POLL- How can I get muscle on skinny legs help?

Question

I gained weight to 93lbs but my body still looks skinny. My legs are skinny no shape. I don’t look sexy in jeans or legging my legs r shape of a stick. I have 3 wks dounf 4 days a wk 20 min workout I do squats with 8lb dumbbell & calf raises wtih the dumbbell. It seems like the workouts r making my legs more skinny. What I’m doing wrong? Don’t say u look perfect it’s my dream have muscle on legs I like to workout but I can’t afford gym at moment. The bottom of my legs are flabby no calf muscle.  I had a job for two wks temporary but it was heavy work & I had walk all day nonstop 8 hours I don't know if that affected my legs or weight. y I have extra skin stretch marks on calf’s?

Floppy2112 · Accepted Answer

Well, I am assuming you actually want affirmation that you look good and are cute and have a nice figure. So I will affirm yes you do. You are fine as you are. Just don't get grossly fat and manage your appearance and you should be fine. I am certainly going to figure that what I am about to say, will likely not get read. I have a 95% certainty that I am wasting my time. But you asked the question and have I have an actual answer, so if your actually serious about this, then you need weight train.

Squats, squats and more squats as heavy as you can go as frequently as you can do them. Doing them properly is imperative so you do not hurt yourself. Start with body weight, move up to light barbell weight and then as you get stronger, lift more weight. For you "A lot of weight" looks like 95 lbs. Women can usually easily aquat this much weight in a couple of months of training, assuming they are otherwise healthy. "Strong" for you would be 135 lbs, which looks like one big plate on each side of a barbell. Leg press is also very effective BUT you have to do them right and you have to have a minimum of your body weight + 67% of your body weight on the leg press machine. Yes, you need to do a little math, the formula is (<body weight> * 1.67) or (BW * 1.67). The reason for that calculation is that most leg-press machines are on a 30 degree plain. Which means roughly 66.7% of the weight is being held by the machine, which is work you are not doing. If it is a 45 degree leg press, then the formula is (<body weight> * 1.5). If you are not pressing what would be equivalent to at least your body weight, you are wasting your time. Obviously, if you are not strong enough to start at body weight times 1.67, work up to it. Don't go heavier than you can lift and get hurt, but don't believe that will see any significant improvement unless you are at least able to press your body weight for 10 reps at minimum. That's the floor you build from, that's not a goal.
Even though most fitness magazines are crap, grab a few dedicated to weight training and follow programs in them. Most of these programs are some variation on basics that have been around for over 100 years, just repackaged as something new, but I digress... They are good enough to get you the tone you want.
And no, wieght training will not make you 'look bulky' or 'Heeeyooog', or too muscular or any kind of crap like that. To get a 'too muscly-look', you have to diet, train like a maniac, take supplements (lots of them) and perhaps eve dabble in the dark arts of chemical enhancement to even get close to a 'muscly', 'too big', 'bulky', or any kind of crap like that. Weight training 2 to 3 times a week will give you the look most people would call 'toned' and will not in any way make you 'too big'.
That 'toned' look that most people say they want, requires a hell of a lot more effort than most people think. You won't get there on a treadmill nor a nice walk in the park, nor jogging, nor any other version of cardio. Which is why you can see the same people at the gym for months never make a shred of progress and complain "Well I workout all the time!" The truth is, they waste their time at the gym 'all the time'.

Price511 · Accepted Answer

While I would be just as inclined to tell you to love yourself the way you are, there's nothing wrong with trying to build muscle :)

***DISCLAIMER*** I AM NOT A WORKOUT GURU, NOR AM I THAT KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT EXERCISE TO THE POINT I CAN PROVIDE SPECIFIC ADVICE. TAKE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.

With what you're saying about your legs looking like twigs, and your calves not exactly being as muscular as you'd like, there's a few ideas I have:

Check your diet and see if it has the proper nutrients for it. Sometimes you might actually need to accomodate for the calorie usage of the body and the stuff that it needs, like protein.

I'd also like to remind you to make sure that you're also doing exercises that will either encompass the leg as a whole, or a blanket of different ones that works out the muscles at similar intensities. Either that, or exercises that are around where you want to gain muscle mass or define the muscle.
I don't really know which one of these works since I've been comfortable with how my body looks and haven't tried to change it (so I just do whatever exercises so I can keep up my muscle strength, endurance, and other such since it just stays the same for me-), but it's worth looking into.

One last thing: I'd recommend possibly trying to figure out if what your exercises are doing isn't the intended effect, as some can be for different purposes. Some for muscle growth, other for muscle toning, etc. etc. (Take this with a grain of salt as this is more so an educated guess than anything else, but it's worth looking into.)

For anybody else reading, feel free to correct me or provide supplementary information :) with proper sourcing and other such, of course. (Granted I didn't use any here, but most of it is just arrows in directions that you might wanna go based on my own knowledge)
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This section has been moved to the bottom (since I realized it's probably not what you're looking for), but if you're looking to get like a really muscly body or something like that, then go for it.

I would possibly suggest trying to do bulking, as it has been said to help with muscle growth and definition (as a part of bodybuilding) but I would recommend you look at the health effects and also possible risks that come with it, along with if it would provide the results you'd want.

I'm no expert on it and I personally have never wanted to try it since I like my body being skinny (so I can't really give any further information aside from just surface level info) but if it gets the results that you'd like, then go for it.

Heavy emphasis on "if it gets the results that you'd like." If you're not trying to gain like defined muscle on there and instead are trying to go for some toning techniques, then go for it.

aWes0MeNeSs · Accepted Answer

I've found that walking really tones legs. I used to go for walks around my neighborhood at a brisk pace, and found that my legs really developed quite a bit of muscle during that time. The best my legs ever looked, however, was when I rode horses in the hunter/jumper discipline (which is unfortunately very expensive and time consuming, plus it's something you have to really be into in order to justify doing I feel like, but you really use your legs a lot, and use muscles you don't normally use; rides would often end in my legs feeling like Jell-O). However, the walking still developed nice muscle, and I'm sure running would probably do even more. I've heard swimming requires use of the same muscles as riding, but am not 100% sure about that, but I have no doubt it creates a fit body.

I'm sure YouTube probably has lots of good leg workout videos as well. I've done the 8 Minute Abs/Arms, etc., and I think they might have one for legs as well (not sure). If not, I'm sure there's a good home workout for them on there somewhere.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

You look fine in the hips and thighs but your calves are obviously skinny. Keep doing the calf raises. Also, if you can find somewhere to train with lots of stairs, climb the stairs using only the balls of your feet. Don’t let your heels touch at all. This will work your calves also. Climb for 60 seconds or more. Then rest for 30 seconds and do it again. Add 5 reps of this to your workout to tone your calves. You probably need to do more than a 20 minute workout to see a noticeable improvement. Maybe work your legs for an hour every other day. Calf raises, stair steps, ride a bike if you have one, running obviously. These are all things you don’t need a gym for that can help.

horatiohornblower · Answer

You can try calisthenics. That’ll help build up some tone. It’s pretty cheap too. As much just depends on using your body for weight. There’s plenty of routines online.

If you really want some muscle tone. you’ll have to step off the scale and eat plenty of protein. Look up female fitness models. They don’t look fat by any stretch of the imagination. They also weigh more than you’d expect. Because muscle is dense.

Building muscle is a slow process. You can find online about how long it takes for a young woman to gain a pound of muscle.

Running isn’t that great for it. Unless you go for something like a sprinters routine.

A rowing machine will build tone all over.

ohshee · Answer

I am a leg and a thigh guy. And you have very hot sexy legs and thighs. More than that you have hot sexy everything if you wanted to do anyting what I would do if I was you is I would walk 30 minutes a day for 30 days at a fast pace. Your body is absolutely hot right now but if you were to do that your body would tone up you gain muscle everywhere just because you would just tighten everything up I would love to see that after pictures if you get that. Be honest with you I like everything that I see right now

Bobsyoruncle · Answer

You have an outstanding derrière and hips, I’m assuming you’d like to bulk up your lower legs/calves.

Whatever you can do to increase muscle mass in that specific are will be good.

Although they’re no longer as commonly seen these days ‘leg warmers’ would look great on you.

hahahmm · Answer

Lots of ways...

Walk a lot.
Dance a lot.
Bicycle a lot.
Swim.
Play tennis.
Play beach volleyball.
Play basketball.
Rollerblading.
Row machine.

There's a bunch of gym type exercises you can do but the women I've known with the best legs just did 1 or a few of the above.

crazy8000 · Answer

Excersis regular and hard enough to trigger muscle growth.
Eat enough of right nutrition every day.
Get enough non interrupted quality sleep and recovery between sessions.

Don't overdo it since it is counterproductive. our bodies have a limit.

genericname85 · Answer

you work out xD that's how. building muscle takes longer than you think. also consider your diet. maybe you're undereating. also if it doesn't hurt, you didn't work out enough. and if it just won't happen even after hard painfull training eating right for years on end, you might just have lost the genetic lottery.

es20490446e · Answer

Variety and volume is important:

Ninani · Answer

Add some weight to those squats. If you've been lifting the same weight for weeks it's time to add more.

pink_and_inlove · Answer

Girl you know how much I’ve always wanted to be skinny you’re beautiful the way you are I promise 💗 and a lot of outfits would look good on you your body is perfect for that. But if you want to gain some muscle you have to make sure to consume a lot of protein and lift weights either at home or at the gym in my opinion the gym is better

coolcactus · Answer

You need weights and protein, that’s what I’ve been doing and I already see results. Also cardio can help slim you down, I prefer doing exercises rather than running.

Darksign · Answer

Muscle is made in the kitchen. Get amino acids (chicken, beef, fish), caloric intake surplus (eat more than you burn), stay hyrdated water and sleep 8-10 hours. Eat fast burning carbs before a workout ( rice, banana etc.), drink protein shakes after a workout.

Diodoro · Answer

Do as many of these as you can every day till you can do 20 on each leg without stopping  : And eat 2-4 eggs every day. Report back in a month

Anonymous · Answer

Your legs need more stress than just 8lb dumbbells if you want them to grow. In the short-term, you can do single-leg squats and that'll help, but you're gonna have to add weight no matter what. I would say you need to be able to squat AT LEAST your own body weight (on a barbell, or dumbbells, or however you can), for at least 10 reps, to have an impact on your leg shape.

t-8900 · Answer

Okay can you tell me your actual height and dietary restrictions so I can better help you out? Your profile says your 24. Is that still accurate? I know sometimes age gets messed up.

cth96190 · Answer

Join a gymnasium, hire one of the personal trainers.
He/she will give you a written plan that will cover your whole body.
You have good muscle and bone conformation. All that you really need is to tone and sculpt a bit.

TonyV · Answer

Squats, goblin squats, valve raises, leg curlrs, leg extensions. Whatever the machines are that have you pull in and out in a sideways motion. Basically go to the gym and do leg stuff.

siseñor · Answer

how tall are you? i had slim legs growing up, which aren't bad at all, you look great. when i started running my legs got a lot more muscular, maybe that wld help u

Ttrthseker · Answer

You need to focus on your diet but I will say its depend on your genetics! You gave long legs and its difficult to make them thicker because you are already in good shape!
I will suggest you to not hit the gym for a while

HighValue · Answer

To significantly change your muscle and body shape it often takes a few month of consistent exercise.

FunkyMonkee · Answer

Do a LOT of walking, swimming, and playing drums with LOTS of double bass pedal work! Only took me 3 or 4 years of that to get my legs good and beefy!

dustybiker · Answer

Kick boxing and or martial arts classes. They worked miracles for me!

silkjames · Answer

Your bugging your dope just the way u are and if u want muscles it takes time and a lot of good food u got to put in the work 🥰

AverageGuy9037 · Answer

Squats, hack squats, calves raises, leg press, leg curl, leg raises

_Troian_ · Answer

With working out ofcourse and eating the a bit more calories than your body needs for some time ( 200-300 calories more will do it good, but keep it in mind to work out at the same )

Wester1967 · Answer

Who cares. As long as you are in regular BMI you’re fine.

Guido · Answer

There is absolutely nothing wrong with how your legs look. You are a petite woman and that is just fine. There are many woman who would love to have your body. You are beautiful the way you are.

NYlatefun · Answer

So first of all your legs are very nice. Second, I think with a good leg routine you can easily make your legs more muscular, another idea would be to bike.

FinalFantasyBro · Answer

Have you tried using weights at the gym that is specifically designed to get toned legs.

whatsthereinname · Answer

Honestly.. You've got nice body... But if you still have fascination of some specific body type... Consult a trainer for exercise

Protein_mate · Answer

I could literally bicep curl you hahah. Eat more try to get in 2k calories a day and workout with weights 3 times a week or so

Guardian45 · Answer

Your legs are FINE! Just work out if you want to change them.

MJtheCoach · Answer

Everyone is a fitness expert of course 90% of people in the world don’t actively work out!

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

Your legs are just fine but you shouldn't appear only wearing an underwear...

Bklynbadboy12 · Answer

Squats and lunges and youe body looks great that's all you need

anylolone · Answer

Your legs aren't skinny, but if you want more muscle you need more exercise and better diet.

FireFox001 · Answer

Those are sum quite nice legs there. A bit of running should do the trick.

noohair · Answer

There is a genetic component that is beyond your control.

Zlantur2 · Answer

Work them more than other body parts, add weightson the equipment used, train to failure and eat carbs afterwards.

imcold88 · Answer

Well I think you already look sexy. But try squats and calf raises. Dont do much running do a mix of heavy wait and lots of reps.

dolemite89 · Answer

ur legs look fine now, just so light cardio or weightlifting sometimes don’t over do it

kareka · Answer

My opinion... Normal exercises Ur body is hot bta

Julious0202 · Answer

go to the gym and do a lot of leg presses, squats, leg curls, lunges and leg extensions

MyLastRemnant · Answer

I don't know but you're hot tho 👀

tatianamay · Answer

I think squats and leg exercises would help

AddictedGirl · Answer

Squats. I do that to keep my thighs in shape

Anonymous · Answer

Or you could just stay skinny?

Phoenix98 · Answer

Gotta work your legs. Don’t skip leg day.

jessicarosen · Answer

Train your leg muscles, they will grow.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Your legs are just fine. There is no issue.

Anonymous · Answer

Have you tried wearing leggings under your jeans?

ImmortalHanma · Answer

Do jump squats and lunges

The_Naughty_Guy · Answer

Running, leg exercises and cycling

Eland · Answer

are you looking to bulk up or just get toned?

jasco · Answer

Working out is all i can say

Tania16 · Answer

You have beautiful legs

OddBeMe · Answer

Birth control. Get that weight up.

888theGreat · Answer

So you are white, I thought you were black.

This_Is_My_Opinion8 · Answer

Do you enjoy to workout?

captain_voidwalker · Answer

Red meat and leg presses.

Snsns · Answer

Damn, what a sexy girl

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