I'm new and I could really use some helpful advice

[MGirl91]

My name is Megan, and I believe I am a very active and fairly healthy person. I go to the gym at least 4-5 days a week (Monday - Friday), walk nearly every day (approxinately 30 minutes or more), fit in rigerous cardio workouts at least 3 days a week (alliptical or bike for 30-40 mins.) and as far as eating goes, I'm pretty good about getting my veggies, fruits, grains, etc. However, I'd be lying if i said I wasn't a bit frustrated... I am not over weight, nor have I ever been. I'm about an average level in body form, if not slightly smaller, but I just don't seem to be seeing any changes in the way of toning and firming. I want to see some lean ab definition, as well as a nicer waist that curves in more. But of course, I also want to see changes all over. From forums and tips I've found on the internet, if one gets too used to the same work out routine every single week, they're not going to see any drastic changes and they get stuck in a platue (which I guess I'm in). If this is true (which it probably is in MY case), then I'd like to know how and when to change up my work out routine (if i have to, that is). On a forum I read, someone also stated that raising one's level of wieght lifting is another good way to see result, but I'm at the point where I'll accept any advice people can give. Anything to get out of this darn platue and start seeing changes. Also, if anyone has any advice on foods and recipes that help in the firming and toning process, or just anything healthy (hahah!), feel free to throw that in too

On Mondays, I normally work on my core/lower body strength, after that I do cardio for 30 minutes or more
Tuesdays I work my arms
Wednesdays are rigerous cardio (alliptical or bike for about 30-40 mins. or more)
Thursdays, I work my legs
and Fridays, I do my shoulders/upper body strength as well as some 30 minutes or more cardio afterward.

Anyways, I'm open to any advice offered in order to see some changes Please help me! >.< Thanks!

 

[dswithers]

A couple of thoughts:
1. the term toning really has no meaning, what you really want to concentrate on is loosing body fat and gaining lean body mass.
2. some people do not respond well to starches in the diet if they are trying to loose body fat. To maximize fat loss, try sticking to protein sources (meat, eggs, fish, dairy, nuts, etc.) and fruits and vegetables (ie. real unprocessed foods) a much as possible.
3. I'm not sure why you are walking 30 minutes a day. If you are doing the high intensity cardio you describe, walking is such a low intensity movement it has little effect on improving your fitness, and is time that could be better spent doing something else.
4. You don't say exactly what your strength routine is, but many people respond better to working the entire body 2 or 3 times per week, rather than a weekly split like you describe where each part of the body only gets worked once per week.
5. In the end you have to try some variations to your routine and see what works best for you.