How can I tone my upper body and abs?

Question

I'd like to tone my upper body and my abs. How can I do this? No vague answers, please. Step-by-step answers or workout ideas are best. Thanks.

Answer 1

Like the previous answerer -- you can have the greatest striation, muscle definition and tone in the world - but if they are hidden under a slab of fat, who will know.

#1 - Reduce bodyfat: Eat clean - low fat protein, fresh veggies , complex carbs and high fiber foods. Stay away from processed foods, fruit juices and sugars.

Exercise to burn off that body fat - 40 minutes a day first thing in the morning on an empty stomach - 4 times a week average (jog, eliptical trainer, etc.) is the BEST way to burn thru bodyfat for most people.

#2 - Tone and tighten ... if you are looking to tone - not really bulk up muscle -- then it's low weight - high reps.... getting a strong core (abs and back) will keep your internal organs from looking like they are sagging out of your viscera when you are sitting around in a bathing suit .. haha...

Abs: The Pilates style - criss-cross bicycle crunches (excellent for all parts of your abs) the only ab exercise you will need -- 4 sets of 10 each side every night will do the trick.

Shoulders / arms / chest: dumbell presses, flyes, front raises, lateral raises, dumbell rows

Remember - low weight but high repetition will tighten and sculpt your existing muscle. To ADD muscle - you will have to up your protein and other dietary intake as well as greater weight bearing routine....

Answer 2

Use and exercise/ stability ball!

Jacknifes are wonderful for abs, and work your arms.

1. place ball in front of knees.

2. Use your arms and roll yourself over the ball, so that way you are in a pushup position with your knee's rested on the ball.

3. Next curl your legs as you use your abs to roll the ball to your chest and back.

I do 4 set of 25 of these, but I would suggest to star small, also you can do push ups on these.

1. Get into the same lowered position, only this time have the ball rest under your hips

2. Then do push ups

These exercise all work your core really well, because you have to tighten the muscles to learn how to balance on the stability ball.

good luck! =]

Answer 3

The best toning exercise in the world is swimming.

Answer 4

toning is nothing more than the reduction of body fat. you can't spot reduce fat so you have to reduce the current level of body fat until you see the desired results in your trouble areas