t mean you have to have jiggly thighs! I haven’t run in 5 years and feel like my thighs look great from just elliptical, toning, and other forms of cardio! Just think outside the box my friend!
Carly says
I’m in the process of Couch to 5K right now. I’m liking it a lot, but get scared every week when the running time gets amped up.
I’m not great at giving workout advice, but maybe even yoga??
Alyssa @ Life of bLyss says
girl, I totally feel ya when I say I kind of feel like I HAVE to be active… it’s not so much an enjoyment. not usually, at least.
AND I’ve had that lower back pain as well! It must be a running thing. I think it has something to do with the slight bend in the back when we run.
I would recommend squats and lunges with no weight. That will keep your thighs nice and toned without bulking up! 🙂 If you want to bulk them up, add some weight, but it sounds like you just like them lean and toned. 😉
Nicole, RD says
I think stairs are the best thing for thighs. Or the stairmaster if you belong to a gym. Works wonders!!
ashley@piesandpushups says
I would try some plyometrics and see if that bothers your back. Plyometrics seriously lights my quads on fire, and it would probably be similar to a lot of the stuff you did in cheerleading. If it hurts your back though, I would suggest just lunges and squats with light weights. Or the stairmaster. Those always work my legs! You will have to let us know what you end up doing! 🙂
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
i’ve tried that couch to 5k plan several times and i can never seem to get past the fourth week! i always lose interest. running is just not my thing! i agree with plyometrics. we did a lot of those when i played volleyball!
Rachel (Olalliberry) says
Lifting heavy weights has made a huge difference for me. As heavy as you can (while maintaining good form) for 6-10 reps, 2-3 sets. I love deadlifts, squats, stepups, and various one-legged variations on squats and deadlifts.
It takes a lot of testosterone to get “bulky” from weight lifting, so most women (unless you’re taking steroids!) just physically can’t get that big. Heck, even guys have trouble adding muscle (which is why there are so many body building supplements on the market). But lifting does increase your metabolism and helps reduce bodyfat levels.
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
Stair master is an amazing workout, if you have a gym membership! In very little time you can get serious burn in the legs!
Autumn @ Good Eats Girl says
Maybe swimming? Pilates? Yoga? Is there any other cardio that you enjoy?
I also find it hard to find something that I consistently enjoy. I run most of the time, but that gets boring for me unless I change my workout playlist constantly or if I am on the treadmill something hilarious had better be on tv!
janey says
Squats! At ever angle – side, front, back, diagonal. Great for the thighs!
Brittney says
I totally agree that having a goal in mind kept me motivated with running. I’m a little lost now that the marathon is over on how my running is going to be from now on. Right now I’m still recuperating, but once I’m back to 100%, it’s going to weird not to have that goal hanging over my head.
Jane says
Great suggestions….agree with lunges and squats. I like the squats (using the ball against the wall and sliding down the wall) and if you go to the gym, most have those adduction/abduction machines. Good luck and let us know what works, ok?