suggestions on my routine

[mmglus]

im 22/f 135lbs, 5'5

I am looking to tone up and lose about 5 more pounds and seem to be stuck

I work out at least 5 times a week, sometimes 6. I try my best to choose healthy eating habits and would say that for the most part i stick to whats best for me.

When i go to the gym i do the elliptical for 30-40 minutes. i find this easier because i suck at running and it hurts my knees.

after that i like to focus on upper body or lower body...switching it up every other day.

i do bicep and tricep machines, chest, and lat pulldowns for my arms.

I do leg press, inner and outer thigh machines, and the stair master for 20 minutes for my legs.

I also throw in holding a 15 pound weight and working my sides. holding the weight and bending to one side 15 times, for 3 sets.

--when i lift i normally do 3 or 4 sets of 12.

at the end of my routines i ride the bike for 3 miles or walk at an incline on the treadmill.


Is there something else i should be doing? more reps? heavier weight?

i just feel that I'm not toned and I want to be. pleaseee give me your advice.

 

[g8r80]

Well, unfortunately, diet is a major factor with everyone. Besides that, I suspect that your body has adapted to your current regime and is not burning calories nearly as fast as it used to. Try mixing it up for 3 weeks, i.e., doing different routines and see what happens.

 

[andyroid20]

Well, unfortunately, diet is a major factor with everyone. Besides that, I suspect that your body has adapted to your current regime and is not burning calories nearly as fast as it used to. Try mixing it up for 3 weeks, i.e., doing different routines and see what happens.

Agreed. You might try HIIT for your cardio too but you won't be able to do that more than 3 times a week but it would be worth it. Also, I'm not sure if you were listing them in order but you shouldn't be working the arms first as they are smaller than chest, back.

If you can use free weights you will find it better too. And compound exercises like deadlifts, squats, bench press with free weights will work much better than machines.

 

[marrty24]

I with both replies so far. Diet is huge, I don't know what your current diet is but knowing how many calories you intake each day and how many you burn is a necessity. You also should evaluate your carbohydrate, protein and fat intake. I try to stay at a 40/40/20 ratio. Also make sure you are eating the correct type of carbs (high in dietary fiber - means whole grain), and the correct type of fats.

As far as workout routines, I also recommend switching up the routines every couple of weeks so that your body does not adapt. I also would prefer to do free weights. I think they work better because you're lifting the weight along with balancing it, which causes your body to use muscles that you don't use when your lifting with machines.