Toning without being muscular

[raspberrymojito]

Hey!
I have exercised on and off but I usually quit because I can't stand watching the same instructional videos day in and day out to the point where I can put them on mute because I know exactly what to do next. Fortunately, however, I can get muscles fairly quickly (in my stomach only).

So this is my question!

Without spending a lot of money on equipment, what would be a good exercise routine for a super lazy 19 year old girl to get toned but NOT muscular. More like Christina Aguilera's level of muscular tonage (pre-baby, like in the video 'dirty') than Michelle Obama.

Overall, my body at the moment (and in a few pounds) isn't bad. I tone quickly! The only problem area I have are my thighs. On the inside they are jiggly, and I have a little bit of cellulite on the backs of them near my butt.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Snezy]

It sounds like you have a small layer of fat left. If you want to lose the jigglyness you see you're going to have to burn that off first.

As far as toning goes, you do not have to worry about getting muscular. It's very difficult for girl to look muscular, they don't gain muscle mass nearly as fast as men. Any form of strength training will help you tone your body, you have no reason to be worried about looking muscular.

As far as exercises go I suggest push ups; great for your arms, squats; will tighten your bum and thighs, crunches/sit ups/leg lifts; all are great for the mid section, any form of cardio such as jumping jacks, or jogging will help tighten your legs.

If you can burn off that little layer of fat and do these exercises 3-4 times a week, in a couple of weeks I bet you'll notice a very sexy difference . Good luck

 

[PLB]

I'll agree with what Snezy has said... If you want to get rid of that 'jiggle' you'll have to reduce your body fat by doing regular physical activity: walking, swimming, cycling, sports, resistance training, etc. You'll also need to pay attention to your diet. No junk food, sodas, fast food, etc.

 

[kshaw]

I find that there is a common misconception around using strength training to get toned. People feel that they are going to come out of their workout programs with huge bulky muscles. To get to the point of having big defined muscles takes a lot of hard work and the majority of the programs out there will not give you those results. Strength/weight training is a good way to tone and get some definition without getting bulky. I've found that strenght training mixed with cardio gives me the best results.

 

[e-slimmer]

Have you thought about using kettlebells. They are good for both cardiovascular exercise and toning all in one workout. I've been using them for nearly a year and have managed to lose two stone and really tone up my body. I've also managed to keep the weight off despite my diet being not so good over the past few months. They can be a bit pricey and I would suggest you get professional instruction to ensure you do the exercises correctly but they are a brilliant investment.