Why the hate on "toning?"

_lyndseybrooke_

Because...



Muscles do not "tone." Muscles either get bigger or get smaller. Period. The word "toning" is meaningless.

Leadfoot_Lewis

Because the term was developed by the fitness industry to FOOL women that "toning" was a different way to lift weight/do resistance exercises without looking like a female bodybuilder or athlete. It was disingenuous because the fitness industry knew full well that women spend more money then men on personal improvement and they needed to come up with something that sounded much more "feminine".
There is no such thing as "toning" exercises. There are no "toning" squats or curls. There are no "toning" crunches. They are just exercises and dependent on resistance and reps, one will either achieve strength, size or endurance.

^ I think you hit the nail on the head.

I always say toned is the absence of fat and the presence of muscle. Most women lose a lot of the fat then are disappointed because they look like crap because they haven't built the muscle (aka skinny fat) to obtain the "toned" look. Most women are afraid to do what it takes to build the muscle, for fear of getting "bulky" which is the biggest shovel of B.S. that the fitness "industry" has brainwashed women with.

contingencyplan

I've seen several responses that kind of give eye-rolls to the term "toning." As in "How can I best work on toning my abs?"

Just curious why people don't like this term.

Because usage of the word almost always implies a total lack of understanding of what is actually happening, usually followed by an unwillingness to deviate from fitness myths that have become widespread.

Basically when we hear that word, we know we're going to have to break the person of years of bad habits and incorrect knowledge BEFORE we can start helping them.

mccindy72

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[/img]

_errata_

I've seen several responses that kind of give eye-rolls to the term "toning." As in "How can I best work on toning my abs?"

Just curious why people don't like this term.

Bro, do you even MFP?

westcoastgrl21

Honestly, the term "toning" irritates me because it's women setting limitations on themselves for ridiculous reasons. "I don't want to lift heavy because I don't want to get bulky, I just want to 'tone'".....so you want to limit your achievement of physical strength, along with all of the positive benefits of that, because you don't want to LOOK a certain way. AWESOME. Our feminist mothers should be so proud! (We don't even have to discuss how hard it is to actually GET bulky muscle mass as a woman; it's irrelevant). Why exactly are we (women) so afraid of looking muscular? I'd LOVE to get huge...maybe people would be scared of me. That would be fun BWAHAHAHA!!

ninerbuff

Oh come on people! You all know that when somebody says they want to get toned they mean they want a little more muscle definition, but not so much that too many lines start showing through. You all act like a bunch of robots that act like you can't understand a slang term.

Just last week I read quite a few people commenting on how they wanted to be "toned" like Misti Copeland. And she has lots of lines showing through.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Amestris

Honestly, the term "toning" irritates me because it's women setting limitations on themselves for ridiculous reasons. "I don't want to lift heavy because I don't want to get bulky, I just want to 'tone'".....so you want to limit your achievement of physical strength, along with all of the positive benefits of that, because you don't want to LOOK a certain way. AWESOME. Our feminist mothers should be so proud! (We don't even have to discuss how hard it is to actually GET bulky muscle mass as a woman; it's irrelevant). Why exactly are we (women) so afraid of looking muscular? I'd LOVE to get huge...maybe people would be scared of me. That would be fun BWAHAHAHA!!

Everyone has a different aesthetic that they find ideal. Some women want to be more muscular, some want less definition. It's like everything else in life people's preferences run the spectrum. Personally, I think more women would be well served be increasing their muscular strength. I don't knock people for having different goals though. To each his own.

sardelsa

I will admit, I was guilty of using the word "toned" in the past to describe what I wanted to look like, however I am not guilty of doing the right things to achieve that body. :drinker:

SezxyStef

Honest answer? weight lifting snobs.

Just ignore them.

wow so I am a weight lifting snob as are most on my FL...good to know.

See what's funny is the only snobs I see are the ones that hate on those that prefer to use correct terms...

If you worked in a tire place wouldn't you correct a fellow coworker who kept calling them "the rubber"...sure they are made of rubber but they aren't....but of course you wouldn't that would make you a tire snob.....

civilizedworm

Regarding pandering of the marketing lingo of "toning" toward women.. anyone recall when BIC "Pens introduced the "Lady Bic? What was it? Last year or a couple of years ago?

The reviews were hilarious. Here's a few excerpts:

01."Someone has answered my gentle prayers and FINALLY designed a pen that I can use all month long! I use it when I’m swimming, riding a horse, walking on the beach and doing yoga. It’s comfortable, leak-proof, non-slip and it makes me feel so feminine and pretty! Since I’ve begun using these pens, men have found me more attractive and approachable. "

02."I love BIC Cristal for Her! The delicate shape and pretty pastel colors make it perfect for writing recipe cards, checks to my psychologist (I’m seeing him for a case of the hysterics), and tracking my monthly cycle."

03."I am a woman and a blonde, so you can imagine how hard it has been for me to use a pen. I would write and write and have nothing to show for it until a nice man would come by and turn the pen around in my hand so the ink thingy part was on the paper. I just know that with these pens made just for us girls I can finally just pick up a pen and write all on my own. A girl can dream, can’t she?"


http://thoughtcatalog.com/nico-lang/2013/02/the-10-best-amazon-reviews-of-bic-pens-for-her-so-far/

BrianSharpe

It doesn't bother me at all if people use incorrect words to describe their fitness goals. I'm just happy that people HAVE fitness goals...too many people don't.

^^^ This (the same with people who call their running jogging.....as long as they're getting their butts out the door that's all that really matters)

yopeeps025

It doesn't bother me at all if people use incorrect words to describe their fitness goals. I'm just happy that people HAVE fitness goals...too many people don't.

^^^ This (the same with people who call their running jogging.....as long as they're getting their butts out the door that's all that really matters)

QFT

asdelmonte

tools with pink handles.

Now, I like the tools with pink handles because then the hubby and kids know that they are MINE and that if they touch them there will be hell to pay!!! I keep my own tools so I don't have to waste half my day searching through the disorganized mess on the work bench.

dbmata

tools with pink handles.

Now, I like the tools with pink handles because then the hubby and kids know that they are MINE and that if they touch them there will be hell to pay!!! I keep my own tools so I don't have to waste half my day searching through the disorganized mess on the work bench.

I really want a pink AR.

JoRocka

Most know what the word tone means when someone uses it on the boards... as the above poster shared... it's just another way to knock someone else down while you're trying to act like you know more than them.

Toning = building muscles in real life...

online life? Many like to crush ppl because they like others to think they are somehow more knowledgeable

wow- you couldn't be further from the truth.

At what point does educating someone on how to reach their goals and the best way to do it "knocking someone down" it has nothing to do with how smart- or educated someone is.

It has nothing to do with knocking people down. I am so confused as to how you can even put the two of those things together.

It has to do with educating people so they can make educated decision for themselves and figure out which path leads them properly to their goals.

toning also- is NOT building muscle.

"toning"- is having muscle that's sort of semi defined. so i.e. lower body fat. building muscle is building muscle- that's why "toning" is such a mis-nomer- it's actually TWO things.

guess what- no matter how much weight you push around- you'll never get that look if you're stuffing an entire full family size pack of oreos after your full southern fried dinner with a pint of beer.

So- being educated that a proper lifting program and a balanced diet to fit your macros with a calorie deficit will get you that look is important.

Being knowledgeable is how you make good decisions- and that's why many of us are here- to help share our information to help others make educated decisions.

mojohowitz

I thought toning was a simple term used to explain the dual process of weight loss and muscle development resulting in a more pronounced muscular appearance.

As marketspeak it is mildly annoying.

I'm amazed at the cumulative hours we've all spent discussing this. I'm leaving now to go get a life.

ninerbuff

I thought toning was a simple term used to explain the dual process of weight loss and muscle development resulting in a more pronounced muscular appearance.

But it's not to many. Ask how many females really want a more "pronounced" muscular appearance? Lots will tell you they don't want to look more muscular, but a more "smoothed" look.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

contingencyplan

From what I can understand, when a woman says she wants to be "toned," what she means is this:

-She wants enough muscle mass to be able to add shape to the areas that she feels needs it (which is entirely subjective and based on personal preference), but no more.

-She wants a low enough body fat to be able to see just a hint of muscle definition, but not enough to be able to really call herself "defined."

Getting someone to this goal is a much more complicated process than people think, mainly because different people have different ideas of how much muscle mass is "just enough." Additionally, some people, depending on their starting point, may need to focus MUCH more on strength training than others might.

So when a person asks how to get "toned" without first understanding what has to happen to get "toned," as well as doesn't quantify THEIR idea of how much muscle is "just enough," and then expects some sort of catch-all answer that would apply to everyone regardless of these variables, it means that we have a long and painfully difficult road of educating this person about everything they're wrong about, which includes shattering a lot of fitness myths, before we can help them reach their goal.