Difference B/w Toning and Bulking up - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

underthehorizon · 03-10-2006, 08:26 PM

Hey,
I've been going to the gym for the past 2 years, more frequently now since i've quit soccer. One thing ive always been a little confused over is how many reps and sets i should be doing if i want to get TONED rather than getting bulky. Should my workout be about an hour of cardio and then a half hour of weights??

Thank you

-Val

Naxis · 03-10-2006, 09:28 PM

Most of the time when people say they want to get toned, they mean they want to get leaner, which is *largely* going to be diet. You want to keep lifting heavy (if you're lifting heavy now) in order to maintain your muscle mass, but if you're keeping a daily calorie deficit to lose fat you won't be building any significant mass.
How many days a week do you go to the gym? What does your workout look like? What does your diet look like?

underthehorizon · 03-12-2006, 04:38 PM

I go to the gym 5-6 times a week for between 1hr-2hrs.

My workout is generally cardio and the last half hour ill start on the weights. legs, arms, stomach, etc. I also go to the fitness classes often. aerobics, step and toning mostly.

Well this is what i ate today:
Breakfast
-grapefruit juice
-slice of whole wheat toast w/ tsp. of peanut butter

Lunch:
-Tuna
- another slice of toast

Snack:
-Apple

Dinner:
-3oz of steak
-1 cup green beans
-1 cup carrots

Naxis · 03-12-2006, 06:33 PM

Do your weights first. It will improve your weight workout and that will burn off your blood sugar and some glycogen, which will help yourt body to tap into fat for fuel when you get to the cardio. You really shouldn't do more than 60 minutes of cardio at a shot or you'll burn into a lot of muscle which actually drops your metabolism. Ideally, adopt an HIIT type program at least once or twice a week, which should only last 20-30 minutes per session. I know it feels too short, but if you're doing it right you get better fat loss with less time spent in the gym.
As for diet, it looks like you are probably WAY undereating. What you listed is *maybe* 800 calories, and unless you're 4 feet tall, is way too low and is actually preventing you from losing fat. You need to add some more food in there - protein and healthy fats. What are your current stats? Height/weight?

underthehorizon · 03-13-2006, 07:19 AM

I appreciate your comments. I'll definetly use them. Im just wondering what an HIIT program is?

I am 5'4/138 pounds