I cycle long distances at least 1-2 times a week. Why are my thighs getting bigger?

Question

Last summer, I trained for a marathon.During this time, I noticed the space between my upper thighs got a little bit bigger. Not a lot, but still able to see it from afar. I cannot afford to buy proper running trainers at the moment, so I had to give up running after the half-marathon in October. Now that I am on my summer holidays, I feel like the hole between my thighs is closing rapidly, so much so that I can only see it when I bend. I cannot see if from afar through a mirror. I cycle long distances from between 6-13 miles at least once a week and I walk for at least 2 miles everyday. Is it because cycling does not burn as much fat as running? I cycle on very steep hills so after cycling, the edge of my buttocks and my whole thighs hurt. I notice my inner thigh also hurts the most when I am cycling uphill. 

Do I perhaps need to reduce my food intake? I also notice my thighs have gotten bigger. I am not sure if it is from fat or muscle. I have also started swimming last week, once every week.

Mtrlpqbiker · Accepted Answer

6-13 miles once a week? You think that is "long distance"? The Tour de France is going on right now and the average daily distance is 100 miles. THAT is long distance, not what you are doing. Even translating running distances to cycling, you should be doing 30 to 75 miles, but much more than once a week. Cycling can make your thighs smaller if you do it right. Ride long distances(30-100 miles) using low gears turning your pedals at high rpm(80-100 rpm) 3-4 times per week

OldHippie · Answer

Only 6-13 miles at least once a week?  That's NOT a long distance.  A long distance would be 30, 40, 50 up to 100 miles.  Takes me 4 to 5 miles just feel warmed up.

Are you "spinning" the pedals in gears easy to use with moderate pedal pressure?  Or, are you "pushing" or mashing on the pedals in gears too high?  Is the saddle (seat) at the correct height for optimal leg extension & power?  See links...
http://sheldonbrown.com/gears.html
http://sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#height

John M · Answer

I bet you gained weight and want to blame it on the cycling.  You cant 6-13 miles a week is not going to do anything, cycling is a cardiovascular exercise like running but it's a lot easier.  You want to ride for a hour a day to see results.

Soccerreftoo · Answer

Fired

My best bet is that you do not know how to pedal rope rely. You are probably pedaling at a slow speed in too high (hard) of a gear. The proper way to pedal is at cadence of 70 rpm over the distance of your ride.... This using only MODERATE pedal pressure. Read up on "spinning" or ask here!

Soccerref

Laura · Answer

The best exercise is the one that engages in the most amount of muscle. This would include pull ups, bench press, squats and leg pres. By engaging in large muscle groups like back and legs, a person can completely reshape their body. One of the common mistakes that I see at the gym is the fact that people have a tendency to focus on small muscle groups like shoulders and arms. The key to fat loss is adding more muscle to your frame. The more muscle you have the faster your metabolism. The less muscle you have the slower your metabolism. Research shows that without weight training, after 25 years of age a person’s muscle mass will begin to decline.

David D. · Answer

I do more than 6 to 13 miles before breakfast.  If you're on steep hills all the time, there's your answer.

WleAtl-2 · Answer

it;s the ice cream,

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I cycle long distances at least 1-2 times a week. Why are my thighs getting bigger?

7 Answers