What do squats actually do to your butt and legs?

[Anonymous]

I want to start toning my lower body and get it more into shape, since most of my body fat is round there. My butt and legs are already big, but if I start toning them, will they get bigger/look bigger? I look quite disproportionate compared to my upper body so I'm not sure if squats will make me look even more so. Or will they be the same size but just more toned?

[WeaponZero]

Squats--assuming they're done with a significant enough weight to challenge you (to where you can't manage more than 12 or so reps) induce muscular hypertrophy to most of the muscles in the lower body, including the glutes. Allowing them to rest for a period of 48-72 hours afterwards allows the fibers that make up the muscles to build themselves up, bracing themselves in a way, so that they can take more force next time around. Basically they become firmer, more pronounced. However, whether or not they actually grow in SIZE depends entirely on the diet that accompanies your training. If you're in a surplus, they grow. If you're not, they don't and simply become more pronounced.

[BertMacklinFBI]

no when a woman starts toning they get somewhat smaller. like your body tightens up on you. girls are afraid to lift weights because they think they will get bulk but its the opposite. I love girls that workout. their bodies are amazing.

[beckamazara]

If yo want to lose extra fat you should add cardio into your workout 5 times a week for at least 15 minutes. Squatting will tone your butt and your legs. The key is to do lighter weight for more reps. So instead of doing as much as you can for 10 reps, you should do a lighter weight for 25+ reps.

[Blondiee2014]

The other dudes advice is incorrect, if you want to get bigger muscles (which you don't) then you want to have as heavy weights as you can and do less reps.
If you want to tone your muscles and get definition (which you do) you want to have light weights and do a lot more reps.
You want to do it until you struggle to do a rep, keep aiming to feeling the burn then you will get toned butt and legs :)

[cavmanier]

I don't know what you mean by toned. It's a very ambiguous word. If you gain muscle your legs will look bigger. If you lose fat or lose muscle they will look smaller. Squats will likely make your lower body look bigger.

[ilovetm]

Squats will make your ass more toned but will add bulk. I suggest body weight squats only. And no spinning!

[SaVes]

They will sex up your butt!