“Which Cardio Exercises Won’t Bulk Me Up?”
10 Comments June 17, 2009 / Posted in UncategorizedThis is a video response I made to some questions that were popping up in my Red Carpet Ready Club forum:
CLICK THE VIDEO TO PLAY
the Flash Player to see this player.
What do you think? What are you favorite types of cardio exercises? Have you had experience with certain types bulking up or slimming down your legs? I’d love to hear what you think!
What’s the difference between Red Carpet Ready and I Want My Bikini Body? Click Here To Find Out











I thought this was great – very informative! I’m going to focus on “steady state” running – does that mean to run at a slower pace, and for a longer period of time? I also realized that a lot of the exercises I love to do to build up my butt are probably building up my quads, so in addition to running, I’ll focus on floor work type exercises for the butt.
Hi Val-
Yes I totally agree. I think it is so important to mix up the cardio and interval training is definately the most effective. My personal favorite cardio workouts are cardio kickboxing (with Chalene Johnson), spinning, treadmill, stair climber, hiking, stadium stairs, and boot camps. We are lovin your Val Slides by the way. You are awesome:)
I am definitely one of those women that fall under the highly developed quads from years of playing soccer. I am unable to run due to back issues so what would be the next best thing for slimming my thighs–long walks? I try to vary it up using the bike, elliptical, and treadmill walking and do interval training but I am not sure if this is my best option. Thanks!
i bought the valslides but there was no video. where can I get one. i would love to use them properly. thanks
This info is spot on. When I used to run mu legs became very thin for a person my size.
thanks val! i totally agree with u there. i was quite worried as i just started soin classes recently, and yes the instructors and other class members where on the muscular side. im a model and its very important that i dont build up more muscle on my legs. i will make sure that i keep the resistance down, and run every other day.
Actually, it has nothing to do with height. It is all about genetics and how you train and eat. Marisa Miller is only 5’8″ she’s not that tall. Compare that to Serena Williams who is 5’10″ and it’s easy to see how it’s not about height. I couldn’t imagine one of the Olsen Twins getting too bulky from muscle building and they are only like 5ft. People have different body shapes. What I think is that for women who are Ruler shaped with no curves in their waists and hips (which a lot of models are this body shape), then they don’t usually bulk out, but just get a harder but skinny looking body when they work out. However for women with hourglass figures, and especially women with pear shaped figures, it is much more common for them for their body shape to look even more curvy and kind of bulky (especially in the lower body) when they workout a lot or lift heavy etc.
As far as exercises go, yes, repetitive movements over and over with resistance builds muscle and bulk. It depends what you want though. I don’t think it should all be about the aesthetics, and so preoccupied about the external appearance of being fit. If a woman is passionate about a certain sport like cycling, soccer, mountain running, or whatever it is, I would hate to see her give it up or be afraid to do it just because of the aesthetic of how her legs look and what is deemed as what a woman “should” look like etc. If she is confident in herself and her body, she will be sexy. I also think if you cross train and keep hitting the muscles from different angles, you will not only be the fittest, but your body will look the most balanced and proportionate. And for exercises that don’t bulk – try jump roping and dancing. Look at the dancers on Dancing with the Stars – Not Bulky!
Jumping jacks, jump rope are awesome alternative to cardio when you can’t run or hit the road.
Hi val!
Hey Val: I am a PT in Ontario Canada. Love the Valslides. I did not receive a CD when I purchased them from you. Where can I get the info on their proper use. I am also a Johnny G spinning instructor, and agree with your take on building thick quads.
Love your blogs. Keep them coming. Do you ever get to Canada?
CB
hi val,
finally received my valslides, love them.
what about kettlebells, are the bulkmaker???