Does running make your legs thick or thin?

Question

so far i've heard a lot of answers some people said thicker but some people said thinner i want real experience answers.

Answer 1

though muscle will grow, how much it grows/how bulky/thick it ultimately becomes, depends mostly on the nutrition you supply to your body at the time the muscle craves nutrients.  any body builder will tell that it's possible to continue a bulking workout in the gym and actually lose bulk by manipulating your nutritional intake.

furthermore, muscle growth is a slow process.  bulk is achieved by destroying and rebuilding muscle fibres successively and rapidly - most commonly achieved through the use of heavy weight resistance.  running, generally speaking, will not provide this effect.

so yes, your leg muscles will 'thicken up' through the exercise, but this doesn't necessarily they will become unsightly, thick cankles.  Think 'TONE' - run, eat healthy, monitor your BODY FAT PERCENTAGE and adapt your diet toward your goal.  you can certainly achieve thin legs through running - your genetic disposition may require you to work harder for it, but it is achievable.  i personally know a formerly-overweight woman who now competes in bi-annual half-marathons and her legs are nothing like the tree trunks she once had.

best of luck to you on your journey!