What can I do to tone my legs but NOT lose weight?

[Anonymous]

I'm not looking to lose any weight, I actually would like to gain a few pounds. I feel like I'm too small and my BMI is actually just barely over the underweight category so it's normal but just barely. I would like to build up my butt, thighs, and lower legs. Will running do this?



Any other exercises I can do? And how do I prevent myself from losing any more weight? I just have a fast metabolism and struggle maintaining my already low weight. I would just like to build more muscle and tone up some and perhaps even gain a little more weight. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[kheserthorpe]

Actually I'd cut the running out if you're losing too much weight unless you need the aerobic conditioning. Running is fundamentally catabolic (encourages reduction in tissue).

What you want to do is squats, deadlifts and lunges, weighted. And eat above maintenance, especially protein.

[stubbsy]

You need a cross trainer, which concentrates on those areas you stated. link

[snowboardergirl]

I know that this won't work for everyone, but remember that muscle weights more than fat, so I just got a lot of muscle on my legs. I would do clean and jerks, squats, crossfit, etc. Crossfit really helps because it's like total body so you get toned.

[QueenBeatris]

yes running, squats ,cycling will do that but increase your calories to sustain the extra calories your body will need for the new workout..find out what each exercise burns in calories and supplement that amount

[martyfellow]

Sprinting wiould build up your core muscles in that area, yes, but long distance running, not so much. I'd do aerobics, where they concentrate intensel on those areas. Doing weights, squats especially, and lunges with a medicine ball will firm you up quickly.

[peace-love-couture]

Squats, lunges and dead lifts 2-3x a week

Also, the elliptical and stair climber are great for cardio as well as toning your legs and butt

[Anonymous]

Just couple resistance training (to build muscle) and cardio (to burn fat) to tone your legs. Since muscle weighs more than fat, your weight will probably go up from that. :)

[Anonymous]

try bike riding.