running or biking = bigger thighs?

**cpush** · 12-18-2006, 10:31 PM

When I do cardio I alternate between running, biking, and the eliptical. Im guessing running/eliptical hit the same muscles (somewhat same intensity) but I was wondering if cycling will result in bigger thighs, or running?

OR will neither have enough effect to cause mass gain on my thighs?

OR will either type of cardio have negative effect on gains for thighs? (decr. size)>?

thanks

**Witchblade** · 12-19-2006, 10:24 AM

If you eat enough, cardio won't really slow your gains.

Low intensity cardio will never get you lots of mass.

**JimSnow** · 12-19-2006, 11:50 AM

Biking.

Get some big gears on that bike... large as possible on the fly, small as feasable on the rear wheel. Climb some hills.

**ponyboy** · 12-19-2006, 01:25 PM

You can get pretty jacked legs doing strength work on the bike or while running - hills and strong power intervals. You're not going to have huge mass but they will be cut. I know a guy in his 50's who mountain bikes and his quads are huge.

**mike456** · 12-19-2006, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by ponyboy

You can get pretty jacked legs doing strength work on the bike or while running - hills and strong power intervals. You're not going to have huge mass but they will be cut. I know a guy in his 50's who mountain bikes and his quads are huge.

being cut or not has to do with bodyfat not the type of rtesistance you are using

**slip** · 12-20-2006, 04:59 AM

cyclists often have pretty massive thighs. long distance runners do not. mix it up though, its good to perform in all facets.

**CowPimp** · 12-20-2006, 11:35 AM

Higher intensity running or cycling can help build thigh mass. Look at sprinter's legs, they are usually massive.

**Mudge** · 12-20-2006, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by JimSnow

Biking.

Get some big gears on that bike... large as possible on the fly, small as feasable on the rear wheel. Climb some hills.

Low cadence and high resistance = bad knees.

**Mudge** · 12-20-2006, 04:38 PM

Originally Posted by mike456

being cut or not has to do with bodyfat not the type of rtesistance you are using

Ponyboy didn't say anything about cuts though.

**cpush** · 12-20-2006, 06:08 PM

thanks for all the replies! so what Ive gathered is HIIT can result in greater mass.

what about regular jogging/cycling moderate intensity? would it have no effect either way?

**Mudge** · 12-20-2006, 07:16 PM

Most people would probably experience very little, if any hypertrophy from standard jogging. Those who otherwise do nothing else in life but sit on chairs and couches, probably would see some change.

**The Monkey Man** · 12-20-2006, 07:20 PM

I say if you want to keep your leg mass you should do medium
intensity/heartrate cardio

walking at 150 heartrate
will lose you no strength

and you will be set to hit further "BIG" leg days

**slip** · 12-20-2006, 08:44 PM

Originally Posted by Mudge

Low cadence and high resistance = bad knees.

further to this, road cyclists prefer to use higher rpm and push the tallest gear they can while maintaining pedal speed, its more economical than pushing a really big gear at low rpm, so doing the big gear + hills would not simulate a cyclists normal riding, which is what i'd be trying to mimic, if you want their thighs.

If you try riding up a hill with a big gear, you won't get to the top.

**Mudge** · 12-20-2006, 08:56 PM

I don't remember prefered cadence but its probably around 70-90 depending on terrain and how they feel.

**ponyboy** · 12-21-2006, 07:27 AM

80-90 cadence is usually pretty good. Some high level guys who like to push a higher gear go down to 72. Lance Armstrong rode at a higher cadence above 90 most of the time. It's an individual thing most often.

**Mudge** · 12-21-2006, 09:05 AM

Sticking with the fiber types you have more of I'm sure.

**JimSnow** · 12-21-2006, 09:14 AM

If you want big thighs... sprint, or take big gears up a hill.

My knees are fine... even for an old man.

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