Toning....

elias1609

So I’m 12 pounds away from my goal weight, but I still have stomach and love handles. I feel like the 12 pounds won’t get rid of it, and after I lose the 12 pounds I don’t won’t to get any smaller other than those areas (backfat and stomach)Soooo is it time for me to start toning?? Can I tone without lifting heavy, I really don’t like lifting. I know that we can’t spot weight-loss to certain areas but geesh. Maybe I’ll just have to get it cut off?

naomi8888

It depends what you mean by "toning". I assume you mean reduce fat and build muscle which would mean lifting. You can do a lot with body weight exercises but it has to be challenging you or your body won't change.

sardelsa

Unfortunately you cannot spot reduce fat so it will come off where it comes off.

Definitely start resistance training now to preserve muscle while you lose. You don't have to lift heavy weights but for best results you want to be lifting progressively and challenging your muscles over time, ideally following a program. See this link for a list


https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

I always recommend people start lifting/resistance training at the beginning of their weight loss journey (if they are able) to preserve as much muscle as possible to help improve body composition when you get to goal. But no worries if you are just starting now. However as a result you may find you are unhappy when you do get to goal so when you are close you may want to consider recomp (maintaining your weight to lose fat and gain muscle over time)

psuLemon

sardelsa wrote: »

Unfortunately you cannot spot reduce fat so it will come off where it comes off.

Definitely start resistance training now to preserve muscle while you lose. You don't have to lift heavy weights but for best results you want to be lifting progressively and challenging your muscles over time, ideally following a program. See this link for a list


https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

I always recommend people start lifting/resistance training at the beginning of their weight loss journey (if they are able) to preserve as much muscle as possible to help improve body composition when you get to goal. But no worries if you are just starting now. However as a result you may find you are unhappy when you do get to goal so when you are close you may want to consider recomp (maintaining your weight to lose fat and gain muscle over time)

So much this. But keep in mind, your results are as good as the program you follow. Do you need to lift heavy? No. But it's far more optimal than most other things. But if you want, you can do some kind of resistance based class (Crossfit, Pump, etc...). Ultimately, it comes down to what you are willing to commit to and how long you want to follow that path.

GaryRuns

The great thing about being new to lifting is that you'll make some pretty big gains in the first few months. Optimally you'd use one of the lifting programs in the thread @sardelsa linked above, but if you're new just about any resistance training will cause some very cool changes in your strength and physique. And you need to make sure to eat sufficient protein, 0.8-1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day should be your goal.