Trying To Tone After Weight Loss

I recomment this book, New Rules of Lifting for Women.

Eat lots of protein, drink lots of water...and work with weights. I have also lost 120 pounds and am working on this also : )

I lost about 120 pounds since I started my weight loss last December. Everything's great but I need to tone to get rid of some of the hanging skin and belly fat. I'm looking for some definition but have no interest in having huge muscles. Do you think I can get the results I want from the weight machines or will the free weights give me better results? My local Y has Strive equipment, which works out different areas of the muscle in different sets.

I like cardio but haven't really got into the weights yet. Do I need to have protein shakes to help with the definition? I'm definitely new when it comes to weight training. Any advise is appreciated!

Eat your protein if you can.
Every week I make about 6-8lbs of chicken breast just for lunch.
chicken, turkey, tuna, beef etc.....

Eat your macros.
Take omega complex pills.
even creatine can helpo.
But in order to have definition youll either need to lose more fat or gain muscle.

Drop cardio or reduce it to a mild brisk walk.
Lift heavy and eat about 10% above TDEE.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/654536-in-place-of-a-road-map-2-0-revised-7-2-12
http://www.stronglifts.com

Since my weight loss journey started a few years ago, I have lost 130 pounds. I am in the same boat - tons of excess skin everywhere on my body - belly (upper & lower), back, thighs, arms. I have tried everything including weights and it hasn't helped me =/

bump!

1) Free weights would be better, since they don't restrict your range on movement and work the stabilsing muscles surrounding the main one you are trying to work.

2) Definition is obtained by losing fat (calorie deficit) and gaining muscle. You can't spot reduce fat but the certain muscles you can target with certain exercises.

3) I would focus on compound lifts rather than isolations (although you can do these as well if you want) Purely because they give the most bang for your buck. They are (in my opinion) the easiest way to change your body, and you get stronger in the process!

4) You won't get huge muscle unless you train and eat for huge muscles. Yes, they will grow to some extent, more so when you move to maintenance, but they won't be massive.

5) You don't "need" protein shakes. A lot of people use them as a tool because they may not get their protein requirement through food alone. If you struggle to get enough through food, they'll probably be useful. If you get enough with food, then they're not really necessary. If you're lifting weights, I'd aim for around 1g per lb lean mass, in protein.

6) Finally, just find a routine that you enjoy, that works for you, and have fun with it. I know not everyone's the same, but a lot of people really enjoy lifting once they start, and they start to see improvements in their body and strength. What could be better than liking the exercise you do AND getting results

Can I first just say, WOW! Congratulations on your huge results! Good for you buddy!! 120 pounds in a year is phenomenal work and you should be proud.

And then, what everyone else says, just time and lifting heavy things :-) Try to engage many muscles in your exercises and don't try to hyper-focus on individual muscles.

I recomment this book, New Rules of Lifting for Women.

This. The machines have their place, and might be beneficial for you if you're just starting out. But the free weights are definitely a better choice. You work more muscles with free weights, but if your form is not correct, you run the risk of injuring yourself. Is there someone at the gym (like a trainer) that you can go over form with?

heavy lifting is the answer here, don't worry muscle building is a very very slow proggress so you wont get big muscle.