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Original poster

Worried i'm buliding muscle instead of toning and getting smaller...

40 replies

newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 00:31

I've been woking out for about 4-5 months on and off. My arms and legs are getting muscley and are quite big, not fat but not slim.

My belly and hips do not seem to be getting very toned.

My legs are quite solid, but my thighs do not seem to be getting smaller just more muscley.

Any tips? Am I doing something wrong?

I'm doing exercise classes with and without weights, and going to the gym a little.

Have also done 30day shred a little but feel going to the gym is more effective for me.

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Original poster
newstart2010 · 01/08/2010 12:23

notyummy - thanks for the advice, it has finally sunk in after talking to you that actually i am not really doing any cardio

I do classes as often as possible, which include alot of resistance work and weights, but little cardio.

I have been going through what I'm doing with dp and there is hardly any cardio

I really enjoy the classes but need to focus on cardio, I am just going to hit the gym, dp reconds 30mins treadmill (very fast walking with incline, and running when I can) build upto 10mins rowing and 10mins cross trainer - I will be dead after!!!

I realise now that I have veered towards classes as I am quite lazy and hate cardio. And it will be my challenge to get better at cardio... Help, any tips on how to keep going?

I'm going to try this for one month then re-asess....

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Original poster
newstart2010 · 01/08/2010 10:28

I always thought younger people are fitter, but I now know fitness becomes more important as you get older.

I would love to run, but really dont like it, i tried to download the podcast thing but it didnt work, I need a way of easing into running I think

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notyummy · 01/08/2010 07:46

I honestly think it is worth the pain because it makes such a difference to your fitness and burns fat. Having said that, if you hate it so much that you will never stick to it, then the crosstrainer is probably the nearest equivalent.

orienteerer · 31/07/2010 23:34

You are definitely young.....22 years younger than me! I didn't reach my peak (fitness wise) until 35 when I managed a 3.35 marathon.......it's been all downhill since then!

Original poster
newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 23:27

i hate running and always have. Before having dd, I smoked so never had great fitness, now i can see it improving, but still hate running, it makes me feel dizzy and sick

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notyummy · 31/07/2010 23:11

You are not old!!

Running is by far the best exercise in terms of calorie burn/ fitness improvement and creating a long and lean physique. Spinning def tough and good for heart /lungs but can actually bulk up thighs and bottom if not careful. You could also run without having to go to the gym, thereby saving on time; just save the gym visits for weights sessions or classes.

Original poster
newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 23:04

i feel old and out of shape, but have the feeling things will keep getting worse

ok i think i am doing circuits in the classes then. I dont think i do enough cardio tho as do what ever cardio in the classes, but if i'm in the gym i do 15-20 treadmill and 10mins step machine or cross trainer. I did one spin class once and felt like i was going to die, maybe i should be doing more of those?

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orienteerer · 31/07/2010 22:59

Just enjoy having some muscle tone whilst your are soooooo young.

notyummy · 31/07/2010 22:57

Circuits session would be a mixture of cardio and resistance:

running for 2 minutes, followed by sit-ups for 2 minutes, followed by running (or other cardio) then squats and so and so forth.

It sounds like you are doing regular resistance work - resistance work can mean using your own body weight (as in tricep dips) or using weights machines. You do need to be doing a reasonable amount of cardio as well - probably 30 to 60 minutes 3 times a week? Doing an intervals session during one of them will really help your endurance.

I think pilates/yoga great for stretching the muscles after some hard workouts and also in building core stability - i.e the 6 pack.

Original poster
newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 22:45

what do you mean by circuit sessions?

I do a class with the gym ball, which i think is really good, and do classes with aerobic and weights included, then gym sometimes as well.

I did a class yesterday that was for toning and used weights all the way through which I thought gave me a great work out.

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notyummy · 31/07/2010 22:24

I would have thought that 2 or 3 circuits sessions plus 2 or 3 cardio (including a intervals session in one of those) and then a challenging pilates or yoga session maybe once a week. It probably needs to be different and challenge you in a different way if what you ate doing isn't working after 4-5 months.

Original poster
newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 22:11

i'm 25, and want to be slimmer, i'm not big i'm a size 10-12 but want to be a 10 thatsfits into a 10, including my hips

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notyummy · 31/07/2010 21:50

I guess the key is balance. A mixture of toning/anaerobic exercise, pure cardio and stretching and toning should give you reasonable results. Body type will also be a factor, and the intensity if the exercise.

ivykaty44 · 31/07/2010 21:41

How old are you?? Once in your 20's it is still easyish to make muscel, but in your 30's gets harder - so would say as long as you are not building loadsa muscel don't worry - it will keep you slim

Original poster
newstart2010 · 31/07/2010 13:09

bump

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