If you've got a toned, fit body, be real with me!

[TruffleMonkey]

Is it a massive commitment?

I'm a healthy BMI but near the top, I'd love to have a firmer, less wobbly body but I never seem to get there. I do 2 x body pump classes and 1 x spinning class a week, as well as walking for at least an hour with my dogs.

My diet I'd say is good, don't really do much takeaway or junk food but we eat 'normally things like homemade curries, casseroles, pasta dishes that kind of thing. Plenty of fruit and veg. All good... I thought...

I've not got the time or energy for any more exercise as I work full time and have a toddler. I like food so I don't want to just exist off chicken and greens like I see on Instagram.

Is it possible to have a body like this and just live a normal life, or does it need a 'step up' in terms of lifestyle?

tryfitcore.com/products/pilates-reformer

This will save you a fortune

Don’t agree with this. I know a lot of men and women very ‘ripped’ from doing CrossFit or other similar functional fitness type exercise regularly - achieved without any steroids/extreme eating habits etc.

It’s also not for vanity as no mirrors or special lighting in CrossFit gyms. Everyone is just there to get healthier, fitter and stronger 🤷‍♀️

Don’t know if this counts as your idea of toned and fit but this is Caroline Girvan at home 4-5 times a week - means getting up early but nothing else. Try to avoid UPFs and keep an eye on protein but generally just eat normal, home cooked food. I don’t eat breakfast so I really do IF but that suits me so is no effort at all. Still drink alcohol, eat cake etc!

I suspect you need to lose some body fat to see the muscle tone you have. I have been very fit in the past but I’m not now. My BMI is 21/22 but I could comfortably lose 4-5kgs of fat. It doesn’t really matter how much muscle tone you have if you have a decent layer of fat on top you won’t see it. I say that as someone with a decent layer of fat all over!

@NeverHadHaveHas I didn't mean everyone has to take steroids, genetics plays a big part. It's easier for men than women obviously. And easier for younger people than older people. I imagine the ripped CrossFitters you know are pretty dedicated and/or lucky.

More commitment the older you get unfortunately!

Yes dedicated in the sense that unless you go regularly you don’t see results, but classes are only an hour generally so it’s not hours and hours spent in the gym each day.

I heard getting 8 hours of sleep a night is the gamechanger. Struggling to get 6 with an 11 month old but maybe on the horizon

Are you me 30 years ago? Or am I you in 30 years from now?
I'm 60, size 10, BMI of 19, vegetarian and teetotal. I don't like chocolate/cake/crisps, I walk everywhere because I don't drive....🤔

I'm a total lazy arse, never been near a gym, never dieted. I just walk for 1-2 hours a day (always had big dogs) and that's it.
Have to admit that when there was a period of 3 years that we didn't have a dog, my thighs went flabby and I got a squishy little belly but it all firmed up very quickly as soon as we got a puppy.

I think a lot of it is genes and body shape; I'm long waisted, small bust but chunky legs, I put on muscle pretty easily just from walking and manhandling a 50kg dog.

You look great tell me more about the workouts please?!

It’s a commitment ! I wasn’t getting the results until I introduced weights and kettle bell. That’s when my toning became really visible. I’m 5 days a week at it to maintain, so it require disciple. But you sound absolutely fine with a good balance so don’t pressure yourself.

I’ve been consistently hitting the gym with weights for 3 months. Lifting heavy but small reps. Think 8 sets. My body is really toning up. I’ve also focused heavily on getting as much protein as possible. I lift x4 a week for an hour, 30 mins cardio once a week and then approx 7,000 steps a day. Usually eat healthy - salad, protein and veg. I do eat crisps and chocolate if I feel like it.

I eat well, dog walk as a job, play racket sport once a week, river swim, pilates or yoga 5 times a week…… I don’t see it as a commitment as I enjoy it.
Also have an active social life and several non-active hobbies.
Slim and toned, which is very important to me.
No kids helps!

Definitely you have to eat less rather than exercise to lose weight.

Eat high protein, and for breakfast protein only.

Any good weights routines to look at on YouTube?

I am blessed with 'a toned, fit body' however it is with some regret that it is stuck inside a bigger, untoned, unfit outer shell.

I feel that I have been dealt a 'bum hand' (as they say in poker circles) by some astral god - probably out of spite - and there's nothing I can do about it. 😞 (So please DON'T suggest anything.)

Weight training.

Exactly!!

But maybe the answer is she has an ex so she gets 50 per cent of her time back?

I think it comes down partly to genetics and the amount of body fat you have. Doing weights definitely makes a difference. I've been having a pretty good routine, but notice the definition is not really showing because I need to loose a bit of body fat, which I have more of now than when younger.

But it sounds like you have a healthy routine, and having a fit body and a good lifestyle is the main thing. Don't worry about looking like instagram influencers.

How and when on earth do you fit this all in? In awe and shame

No, I have a DH who does 50% of everything. Also I exercise first thing in the morning and I know how to get shit done.

Get up early, cycle to the office, hit the gym and then it's done. Work, cycle home, start the second shift. Fit in studying and social life and marriage around the DC on evenings and weekends like anyone does.

Very interesting thread, I'm mid 40s and used to be fit & toned in my 20s/30s mainly through regular exercise but also eating & drinking whatever I fancied (pints of beer at university!)

I need to get on the case and sort my fitness/exercise out, making notes right now!

Tbh 'anyone' doesn't do that, most people don't, either due to time, energy or other commitments or a blend of all 3

Everyone doing weights, where should you focus? Do a lot of running but starting weights i. gym and at home. How do you begin??