Does anyone know whats the best form of exercise to tone up

[PureedGoodness]

Sorry if i have posted on the wrong thread but i couldnt find an exercise one.

I am currently dieting and have lost a stone so far but i would like to tone up now as i feel my arms and stomach/waist could do with it. I am not a good exerciser at all. I hate hate hate exercising. But want to give something a try. Was thinking pilates but will this be enough?

Pilates will work but you need to do it a few times a week and be patient results take time.

I have done reformer Pilates and Powerplate Pilates classes. Both really toned me up.

But you do have to go at least twice a week and put the effort in. Pilates also doesn't help you lose weight - the PowerPlate Pilates actually made me put on weight in muscle although my clothes were looser and I could see an improvement in my arm tone and cellulite.

For me, Pilates combined with some other cardiovascular exercise would be the best all-round combo.

That's my plan when I recover from the birth of DS2!!! (If I'm not too knackered.)

Weights are best for toning up. If you don't feel comfortable with free weights, a bodypump class.
www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi12.htm

A rowing machine would be good for the areas you want to tone up. I'm looking for a second hand one for exactly the same!

The quickest way would be a body pump class 3 times a week and if you can do 30 mins running or cross trainer before even better. Still need to watch calorie intake too.

Weights. If you don't want to go to the gym, invest in a pair of hand weights and Jillian Michaels 30 day shred - and do it religiously - every day.

I second Pilates. Try ten minutes per day if possible on top of a weekly class.
Or go to a climbing wall. A local one may offer you a taster session.

Powerplate. I used to go 3 x week before DCs and I had rock hard abs and very toned arms. I started again 2 x week in January after a 2 year gap and I already feel much more toned. I've lost over a stone and am back to an 8/10 - I have also been controlling food intake and running at weekends weight/fat

Best bit is it takes only 25-30 minutes and generally don't need to shower afterwards.

You do squats, press ups, abdominal exercises, free weights etc but all on a plate so its intensified

I would try to find a form of exercise that you don't hate because you need to keep it up long term.

Have you tried piloxing? It's a combination of pilates, boxing and dance. Lots of toning exercises while wearing weighted gloves combined with cardio. It's brilliant!

I'd try interval training - as a circuit with wrights and blasts of aerobics. You'll get fitter, tone up and feel great. You need to commit to at least 3 sessions three times a week. You can do it as running in the park with resistance bands.