ST question

kimhuddlestun9

Hi all! I'm about a week into this journey, 5 pounds down, 70 to go. I've been going to the gym everyday except one and doing 25 min on the treadmill with an incline then 20 min on the elliptical. I usually do a circuit of most of the machines (I don't do all the arm ones) in between. My question is do I need to do the ST part every day? I want to tone my arms, legs and back flab but I don't want to end up with big bulky thighs. I'm new to this so any help would be appreciated!

aub6689

You won't add any bulk unless you are eating more than you are burning. As long as you eat in a deficit, you will lose fat and the circuit training will help you retain more muscle which will help you achieve that 'toned' look.

aub6689

Also maybe I'm spacing, but what is ST that you are asking if you should do every day?

kimhuddlestun9

Sorry, strength training

Cherimoose

Most trainers recommend taking a day off after working a muscle. So if you work your entire body at once, you'd do ST about 3 times a week.
Give some thought to adding in some freeweight exercises at some point, for functional strength. A good program to follow is New Rules of Lifting for Life.

kimhuddlestun9

Thanks I will check it out!!

aub6689

Agree with previous reply, it is usually recommended to take a day between lifting if you are working the same muscle group. You can strength train more frequently if you rotate muscle groups, ex: upper body, lower body split or upper body push, upper body pull, lower body, etc. I also would recommend eventually incorporating free weights. Good luck and no need to worry about getting bulky-- without a calorie surplus and a bunch of testosterone, women really can't gain muscle mass or 'bulk'.