Hi everyone, I just found this board tonight and I was wondering if anyone can help me out with my exercise routine and meal plans? I'm not working out to lose weight (I'm 5'6 and 115 lbs), I just really want to maintain and develop more defined muscles (but not too muscular, I'm a female!). This has been my routine for awhile now...
Breakfast: small bagel (160 calories) w/honey, egg beaters, coffee
Lunch: yogurt or cottage cheese, fruit, crackers; or a turkey sandwich w/mustard, light mayo, tomato, and fruit.
Dinner: pasta w/marinara sauce, sorbet; or a sandwich with fruit.

I usually have 2-3 snacks throughout the day which usually are cheese and crackers, fruit, yogurt, light ice cream, or veggies. I also drink water throughout the day, along with a diet soda here and there!
My workout routine is mostly cardio (I HATE WEIGHT TRAINING!) and I'll run about 2 miles on the treadmill and do about 40-50 minutes on the eliptical trainer.
I realize my workout routine is not very diverse, but I really do hate working out with weights. Every now and then I'll do a circuit training class or step aerobics, or swim laps. But that's about it. Does anyone have any suggestions that can help me get more defined muscles w/out too much time in the weight room? Thank you sooo much http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hi...
If you just want to maintain your current weight then... u need to eat a certain aount of calories do so... I learned that u should multiply your body weight by 11 or 12 to know how many calories u need to eat... u should eat around 1265 - 1380 calories per day.

If you want more definition... then you have to weight train!!... cardio.. will reduce your body fat % but it wont build your muscles!!..
I have heard about something called called "freestyle" training. It involves very high reps and low weight. This tends to tighten and shrink the muscle giving a lean look.

nick

pushups, situps, crunches, pullups. dips.
thats really all u need

hey krazyleggs... she's a female lol...

and that means wat?.
she cant do them becasue shes female??..

I didnt mean it like that.. I thought only guys do dips and pushups n pullups ... as u can see i am a newbie.. hehe http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

You'd be wrong
:P

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Keep your body lean, your blood clean and your mind sharp. -Rollins

Thanks for your replies! A couple of questions...will they know about "freestyle training" at my gym? I've never heard of it before, but I'm assuming it's pretty common? And, what are dips? Also, are there certain foods I should be eating more of than others? I already limit my fat intake, and don't eat too many carbs...should I add more protein to my diet or are the "normal" servings at each meal enough? Thanks http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks for the nutritional info...actually, I've never heard the thing about multiplying your weight to figure out the amount of protein to eat - very helpful. I didn't mention this in my original post, but I'll also swim laps if the weather is nice (which is most days here in California)...I've heard swimming is a great way to work out almost every muscle in your body. Is this true? I guess I'm still looking for a way to avoid the weight room http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hey...
swimming is really good!... i know a few guys who swim... they have nice lean ripped bodies.. and they have never even touched a dumbell before!. I mean i had to work out for a long time... to get to where they are!.. but then again.. they have been swimming since childhood. I think swimming is good cardio aswell. I guess if you swim regularly and do what krazyleggs mentioned... you could avoid the weight room.. hehe http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif