Weightlifting vs toning?

Question

Hi there, I am trying to get rid off fat, and want to tone my muscles but, don't want to gain a lot of muscle. Lately I have started doing weights and I don't increase the amount weights I use, but it still looks like I am getting bigger. I do carido about 3 times a week. Any suggestions? I weight about 195 and usually use 30-35 weights.

Answer 1

When you go from not working out at all to pumping iron--even with very light weights--you are bound to get a little bigger. Your muscles are going from flab to firm and toned. With the excess fat, it may be difficult to see that, but it is probably what is happening. Be proud that you are making progress, and just keep it up.

As others have suggested, work out with light weights, doing a lot of reps. Use a weight that you can do at least 15 reps with. But, as you make progress, you will likely still have to add more weight; if you can do more than 3 sets of 20 reps, its time to add weight.

And you might consider doing more days of cardio, and limiting the weight lifting to 3 days per week.

At any rate, congratulations on your efforts. Doing anything is better than doing nothing, and you ARE making progress.

Good luck!

Answer 2

I know I am not a man but I also want to tone and build muscle. I was told by my trainer that low weight and high reps is the key. You will get some muscle mass no matter what but high muscles mass is what happens with high weight. Try using 10 LB weights instead.

Answer 3

Tone: Light weight lots of reps
Build Muscle: Heavy weight, reps until you cant do another one

Answer 4

Low Weights and high reps is the answer, but to burn those fat calories don't forget the cardio! 15-20min of cardio (bike, ski, stepper) before my workouts work for me, plus it gets me energyzed for the weights.

Answer 5

try a sauna or maybe a change in diet would help