What to do.
- Thread starter TiBooPo
- Start date
I agree with what LV said.
But what do you mean by toned? Do you feel like you need to build up more msucle, or that you already have a decent muscle base?
Sarah
But what do you mean by toned? Do you feel like you need to build up more msucle, or that you already have a decent muscle base?
Sarah
No
I really don't have much muscle tone. I need to lose weight and wonder, should I try to really shed some pounds with cardio and then do toning or continue with doing toning and cardio. I basically don't want to look bigger, and I am afraid of looking bigger before looking better. I don't want to get discouraged. I work out 3 days a week at Curves and then two days a week I do just cardio. My work out is basically 1/2 hour five days a week.
I really don't have much muscle tone. I need to lose weight and wonder, should I try to really shed some pounds with cardio and then do toning or continue with doing toning and cardio. I basically don't want to look bigger, and I am afraid of looking bigger before looking better. I don't want to get discouraged. I work out 3 days a week at Curves and then two days a week I do just cardio. My work out is basically 1/2 hour five days a week.
Hi,
Then I think that focusing on fat loss first may be best. Cardio is important, but diet is even more important. How long have you been going to Curves? Research has shown that the body adapts to the Curves workout very quickly and calorie burning is minimal...have you considered working with a trainer or someone to set up a program for you?
Once you lose fat you can work on muscle development without as much fear. DOn't worry, weights are not going to make you big. As a woman you don't have the hormones for it. But once you lose the fat a little muscle development will give you a firm, fit look.
Sarah
Then I think that focusing on fat loss first may be best. Cardio is important, but diet is even more important. How long have you been going to Curves? Research has shown that the body adapts to the Curves workout very quickly and calorie burning is minimal...have you considered working with a trainer or someone to set up a program for you?
Once you lose fat you can work on muscle development without as much fear. DOn't worry, weights are not going to make you big. As a woman you don't have the hormones for it. But once you lose the fat a little muscle development will give you a firm, fit look.
Sarah
Really
That's a bummer. For the time being (Heavily packed schedule-see other post in new member forum) this is what will honestly work best for me for at least the next year. I forgot to mention that I am trying to adhere to the weight watchers flex point system diet. I'm not trying to be a body builder by all means. I just want what I'm doing to be effective. I also don't want to gain any weight - I JUST QUIT SMOKING!!!!
Thanks for your help
That's a bummer. For the time being (Heavily packed schedule-see other post in new member forum) this is what will honestly work best for me for at least the next year. I forgot to mention that I am trying to adhere to the weight watchers flex point system diet. I'm not trying to be a body builder by all means. I just want what I'm doing to be effective. I also don't want to gain any weight - I JUST QUIT SMOKING!!!!
Thanks for your help
Here are 5 tips to fat loss that you may want to consider...
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.
2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method. If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss. Curves is not best, but if that's where you are then that's where you are. Curves machines are better known for cardio than anything else. I would start a weight training routine. Even if it replaces 1 day of Curves.
You will not get big and bulky like a bodybuilder. It's very very very hard for women to add that much muscle. Strength training is the best way to lose fat and keep it off.
Combine a great diet along with your Curves cardio and a full body routine 1-2 times per week and you are good to go. Quitting smoking is a GREAT first step! Congrats.
1) Eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Each meal should be 2-3 hours apart. Each meal should contain one protein and one carb. The first meal should be eaten within an hour after waking.
2) Drink a cup of water at each meal.
3) Rest properly. This means taking at least 48 hours between strength training the same muscles, and it also means getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Lastly, it means taking 1-2 days off from exercising per week.
4) Cardio. This should be done at different intensity levels and different session lengths. Consider doing a low intensity/long session, a high intensity/short session and a few medium intensity/medium length sessions.
5) Strength Training. Strength train each muscle 1-3 times per week. You should lift a proper weight and perform the proper amount of sets/reps for your strength training method. If you need more guidance or exercise ideas you can head over
All of the above things combined will result in fat loss. Curves is not best, but if that's where you are then that's where you are. Curves machines are better known for cardio than anything else. I would start a weight training routine. Even if it replaces 1 day of Curves.
You will not get big and bulky like a bodybuilder. It's very very very hard for women to add that much muscle. Strength training is the best way to lose fat and keep it off.
Combine a great diet along with your Curves cardio and a full body routine 1-2 times per week and you are good to go. Quitting smoking is a GREAT first step! Congrats.
Lifting weight will definately not make you look like a bodybuilder! Most women can never look like that no matter how hard they try.
Yes, eating the small, frequent meals make a huge difference! Don't feel discouraged, just ask for help when you need it.
Sarah
Yes, eating the small, frequent meals make a huge difference! Don't feel discouraged, just ask for help when you need it.
Sarah
You're welcome Sometimes things are simpler than they seem. You're off to a running start! Just keep your motivation strong and take one step forward at a time. Good luck!
Sometimes things are simpler than they seem. You're off to a running start! Just keep your motivation strong and take one step forward at a time. Good luck!