Toned and strong people…how?

[Yoheresthestory]

I run and am fit but I know I need S&C. I just hate it and cannot get myself to do even 20mins of weights etc. I’ve a lovely gym at home and could sign up for classes somewhere, though it’s tough to coordinate timings so I’d love to get into something at home.

AIBU to think I can find a workout that both gets me stronger AND becomes part of my routine so I don’t dread it? Do some of you actually enjoy your S&C sessions?

to see a difference, could 20mins 3 times a week ever work and if so, what workout would give me toned upper body and strong legs and butt?

Do you do this online/app/ live classes? What yoga do you do please?

strength training is so important for women, especially when we age. And no, you won't get the same benefits from walking or dusting your lampshades, you need proper resistance. Personally I really love weights, ask ChatGPT to do you a program and work your way through it. Try to work to failure, until you actually cannot lift that weight any more. It will become very motivating when you see your muscles growing.
If you like group fitness then why not start with Bodypump, the best exercise is always the one you actually do. But as pp said, don't coast, it should not feel comfortable. And you can build muscle with lower weights and high reps as well, it just takes a bit longer to get fatigued.

I follow YouTube classes - mainly search for specific targets, eg core/leg strength, or balance. I like the flexibility of being able to fit in a short session on tired or busy days, and letting my body decide when to choose intense, longer sessions when it feels good.
Mostly vinyasa yoga, with yin for rest/fatigued days.
My personal favourites are Kassandra and older Sarah Beth for intermediate and advanced yoga, but they both do good beginner level for more tired and wobbly days, or if you’re starting out. Adrienne is pretty good too, definitely good for a beginner.
I’m actually a yoga teacher, so can plan out my own practice as I go along, but I find when it comes to strength work I get more from having a teacher on the screen.

I do daily because it works best for me to have that routine when I get up in the morning, but if you practiced regularly for just 2-3 times a week you’d soon see and feel a difference. The improvement in my walk and balance is visibly improved since starting a daily practice (I have foot drop due to MS) so I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to improve muscle strength and flexibility, whether they are athletes, gym bunnies or more plodding types like me.

OP maybe you can elaborate what you mean by toned and strong? People have different goals, which is of course perfectly fine. The physique I have in mind when I say strong, that can not be achieved my housework or 15 min of yoga. But maybe that's not what you're looking for.

What’s S&C please -strength and cardio?

Strength and conditioning

Exactly this. I do circuits classes and spinning so a mix of cardio and strength based workouts and if I wasn’t overweight I’d be “toned” as I have a decent level of muscle. However, I have some fat to lose so I don’t look obviously “toned”.

Some people are incredibly slim but with limited muscle mass. I think the only way to build that up is do strength and conditioning and as others say, be generally active in daily life

I've been doing a weekly strength class for around a year and have noticed huge gains in stamina, muscle tone and strength. I do a class because the group energy motivates me through the full 45mins and encourages me to push myself when I need to. Would recommend a class for embedding the habit. There's no way I would've progressed this much doing videos at home.

For me, it's parkour, adult gymnastics, bouldering and calisthenics. Muck around and find out what doesn't bore you senseless.

Failing that, just admit it's boring but do the basics anyway. If you wouldn't leave the house without brushing your teeth then don't get old without getting strong!