Exercise makes butt bigger?

[Anonymous]

Been hitting the gym for over a year now. I don't diet strictly because I'm not overweight I just did it for health and to improve my shape. Particularity to tighten my thighs.btw I do watch what I eat but no regimented strict diet.

Overall my clothing size stayed the same. Which is fine. But my ass seems more perky and out there than before.

Why would this be?my thighs shrank/tightened and my waist seems tighter and smaller.

I do a lot of elliptical and stairmaster and also weight machines for the thighs and buttocks region.

Do you think these exercises made my butt perkier or do smaller waist and thighs just highlight it more?

[martyfellow]

They exercise would tighten the muscles there too, and make your backside more 'perky' as you say.but what you're seeing is the result of the smaller waist and thighs, not any growth in that part of your anatomy

[WeaponZero]

Depends on the type of exercise. Anything that places heavy resistance on a body part for short bursts will lead to an increase in muscle mass yes.

But overall I think it's a mix of both.

[Asker]

So 20 minutes of mostly very intense cardio on a machine is better than doing an hour?

[WeaponZero]

Depends on your goals.

[Asker]

what would be the outcome of each?

[WeaponZero]

moderate intensity cardio for longer periods is typically cardiovascular in nature only. you burn fewer calories doing it but ALL you're doing is burning fat. no muscles being worked typically. higher intensity cardio for shorter bursts is more work for the muscles which means that along with burning fat you're working muscles as well, leaning to more body shaping and calorie burning.

[Asker]

So if I want my body to be tight trim and fit I am doing the best thing. How short should the bursts be?

[WeaponZero]

That depends on how you defined tight and trim and fit. Do you want to add shape or size anywhere?