Korean Job Discussion Forums

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Muscular legs run in my family. I'm 5"5, and even when I was at my smallest weight (116 lbs), my legs looked big to me (and other people, too, so I quit using the stairmaster, and I stopped wearing ankle weights while on the tread mill)). I don't know what to do. Should I eat less protein? Follow the Atkins diet?

I just received a pair of leather boots that I ordered on-line from the states. I can't fit into them, and I'm absolutely not going to return them. I'm not fat, either, btw. There's got to be something I can do to reduce the size of my legs, short of turning into an anorexic waif. I just need to lose an inch or so off my calves, and then I can get into the boots. 2 inches to be comfortable. Help, please!!

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

1) you can't spot reduce, so you'll lose muscle from everywhere.
2) don't mess with your diet for muscle reduction
3) try distance running, it may help tone your legs- in effect making them smaller

PolyChronic Time Girl · Joined: 15 Dec 2004 Location: Korea Exited

Actually, I heard the StairMaster is the worst thing you can do (in regards to it bulking up your calves). The fact that you quit doing that will help you. I'd go with Demonicat's suggestions.

Probably doing alot more stretching will help stretch out your muscles...I heard Pilates also is really good for that.

peppermint · Posted: Mon Nov 28, 2005 11:13 pm Post subject:

I've heard of Korean women getting some sort of surgery for this, but it sounds very painful, and are those boots worth that?

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Thanks for your responses. Gawd, I'd never get surgery. I think I'll just do more cardio and eat salads non-stop for the next several weeks. Damned genetics....

Ekuboko · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Location: ex-Gyeonggi

Periwinkle,
I know how it feels to not have boots fit - it took me forever to find a pair that fit over my calves back home; when I tried them on, my sister was forcing the zip up while I was pulling the two sides of the boot together!! Embarassed

Anyway, they are now stretched enough to fit okay, although some days it still takes a bit of effort to get the zip up and I can't wear socks, only trouser socks or pantyhose...

I was told (by a cobbler at home) that you can actually get an elastic V-insert put in the top of boots to accommodate thicker calves. I'm not sure how much it would be here in SK and if you would be able to find someone to do it.

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Row, row, row a boat......get on a rowing machine religiously. !!! You;ll have a butt like no tomorrow and legs like thin, yet thick pistons. 20 min a day only. Don't catch too early , let your legs pump and then finish with the arms....

No better exercise on the planet besides roman greco wrestling but that involves a lot of body odour and rubbing of tissues and aggression (ummm, much like sex.... but a better workout).

DD

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

I lose weight best when I have a goal. Not a weight goal either, I mean like "run the marathon next February" that kind of goal. Losing muscle is the same as losing weight, you have to starve yourself, that is, eat fewer calories than you burn.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

Well I would almost have to say that there's probably not that much you do if it's genetic and you've been like this all your life Smile

That said, perhaps doing some endurance activities like long-distance running, swimming or biking might help. They could just have the opposite effect though and make you bulk up more.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Sorry, but losing weight to fit in a pair of boots is just plain wrong. Just keep on working out like you already do, and get a different pair of boots.

periwinkle · Joined: 08 Feb 2003

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Kavers · Joined: 30 Oct 2005

Periwinkle,

I had elastic V inserts put into my boots (like Ekuboko mentioned) when I lived in Japan. I have the same problem finding boots to fit. I work out a lot and used to be a dancer but I never lose much weight off my calves. I think the inserts are the best idea. It was cheap to do and you couldn't notice it at the top of the boots. I suggest getting a Korean friend to write what you want done (unless you can explain it yourself) and taking it to a shoe repairman. Just my two cents - good luck! I'd be disappointed if the boots didn't fit also.

Kavers

meb125 · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: Seoul

You can get a pair of leather boots custom made. I also have big legs and bought a really great pair of boots off the internet from Eddie Bauers. They have different calf sizes and will deliver to international addresses. Also look for boots that have laces you might be able to get them to fit better then a pair of pullon boots.