total imbalance- help please!

[vbworkout]

Hi everyone, new here - hope that I can get some useful advice

Ive been going to the gym 4-5 time a week for about 4 weeks now and I'm not seeing any difference which is a bit depressing...my major problem is pretty much everything from the waist down- I have a lovely top half - slim arms, toned back, flat stomach but suddenly I have this bottom (which I can deal with - its curvy), but then massive thighs and saddlebags, thick knees and calves and I dont really have ankles....I look in the mirror and dont know what to do with myself! Not helped that my boyfriend is a "leg" man and his previous girlfriends have all had long slender fantastic legs! But dont get me wrong, Ive always had this hang up, just now Im motivated to fix it!

What sort of workout programme should I be doing? At the moment I do :
3 days of approx 60 mins of cardio (10 mins bike, 10 mins recline bike, 20 mins xtrainer, 10 mins run, 10 mins stepper)
2 days of 30 mins cardio + 40 mins weights (mostly upper body because I didnt want to bulk up but also some squats/lunges etc)
I also swim for 30 mins 1-2 times a week.


Eating - I eat a small breakfast - usually cereal or toast, a mid morning snack (nutrigrain bar or fruit or similar), a small lunch - a sandwich, or soup or similar and a mid-sized dinner early in the evening.
I have cut out all ribena (my previous addiction) and now drink flavoured water or no-sugar squash.

I just feel like with all this I ought to be getting somewhere faster than I am! My lower half belongs to one woman, my top half to the person I want to be! My main worry is that if I lose a load of weight my top half is going to look emaciated before I get my legs looking acceptable!

Any comments welcome....

 

[deschain]

A few things to remember

1. As suddenly as it feels when we gain weight, we know that it didn't happen overnight. That being said, it won't come off overnight either, it takes a lot of hardwork and dedication (at least for the vast majority).

2. Your genetics determine where you will store fat, you appearantly hold it mostly in your lower body. Nothing will change your body's tendency to do that.

3. Strength training (lifting weights) will not bulk up your legs, in fact will help to tone and shape them. Try to balance out your workouts by including cardio, and a well rounded strength training program that targets all your major muscle groups.

4. Balance out your diet, with as many whole foods as possible (limit the processed stuff). Try to get more protein, more fruits and veggies, and choose only whole grain or whole wheat for your grains. (I have no idea what ribena is, but glad to hear you're drinking water )

Most importantly, be patient, it takes time, but it will happen. You have taken the first step in deciding to do something. Be proud of that.

 

[Cynic]

Post your diet and workout in detail...

What you eat and when.

What exercises you do, the sets and reps, how often, etc.

It may be you're not eating enough.