Cycling is a proven exercise to get your legs skinny. You can cycle anywhere -- outdoors on a bicycle or indoors in all weather on a stationary bike. The activity slims the appearance of the legs by toning your muscles in your thighs and calves. It also burns a high number of calories, so your leg definition shows. Start a cycling routine to get into those skinny jeans and miniskirts within a few weeks.
Muscles
Cycling works all the muscles of the legs so you get a sleek look from one exercise. Your quadriceps and hamstrings, the muscles at the front and back of the thighs, do most of the work when you cycle. Your calves help flex your foot and bring the pedals back up on each rotation. As you develop your cycling routine, the fibers of your leg muscles may become larger and multiply, but your legs will become defined and toned for a thin, shapely appearance.
Fat
Cycling burns a lot of calories. Melting away this fat is the best way to get skinny legs. Not only will unhealthy body fat disappear, but you should begin to see the muscular definition you've worked to gain. A 130-pound person cycling at a moderate pace of 12 to 14 miles per hour burns 472 calories an hour. At 155 pounds, you burn 563 calories; at 180 pounds, 654 calories; and, at 205 pounds, 745 calories.
Routines
Cycling coach Joshua Simonds recommends a cycling routine that allows you to mix it up to stay energized. When you continue to enjoy your workout, you continue to show progress toward your goal of skinny legs. He recommends a regimen for speed that includes intervals of four to 10 minutes and another hour-long regimen for strength maintenance. These regimens are provided in the Resources section.
Metabolism
Cycling continues to provide benefits, even when you're not working out. Your metabolism influences the rate at which you absorb and burn calories, including fat calories. When your basal metabolic rate is high, you burn calories more easily than when it's low. Cycling, similar to other forms of cardio, raises your basal metabolic rate, especially when performed in shorter, high-intensity bursts.
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