To want to exercise for a decent body?

[usedtogotomars]

So what is the best exercise to be slim? Have read swimming isn’t the best if this is the aim.

Weight training. And heavy too.

I second weight training

Look at pictures of Olympic athletes. Decide which physique you would most like to emulate. Take up that sport.

Paula Radcliffe is pretty slender.

Running trims me down

If you want to be thin, run (or any intense cardio).
If you want to reshape, lift heavy weights.

Obviously you need to watch your diet too. But build some muscle to increase your metabolism, build a great body shape and burns a hell of a lot of calories.

Yes I have heard running is best ... it is also my least favourite thing! Groan! But I shall do it.

Weight training, pilates, body pump.
Swimming is brilliant as an exercise but you would need a lot of fast swims.
Weight training will not make you bulky - it will sculpt you and it is quick.

Weights for me. I followed the Strong Curves program with great results.

Running burns off fat, as does spinning and intense aerobics.
Running and body pump and/or pilates would be a good combo.

Don't be persuaded by people telling you to up the carbs/energy. There are plenty of chunky runners and cyclists.

I’m extremely slim.

I run 4x a week, kettle bells x 1 functional fit x 1 hot yoga x 1 and and body pump 2x -Week.

I think it’s diet though because I was only a couple of pounds heavier when I did no exercise whatsoever and ate similar to what I eat now but a little less

Try out sports or fitness activities and stick with the ones you enjoy (no point starting the year doing something which doesn't appeal).
Once you're in the swing of it, go to the gym and work on training your weaker areas.
With a healthy diet the rest will fall into place. I would focus in getting into good exercise habits rather than striving for a particular figure.

Exercise should be fun, not a chore.
If it's a chore you won't stick with it and then you'll get frustrated because you won't see results.

Heads up, you may get thinner and gain weight. I've been doing more weights this year and have gained a stone whilst dropping almost a dress size

I agree with pp
You can't out train a bad diet.

So a healthy diet including all food groups combined with exercise you enjoy

I do weights x 3 per week
Run
Body combat / spin

I can maintain a slim size 10 with that

Weights will give you the best result. BUT! make sure if you are going to tackle free weights that you get a proper weights coach to teach you proper technique and set you a programme.

I run 4 x a week, lift weights 3 x a week and yoga every single morning.

Food in vs out is always important too.

What usualGubbins said.

Paula Radcliffe is pretty slender but she has run a heck of a lot of miles.

I cycle three times a week and lift weights twice a week (I usually also do a short circuits class as well). I’ve been doing this for a year and my body has completely transformed for the better.

I disagree with running, steady state cardio encourages you to actually put weight on round the middle. Always makes me extra hungry too. I don't envy any runner's figure..

Weights, Pilates, yoga, some cardio but not too much. HIIT is good.

But diet is 80%...

I do a mix of classes (Body Pump, spinning, and yoga) and also run, swim and walk. I need the variety to keep me interested; some days I love heading out on my own for a bit and sometimes I need the structure and motivation of a class to get me off my backside.

I think the main thing is finding something you like and that logistically and practically you can stick to.

If you take up free weights or body pump or other weights class, do two sessions a week.
e.g. Monday & Thursday or every other day if you can.
If you skip a class, you will feel it. If you don't skip a class you should see a (small) result in the third class.

I read these threads and just wonder where people find the time.
I’m a single mum and out the house 8-6 Monday to Friday. I have two windows of opportunity for exercise through the week (wed and thurs for an hour) and every other weekend.
I manage to get some running in but trying to find classes is really difficult and I hate doing dvd’s in the house.
How do people fit the exercise in?

Running PLUS core strength and toning PLUS cutting out junk and white carbs. Three years ago I weighed just under 8stone (fine for my height) and was toned and incredibly lean. I ran 4-5 times a week (mixed up short faster runs and longer slower runs) and had a 15 minute nightly routine that i did on a mat at home (simple crunches, plank, squats with weights etc), I also ate really well with lots of vegan food. For 42 I was in amazing shape. I had a baby 9 months ago and am now in less than amazing shape and am still overweight and unfit - oh dear!

Sorry but I disagree with the PP who said that running makes you chunkier around the middle. Go to any race where there are regular club runners (rather than runners who don’t run often) and you will see how good shape they are in.

The best time to run is before eating so that when you eat afterwards you use the protein to help your body to recover and you can eat more (apparently!!).

Over anything else, I would recommend getting a personal trainer at your gym. A good PT can really support you in transforming your body.

It's almost all about diet. Exercise tones you up, makes you feel fitter and healthier but it doesn't make you lose significant amounts of weight without sorting your diet out (unless you are doing literally hours of strenuous exercise a day, maybe).