toning up

[khmerfella]

Hi people i was wondering if u can give me some advice. Im new here so i appreciate all ur opinions. Ive been working out for like 3 months and ive noticed that ive been bulking up a lil bit. My main goal right now is too tone my body down too look a lil leaner. Im currently 5'7 and 170 lbs and wanna get to 160 but still maintain some kind of muscle. So my plan is just too cut my workout to just cardio 5 days a week without lifting any weights but i plan on doing 200 dips a day but thats it. Do u think this is the right way to tone up?thank u for ur advice

 

[Buh Bye Gut]

I've often read that much of how your muscles reacts to exercise is genetics. Some people must lift harder than others to bulk up, and for some it's near impossible. Others can lift occasionaly and add muscle mass much more easily. From what I understand, you must consume a good amount of calories to bulk up as well, so try tracking your caloric intake for a week or 2.

I'm not sure if this is what your asking, but some things are hard to avoid. I would tend to agree with the concept that if you focus on cardio, you won't bulk up. On the other hand, you can deplete your muscle mass by completely avoiding strength training.

For me, I do cardio about 5 times a week, and lift very heavily every other day. I do chest one session, back another, and legs on the next. With associated smaller muscle groups in each session. I don't seem to be adding much muscle as I'm still losing weight, but I'm hoping it's mostly fat I'm losing.

 

[happy_squid]

If you want to tone up, do not cut weight training! Cardio is effective for burning fat, but not so much for maintaining muscle mass. Keep weight training (it also gives your metabolism a boost, and muscle burns calories)... and mix it with cardio. That's the only way to lose weight and tone.
I'd also highly suggest something like swimming or rowing- a cardio exercise that provides resistance... two birds with one stone!

 

[Sprite1]

The only thing I do that resembles resistance training is swimming and aqua-fit (floats under water are like weights!) But I am doing a LOT of cardio work lately and I've definately built up muscle in my legs- I know losing weight will make it seem more but I've lost a little weight and toned my legs right up. I've been on a couple of skiing holidays and came back with muscly legs at the end of them; this is the same effect only more so.

The only thing I'd like to tone up more is my arms as the cardio machines dont seem to use my arms much. (mainly just the rowing macine.)

 

[Kadie]

When I was focusing on toning I did very little weight training and tried to avoid free weights and machines at the gym. I did mostly weighted (2.5-5pounds) lunches, crunches, etc. It helped a lot. I build muscle very quickly and it doesn't look cute, so I learned to manipulate a lot of set workouts I was part of to tone. I think it just takes some trial and error. Good Luck!