Running and treadmills - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

someguyinhis20s · 06-06-2002, 03:01 PM

I would like to look like one of those runners you see in marathons. They have no fat on their bodies, but at the same time they're not very muscular and I assume all the running is what burned away all their fat. But the muscles in their arms and shoulders show up real well since there's no fat covering them. I used to do a lot of running but stopped. My problem now is that my thighs look disproportionately big for my frame. I'm only 5'8" and have medium frame so any weight below my waist is very visible. My immediate goal is burn the fat on my thighs and buttocks. I'm wondering if doing a lot of running is the best approach. The last thing I want is to bulk up which is why I'm avoiding doing resistance training for my legs. Is running the most effective way to slim down one's legs or is there a better way. Basically, I want to look like a skinny butt.

Also, what are the good treadmills. I've heard of brands like True, but those are a bundle and I want something I can use at home and not have to go to a gym or run outside. Is there a good site where I can see reviews of treadmills and what specific things should I be looking for in a treadmill. Thanks.

Running Queen · 06-06-2002, 06:09 PM

Yes, the best way to loose that fat is to run. I run on a college team and the boys on my team all look like the runner you described. They run around 50-70 miles a week though. I don't think you'll be doing that much to start off with. Just take it a day at a time and every week increase the length of your runs or the intensity. Also, eating a good diet helps! If you think you can drink 5 cans of soda and eat fast food, that will just add to your problem. Runners can't eat whatever they want, we have to eat healthy too! We need the energy. But eating good is a benifit for anyone who wants to loose weight.

Love, Jen
PS- I don't know of any good tredmills...can't stand them! But good luck!

Brandi04 · 06-07-2002, 04:05 PM

Personally, I can't stand treadmills. The one my family has always slips, and its just useless. I like to run outside and enjoy nature. Its more pleasant to see things outside while running, than to run in one place and see the same old things.

rhody · 06-07-2002, 07:00 PM

Me too. I prefer to run outdoors. I only use my stepper, when it's raining very hard. In light rain, I still prefer to run (using my plastic covering).

When I use the stepper, and watch TV, it's so hard. I keep looking at the clock, wondering when my time is up. Running outside is so much better. But a treadmill or stepper, is a good backup to have, in case that it's raining, too cold, or sometimes just too late in the day.