Toning up WITHOUT losing weight?

[claireybee]

I have always been too skinny and hated it, after ds was born I went down to less than a size 6 which was awful and made me feel really gaunt and unhealthy.

Since ds turned 18 months I have ballooned (think down to him bf a lot less) and for the first time ever I am happy with my size and weight.

BUT most of the weight has gone onto my stomach and I now have several large rolls of flab. I also have a roll of back fat that hangs over my trousers. My arms are pretty toned from hefting dc around, legs ok from walking lots(2-3 miles a day), bum could maybe do with firming up a bit...

How can I tone up a bit without losing weight? I have NEVER done proper exercise in my life so probably don't have any much stamina.

Pilates or yoga would help. I go to a bums and tums and I'm finding that I'm not losing weight (too much wine consumed for that), but my muscles are stringer and my bum and thighs are definately more toned. Try something like that and speak to the instructor who will be able to guide you to the right class.

Thank you. Do you think I could do it without a class? Only I don't really have the money for a class...

yoga, or if you have a gym that does that range of classes, 'Body Balance' is a tai chi / yoga / pilates / legs bums & tums type thing that is pretty good

but you do really need a class

ask for it as a birthday / christmas present?

One word:

Calanetics.

Easy, slow excersises that require no stamina but will tone you up considerably, and you can do them at home.

You can buy the Calanetics book online and follow it at home with no coach or anything.

Ooh have never even heard of that! Will look at it, thanks.

Mrs B good idea but unfortunately ds' carseat broke so we had to get another one -my parents got it for us so that's our Christmas present gone now.

I think a class would be good though as in I'd actually have to get off my bum and do it Maybe next year.

You could borrow a DVD or video from the library to try out at home?

I'd second the recommendation for Pilates. I toned up nicely under my flab for a year - which gave me the impetus to lose some weight afterwards. It was lovely to feel myself getting fitter gradually and my clothes getting looser.

There are lots of Pilates DVDs around, but if you can stretch to a class it would be even better, as the instructor can make sure that you are doing everything properly. It can feel rather strange and pointless at first, and then it just clicks.

Good luck!