Toning and general advice

pinktoesjb

I'm just getting back into jogging, however it seems this is going to do little/nothing for toning. My plan is to get in an hour of yoga every week and two 30 minute jogs, will I see results from this? I also get in a 40 minute walk 2-3 times a week on my lunch break. Real trouble area is my stomach really, that and I don't have the money to join a gym so everything has to be possible to do either in the living room or outside!

Any ideas or thoughts appreciated.

curiositycat

Definitely try the Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred workout DVD for toning. People can't believe how much my abs and arms have changed. I've seen a huge difference in my legs, too. You'll need 3 lb. hand weights to start, but the DVD is under $10.

curiositycat

Forgot to add--the workouts are only 20 mins., so it's easy to fit them in.

_Sally_

If you lose weight, you may be able to see some more muscle definition just because there is less of a fat layer covering it up. Muscle definition doesn't necessary mean you have more muscle, though.

The only way to really "tone" is to build muscle. The only way to build muscle is to have high intensity workouts - this is typically lifting heavy weights, but you can also do body weight only exercises at home (like split squats, push ups, etc. - you can google or buy/borrow books for ideas). Some folks also use things like kettlebells, etc. at home for weight training.

You can also build some muscle if you are doing high intensity interval workouts (so if you are doing hill workouts or sprints), but this could be a high risk of injury if your fitness level isn't ready for this, and it also wouldn't give you a full body workout.

Debi907

I agree with the 30 Day Shred advice, fabulous workout for those days you're pressed for time. Walking & jogging really helped me lose the belly fat. Sounds like you're getting plenty of that in. Be sure to eat on your lunch break too.

Felixelus

I'd say you'll see toning from the yoga...but an at home weights session wouldn't do any harm if you can fit it in!
I do 2 running sessions, a yoga and a weights session and it's working for me!
Try looking at runner's weights sessions online, there's a bunch free here: http://www.womensrunninguk.co.uk/workouts.obyx
I love them so...they're what I use!
Good luck!

em1976

Soup cans can be great weights,chairs/furniture can become items to help you.Water bottles filled with water also used as hand weights.I recently came across this site when looking for exercises for my ball,which I brought cheap as from local store,
http://exercise.about.com (this site seems to have covered a fair bit,i use quite a number of sites to make up programs for myself as I dont have the money for a gym)If I have questions I have 2 places I search,here on forums,so many peeps have ideas and knowledge on here its fantastic,the other is of course Google:)You don't necessarily need a gym at home,there's alot of exercises you can do using your own bodyweight.For me,as I saved over time I purchased bits and pieces cheaply,resistance bands, my ball, a kettlebell,leg weights etc.Garage sales are quite good as so people buy things and then never use them,also ebay is another for 2nd hand items.From there I use exercise tv to buy cheap downloads and put them together for my workouts,prices range from 2 bucks onwards,or there are massive amounts of free videos available online too.

pinktoesjb

wow thanks every one, from the sounds of it I think I will try to work in a weight session every week too, i have some at home so that shouldn't be a problem.

I don't know if you can get 30 day shred in the uk?

em1976

Im in Nz and got mine off Exercise tv.I only have access to the net(middle of nowhere at moment so no department stores) so after looking at prices online I checked out exercise tv.I paid I think 10 dollars to buy it via download then popped it on a disc.Ive done the same with shred with weights,ripped in 30 and a heap of others.