getting Toned in 12 weeks - possible?

[oilyskinproblems]

Hi I have a holiday in 12 weeks which I want to tone up for. Bmi is 21 and I do HIIT 4 times a week (used to do kettle bells and running but had to give these up). I’m quite happy with my weight (maybe a few more lbs to lose) but really want to start doing some toning exercises.

Can anyone recommend any YouTube videos or apps? Or anything similar? Really don’t want to spend any or much money. Don’t want to do weights either. Also is this achievable in 12 weeks?

I would say definitely achievable, although a couple of things jumped out at me from your post.

You're already doing HIIT 4 x week and you have a healthy BMI. Is it possible that you need to change your diet to see further results?

If your diet is clean, I'd recommend doing more weights if it's the toning/refined muscle look you're after.

Good luck!

Why d you give up running?

Could you restart? It's good for lower body tone.

FitnessBlender is a YouTube channel with lots to choose fro,, of various lengths and intensities, so with a browse. Also a Pilates class (any inexpensive Ines near you? I'm nit sure what's good online)

Sing weights and resistance bands will get faster, and arguably better, results.

The 30Day Shred is always worth doing!

You're doing amazing!

I used to be 3 stone less, exercise and eat well. I was a size 6/8, very toned and very comfortable in my own skin. Slowly ended up cutting back due to a change in lifestyle and believing I can eat this and that as I am fit and slim. I know how to do it. I use weights except to warm up and cool down

May I ask why you don't want to use weights?

Toning means to be lean and shape to your muscles and not to be skinny/flabby.

Thanks for the replies!

Probably should have mentioned in my original post (but i was a bit embarrassed ) I have a very weak pelvic floor and am undergoing physio to correct it. Running and weight put strain on it (and make me
pee...) so even though she said we can reintroduce running and weights eventually I can’t do any at the moment.

My diet is clean during the week but I do have a weekend takeaway and am generally more relaxed on the weekend. I could probably adjust it but I feel like I only have. Few lbs to go and this is already coming off steadily from the diet/exercise I’m already doing.

Can’t do any classes as my babies are toddlers and I have limited child care options. Have been looking in to you tube and apps but there are so many I don’t know what to go for. For what it’s worth I’m happy with myself at the moment but just want a boost so I can be happy in my swimwear on holiday

I think fitness blender (YouTube) do a couple of 5 day challenges.

If you like to relax on a weekend you could maybe do those workouts Monday-Friday and see if you see any difference?

I'm not sure if some of those exercises would be unsuitable for you but I'm sure you could make some changes and still get the same effect.

Just a quick update in case anyone else is looking for similar in future. I have been doing planks daily for the last two weeks now (physio showed me how to do them properly) and the difference already has been amazing!! Arms and stomach are so much firmer - legs also a bit better. I think I’m just going to keep doing these until my holiday and just keep trying to up how many minutes I do gradually.

Have you tried Pilates? It would work to build your overall core strength and pelvic floor stability. I have to say, I'm not sure that 4x a week HIIT is the best idea with pelvic floor/core issues - what is likely to be happening is you are finding ways to do the exercises but not getting the full benefit or them being properly targeted. You could look at something like a Holistic Core Restore class - I could recommend someone who is about to do an online course beginning in the next few weeks (not me).

BMI of 21 suggests not really any need to lose weight, but more tone, and I think if you do some proper core exercises you'll find that you naturally tone up.

I see you have mentioned plank - what might be better is a more functional plank-based movement, moving from 3/4 to full plank and back down again, but your posts suggest some underlying core issues, so being supervised for this is best.

Pilates does interest me and an online class or YouTube videos would be the only way I could do it.

The HIIT exercises have been approved by my physio and mean that I’m keeping my fitness up so I’d like to keep them as they are a good replacement to running (which I used to love).

I’ll have a chat at my next appointment about plank movements. I’d really rather run it by the physio first as I’m doing really well at correcting my pelvic floor issues at the moment and don’t want to do anything to jeopardise that! Thanks for the suggestion it sounds like something she’d be ok with me doing as she’s already suggested Pilate type movements.