Gym... lots of cardio... but getting bigger thighs! Whats going on?

[Anonymous]

I have been to the gym about 10 times the past month. I used the rowing machine for 20 minutes, elliptical on low resistance for ten minutes and running for 40 minutes. Instead of slimming down i have gained muscle and the reason i have been going to the gym was to tone down and make everything smaller.
This is really annoying and i dont know what i am doing wrong. I won't have a gym for the next 3 months so I will just be jogging. I hope i dont get bulky from that.
I also do about 50 sumo squats with no weights per day and lunges.

[Willow4]

I would recommend using light to medium weights when you weight train and be consistent, that would stop you from gaining large muscle mass and should just tone nicely. Also, try different forms of exercise, lots of cardio with weight training is likely to burn fat quickly and replace with muscle. I know this isn't everybody's cup of tea but I trained as a ballerina for 10 years and it helps to gradually build tone and gives you a very lean body shape. Also try maybe yoga, swimming or dance even? These kinds of exercise are great for strengthening your core and you're not focusing heavily on a specific muscle group (in your case your quads). Bodybuilders for example isolate muscle groups and work on those, so machines where you're targeting only one part of your body are going to give you bulk.

Incorporate some different exercise into your cardio and weight training and I think you'll notice a bit of a difference :)

[bbylynn96]

Well it is a proven fact that if you already have fat on your body exercising can actually make you seem bigger. Whilst building muscle tone under the already layer of fat can cause you to seem larger. Jogging and walking will help as well as making sure you visit a sauna every so often

[Tombstone1000100]

Cardio isn't everyting, your wotkout should be a perfect mix of cardio and weight training. Get a workout plan and stick to it and I'd say try working out at least 17-18 days a month. Seek help from your gym instructor and show commitment, rest will follow.
Most important reason behind gaining muscle is your diet, so try cutting down on your calories.

[dipta]

Like you said, you're developing muscle. I don't know how big your thighs are, but in case you're looking to lose fat, it takes longer than it takes to gain muscle - therefore you're bigger.

[kambo_trick3y]

I'm eating lots of food, but why am I getting fat?

[Asker]

Because u dont workout?:P
I eat healthy.

[kambo_trick3y]

Look at my statement again. A little deeper this time.

[Asker]

aha! got you now;-) ill have to cut down on my calories:-P im guessing thats what you mean:-P