Body after baby #3

beautyforashes0890

I weigh about what I did before I had my last baby, as the last few pounds came off gradually over time. But my body is different! I don't fit into my old jeans as well .. and I am softer. I expected that somewhat but I figured being back to my happy weight would mean I would fit into things ok! I was tempted to just try and lose more simply with calorie counting and I would eventually weigh small enough. But I would have to eat barely anything to lose at the current weight I am ... so thats out! My question is ... is it ok for me to work on strength training & toning without being too strict with my calories? I don't want to lose weight, or much anyway, but I want to tone up! Would I really get results that way? In the past when I actually had weight to lose I just counted calories and exercised ... but this scenario is different as there is no weight to lose. Hope I am making sense! I weigh 125 lbs, am 5'5, and wear between a 7-9 jeans.

jemhh

I would eat at maintenance and strength train. If you are on a good program you will see results. I'm not sure what your resources are (home equipment, gym membership, etc.) but here are several beginner programs. Strong Curves has an all-bodyweight program that requires little to no equipment.

* 5/3/1 (get the book but this is a calculator) - https://blackironbeast.com/5/3/1/calculator
* A Workout Routine (beginner) - http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/the-beginner-weight-training-workout-routine/
* All Pro's - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=4195843
* Fierce 5 (note that there are several variations from beginner to advanced, 3-5 day, plus a dumbbell program) - http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?p=1267226191#post1267226191
* Full body dumbbell routine (note: women and men can use the same rep range, if you want to go low do it, if you want to go high do it. I promise that neither will make you gain or lose a Y chromosome.) - https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/dumbbell-only-home-or-gym-fullbody-workout.html
* Greyskull - http://strengthvillain.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=89
* Juggernaut 2.0 - http://www.jtsstrength.com/store/the-juggernaut-method-2-0/
* Lyle McDonald's barbell and machine routines - http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/beginning-weight-training-part-4.html/
* NROLFW - http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women
* Starting Strength & Practical Programming Novice - http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/The_Starting_Strength_Novice/Beginner_Programs
* Strong Curves - http://bretcontreras.com/wp-content/uploads/Strong-Curves-Workout-Templates.pdf
* Stronglifts - http://stronglifts.com/

beautyforashes0890

Thanks!

tomatosoup3

bumping for that list!