Will running downhill make my thighs big?

Question

I have somewhat flabby thighs and I am looking to lose some weight. Im on a diet and have been jogging. Trouble is I live in a hilly area and that requires me to jog downhill and/or uphill when I want to workout outside. I am trying to trim my thighs and not enlarge them, will this do the opposite of what Im trying to attain?

Answer 1

Congratulations on taking the first important steps to better health and firmer body. Jogging will slim your thighs so don't worry about the uphill/downhill with regard to your thighs.

What you have to be careful with are your knees and back. Downhill can hurt them so you must always "coast" downhill as gingerly as possible to avoid the torque on the knees and the jarring of the spine.

Jogging uphill is much less stressful, but you should take shorter "choppier" steps on the uphill. You will not go uphill as fast, but try to maintain the same energy expenditure.

Jogging will make your thighs leaner and more muscular, not necessarily larger or bulkier. But, HEY, that's still better than flabby, RIGHT?

Frankly you have the best terrain to avoid boredom and make real progress. Remember to take special care to stretch properly and do shin strenghtening exercises to avoid shin splints. Good Luck

PS. Always run in the shade. Water at least every 20 minutes.

Answer 2

Before doing any downhill, you need to build up strength in your legs. Muscle burns fat so no worries there...To avoid getting larger thighs, avoid cycling as it bulks up your thighs, do swimming as it doesn't and it is a good replacement workout. Also, hiking uphill with poles (if you need for your knees) is an awesome ***, leg and arm work out.

Answer 3

It'll play havoc on your knees.