Is this nuts?

[mandarin2j]

I realize that targeted toning isn't supposed to be possible, but it seems like my outer thighs poof out less than they used to before I started cycling to/from work. I just noticed this because I have a certain skirt that didn't hang quite right the last time I wore it, but today, the lines are smooth. The scale hasn't moved one iota since I began this new routine, and I have to admit I haven't confirmed this using a tape measure. (Unfortunately, I didn't measure myself at "start," so I'll never know for sure.)

Is this crazy? Am I just wearing improved self-image goggles? Or is it possible that by working my outer thighs so hard when I cycle uphill, I am becoming more svelte in that area?

-Amanda

[lindrusso]

Amanda - You can target an area for toning, you just can't target an area for getting rid of fat. So, although you can't use a cardio exercise to get rid of fat in one particular area, that doesn't mean that a particular cardio exercise isn't toning and firming up muscle. So, it looks like the cycling is paying off by toning up your thights. Hmmm...maybe I need to give that a try - that's my worst area!

[This message has been edited by lindrusso (edited 06-13-2001).]

[KValley]

Amanda,

A huge smiley for your skirt fitting smoothly!

You are doing more than targeted toning in your bike rides, aren't you? Your uphill biking is aerobic activity as well as weight-bearing, so even if the scale hasn't budged, your body has!

Certainly, if this is a new activity, you are living proof that variety is important. Your body needs and will respond to new challenges. Go!

[donleyk]

Amanda,

I started spinning at work and noticed the same thing, as far as a reduction in the size of my thighs, specifically that outer baggage. This was one of the most obvious benefits of working out for me. Usually I just do aerobics and overall I lost weight. I had also thought that you couldn't target lose.

I have to second KValley's variety comment. I didn't realize how important it is.

It's great you can bike to work. I am envious.

[SusieO]

Amanda,

YOU GO, GIRL!!!

Clothes are a much better guage of weight loss than a scale. Congratulations! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[food girl]

Amanda,

Way to go! Not just the smoothly-fitting skirt but the biking to work. You know, if only 10% of people would bike to work it would reduce traffic by 50%.

I bike 3-5 time a week. I just did the Leukemia Society 110 mile bike ride on May 20th. I rode 1800 miles since January and I couldn't tell a difference in the "saddlebags" but I am here to proclaim that I had cellulite on the backs of my legs in Jan. and I have NONE now!

You have inspired me to try to ride my bike to work. I only live 6 miles from work, but there is no way to get to my job without riding through some really rough neigborhoods or by 2 homeless shelters. My husbands says that if I started riding it would be no time before I knew all of the homeless people's names and/or had invited one to live with us!

Keep up the good work!!
Lisa

[mandarin2j]

Thanks for the kudos, everyone! I'm pretty pleased myself. Of course, I still have jiggle on my thighs (how could I not at 190 pounds?), but I'm a bit more well-proportioned than I've been in a long time. I almost looked like I was wearing English horseback riding pants before! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

Lisa-

If you do decide to cycle commute, here's a tip from someone who learned the hard way today: Always be prepared for a flat. I got one today with a brand-new tube in my rear tire at the halfway point between home & work. I didn't have another tube. (which might not have helped, anyway-I think I missed something in the tire that's causing this second flat in as many rides) I didn't have enough change for the phone to call work & let them know I'd be walking in. (can you believe calling cards don't work on local calls?!) I didn't have the bike bus pass so I could stash my bike on the rack & ride the bus in. Heck, I didn't have any cash, so I couldn't have ridden the bus anyway, even if I felt secure enough to leave my bike locked up by where I got the flat. Grrrr. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif This morning provided a wealth of lessons for me. I never figured on a flat because I only have a 6-mile commute each way. The good part is, it hasn't put me off cycling, which is amazing. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I'm not the most perseverant person.

Julie-

I think you're right about variety. I haven't cycled regularly since I met my DH, and the bulk (har har) of my weight gain occurred after that. When I got back into fitness last year, I still didn't include cycling because we adopted our dog (I feel guilty doing any outdoor activity that I can't include Kirby in, but I have to get to work somehow, so now I cycle w/o guilt!).

-Amanda

[SusanMac]

I want to borrow those "goggles" you mentioned :-)

[mandarin2j]

Originally posted by SusanMac:
I want to borrow those "goggles" you mentioned :-)

I wish I had enough to share with everyone! I think if some of us (like me!) could just get past poor self image, we'd all be inspired to treat bodies with the respect they deserve.