Question about sculpted muscles

[ariaadams]

Hi everyone!

I'm new and have a question. I'm short, 5'2", and two years ago I had pretty stumpy legs,e ven though I was a low weight (100). I didn't really have any muscle tone, I just kept fit with 40 minutes on the elliptical everyday. About two years ago, I moved to NYC and changed my fitness routine. I didn't have time to go to the gym, so I've just been walking everywhere. I bought a pedometer and walk on average 14,000-16,000 steps per day, which is equal to several miles. I also did pilates for 6 months. Somewhere in the last two years, I've gotten this incredible shape to my legs. I've gained a couple pounds, but my legs look thinner now than they ever did. I haven't done pilates in a while, though I still walk daily. Long story short, my legs now have dents and lines to them, they are more shapely, if you will. Does this new shape I've sculpted ever go away? I mean, I know if I gain weight, I will get bigger, but will the general shape and lines stay in my legs even if I don't do pilates regularly anymore?

I appreciate any insight!!!

 

[Jrahien]

That sculpted look is a result of a low percentage of subcutaneous (skin) fat in that area as well as having a high amount of muscle fiber recruitment. Basically, when you train your muscles, your nervous system becomes better at stimulating more of it's muscle fibers at one given time, and so even when you're not working the muscles, they're more likely to visibly stand out.

You'll keep this definition as long as you maintain some sort of moderately intense exercise. Basically, use it or lose it.

 

[ariaadams]

thanks for the response! Does the moderately intense exercise have to be weight/strength training or can it be more aerobic such as walking?

 

[Jrahien]

Generally, either one works as long as your working the muscle to a challenging degree.