Will running make my legs bigger?

Question

My legs are already slightly muscular, and I'm looking to make them toned, but I don't really want them to get much bigger. My trainer suggested I do sprints instead of long distance running, but I'm not sure if that's best.

Right now, I'm running (or doing elliptical) for about 40-60 minutes three days a week (4-7 miles) and working out with a trainer twice, and eating only healthy food in reasonable portions. I don't have that much to lose - 15-20 lbs. maximum - but I definitely want to be toner.

I am also doing lunges, squats, etc. with my trainer twice a week.

Answer 1

Running will add some muscle to your legs but certainly won't make them huge - unless you incorporate weight routines (squats, lunges, leg extensions, etc).

I've been running for about 10+ years now and while my legs aren't chicken legs and they certainly aren't busting at the seems either.

I do mostly long distance running. Sprints tend to build more muscle, however.

Take a look at marathon runner's legs and compare them with sprinter legs. Sprinters tend to have a lot more muscle on them while the marathon runners tend to be trimmed / leaner.

Keep up the good work!

Answer 2

If you want to tone up your legs while running, then you should try running hills for at least one of those runs a week. With hill running, whatever pace you go at, you'll be forced to work more muscle groups in your legs and you are still working your cardio, fat-burning run at the same time.

If you can't run distance in the hills for whatever reason, then hill repeats are a good alternative. Run hard up the hill, then jog back down, then run up hard again and repeat the process. If you have a wide enough hill, you can make a continous loop out of it.

If you are limited to the track, then as your trainer suggested, do sprint workouts but not too short. 400M interval repeats at a higher than usual pace would be ideal. Do one lap fast, then jog one lap slow and repeat the process continously. Start with 3 cycles of this the first session, then build by one every week.

Answer 3

Look at the legs of a sprinter

Look at the legs of a 800 meter runner

See the difference?

Sprints will build muscular legs

Long distance +800 meters will build endurance

muscle endureance is not lean muscle mass.

So, I recommend a combination, but more long distance, since you want to lose weight also!

Answer 4

Did you stretch before and after you run? If not, that's probably why your legs are bigger. When you run a lot without stretching, the muscles dont elongate(Did I spell that right?) and it will stay in a certain part that will make your legs look huge. I hope that helps because I'm on a track team and that's what my coach told me. Always strecth before you fetch!

Answer 5

the more you give your legs muscle a load during and exercise for example running the more the muscles get bulkier. the more it will get more toned. as for long legs? how old are you? yes it will still grow however our growth plates (epiphyseal plates) are responsible for our growth and height. however "Wolff's law states that for every external changes 0r external load happens to the bone there would also be a definite changes that will take place inside your bone. keep exercising and ask a physical therapist for some additional exercise. do some warm-ups and stretching.

Answer 6

Running will not make your legs bigger. Weight resistance builds muscle.

Answer 7

it wont make ur legs longer but it will make ur legs stronger
u shld do exercises like streching and second option is to go to gym

Answer 8

Yes, they are gonna blow up like baloons.