T O P I C R E V I E W |
Astro keen | I have been trying to tone up after many years of neglect but even a whole year of trying various things has not lead to any visible results. I do a combination of weight training and cardio. I've lost weight but that doesn't look so good because of lack of muscle tone. Any advice please? Any alternative therapies? I hope there's a magic formula which I've missed. |
Yin | It sounds like you are on the right track with the weight exercises. Research BodyRock TV. They have a site full of free routines you can do at home and they are aimed at weight loss and toning. |
ail221 | Doing cardio for too long burns muscle mass not only fat. Try lifting heavier weights with lower repetitions ex. 3 sets of 8 repetitions and try to increase the weight your lifting slowly every two weeks. Increase your calorie intake and/or find your proper bmr according to your height, weight, frame and activity level. You need to eat in order to change your body. Increase your protein intake. One gram of protein for every pound of lean body mass. |
mockingbird | And don't discount body weight exercises! Even if you can't support your entire weight at this point, supported or angled exercises are always an option. And even if you can only do one or two, that's one or two you can do! You can build up from there. |
Astro keen | Thanks so much for the advice. I weigh 60 kg (down from 68) and I'm 5'2" tall. So, not excessively heavy now, but not toned enough. I hate trying clothes on in shops with 3 way mirrors. I've also begun yoga a few weeks ago which includes body weight exercises. Will persevere. |
T | You might want to try a stability ball: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/gear/equipment/stability-ball-exercises/ |
Hecate | Hi Astro Keen, I have used callanetics( 10 hrs 10 years younger DVD) & the bar method ( also very good). Both Dvd's shrinks, tones without the bulky look, but for some reason Callanetics is my favorite. The exercise might look simple but it works. You can google callanetics before and after there are pictures there. Also there are some clips on youtube on regards to both DVD's. Hecate |