Toning.

shantizzlerose

So I want to tone up a bit (not to look leaner, as I'm too overweight to tell anyway lol). I just want to be stronger. How many days of weight training is ideal for beginners?

Stage14

If you're doing compound movements that hit the full body (which a good beginners program will have you doing), then 2-3 days a week is plenty. But most programs have a recommended schedule, so I'd say pick one you like and follow it, including number of workouts per week.

JoRocka

This is why we dont' like the word "toning"

getting fit/stronger- doesn't necessarily mean you are going to get lean
getting leaner doesn't necessarily mean you are going to get fit/stronger

If you want to LOOK more fit- and have muscle definition you need to lose body fat- and then also have muscles to be visible.

This means diet- and some sort of resistence training.

I don't mean diet like going on a diet- I mean like- working out how to get what you need and reduce body fat %.

This will allow you to lose body fat.

Gain strength- this will mean you have some muscle mass- if you are eating on a deficit you aren't going to physical bulk and get bigger- but you are going to make the muscles- MUSCLES - no more squishy arms.

So a combination of muscle work and diet work- you get definition.

if you just lift- and don't lose body fat- magic 8 ball says you just get stronger and more filled out
If you lose body fat and don't lift- you're going to to just look like a squishy none defined marshamellow (commonly called skinny fat)

lift- eat a deficit
be fabulous.

FrnkLft

Diet = Lose/Maintain/Gain Weight (be it Fat or Muscle)
Cardio = Most time efficient way to burn calories, Great for cardiovascular health and conditiong, Not required to burn fat
Heavy Lifting = Burns lots of calories, Builds strength, Builds or Maintains Muscle

Recipe for Toned Look = Lower Bodyfat %, Increase Muscle Mass, Mix to taste

You have to eat a surplus to put on any appreciable muscle, and some of the weight gain will be fat as well. And the whole process is slow.

So... don't worry about getting bulky, you are a woman and are not going to get bulky without making this your full-time job and even then you might need steroids.

My book recommendation, and I swear on my life it will help you, New Rules of Lifting for Women.

phuckingbadasscutie

I've really been debating about starting to lift and I will definitely read the recommended book. Thanks.