I'm 5' 2" too. I have been working to lower bf and increase lean muscle. I have had success with programs that have strength training. For example P90X and body beast. These programs tell you how to calculate the calories needed to succeed. There are also sites online that have calculators. You plug in your stats and that amount of exercise, then it gives you the number of calories needed. It really depends on the amount & type of exercise.

I'm 5'3 and around 108 right now, also not looking to lose weight, but definitely trying to tone up. I have always been most self-conscious about my thighs and love handles, so I decided that I wanted to target those areas first. Also, for my proportions, I've always had a big butt, and I figured it was time to lift/strengthen that area too.

I know that the name sounds really dumb, but I just started doing the Butt Bible dvds and I already love the progress I've made. It's exactly what I was looking for: it's toning my body and sculpting my booty, but since it's not cardio-based, I don't have to worry about losing weight. I cannot recommend it enough. Even though it's called "Butt Bible", the program works your entire body and you will see/feel results pretty fast.

Let us know what you decide to do! Good luck!!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Butt-Bible-Disc-Set/dp/B005KCIQQS

I am currently 5'2 and weigh 105 lbs. I may look skinny on the outside, but I have a relative high % of bodyfat (I am not sure of the exact %).

To start just remember that females naturally have higher bf % due to child-bearing features.

I am not necessarily looking to lose weight, I just wish to get more toned, i.e, lose the belly fat, get rid of love handles, reduce my thighs, reduce arm fat and etc.

Unfortunately you wont be able to reduce body fat from specific regions. Your bf % will reduce throughout your body from working out.

I have MFP calculating my calories at maintenance which is 1470 calories per day. Does this sound like a realistic amount of calories that I should consume? Should I increase or decrease? I am also thinking that I need to do some strength training to increase muscle mass and avoid cardio if not perform very little cardio. I am thinking about doing the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred to get started. Since I can't do this everyday, I thought about supplementing this with some Fitness Blender workouts from youtube. Can I get advice on where and how to start? Thank you so much!

1470 calories is about right for maintance calories for your height & weight. It's quite difficult though to lose weight and gain muscle mass at the same time due to calorie ratios.

In terms of weight loss you'd want to drop 500 calories below maintenance. But dropping below 1200 calories I would not recommend. Instead keep carlories around 1200~1300 a day and add in cardio.

For mass gaining you'd want to increase calories by 500 above maintenance for muscle growth.

To maintain current weight but lose body fat keep calories at maintenance keeping protein levels high.

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For a balanced workout plan I recommened doing a Carb Cycling Diet. An example would be:

•Monday = Cardio - Low Carb Day
•Tuesday = Strength Training - High Carb Day
•Wednesday = Rest Day or Cardio - No Carb Day
•Thursday = Cardio - Low Carb Day
•Friday = Strength Training - High Carb Day
•Saturday = Rest Day - Low Carb Day
•Sunday = Rest Day or Cardio - No Carb Day

The following ratios is what I recommend for protein/carbs/fats you should hit per day. Give or take on the calorie count though depending on what you choose to eat those days.

=== Low Carb Days ===
Average Calories = 1200~1300
Protein: 126g @ 504 calories
Carbs: 63g @ 252 calories
Fats: 52g @ 472 Calories

=== High Carb Days ===
Average Calories = 1470~1800
Protein: 147g @ 588 Calories
Carbs: 147g @ 588 Calroies
Fats: 30g @ 270 Calories

=== No Carb Days ===
Average Calories = N/A (but aim for 1200 cals)
Protein: 126g @ 504 Calories
Unlimited High Fibre Vegetables
No Fats


Carb cycling works by giving your body the fuel it needs to increase your metabolism and create a calorie deficit to increase fat loss while maintaining current lean body mass and tonning out.

Clean carbs should be you main sources (Oatmeal, sweet potato, brown rice, vegies. Proteins should be kept around 1g per bodyweight minimum. Protein is a thermogenic (Fat burner) meaning that the body requires more energy to burn off. Try to include a serving of fat free/low fat greek yogurt as well. There has been research showing that it aids with weight loss around the waist section. Worked for me so far. Fats should come from healthy sources such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), coconut oil, almonds, pecans, etc.

Days are rotated between high/low/No carb days. You will have higher carbs on your strength training days for muscle recovery & slow muscle growth, and then lower carbs or no carbs on cardio/rest days for fat loss. Killing 2 birds with one stone here.

Also take note towards the end of the week. Fridays being a high carb day will give you some sanity/relief to go out and eat with friends. Saturday if you wish to hang out again just watch the carb count as it is a low carb day. Sunday is no carb. I recommend doing cardio as to jump start the up coming week especially if you do what I'm about to mention next.

Cheat meal...??? Yes, but one per week. Notice I said cheat meal not cheat day... Once a week treat yourself to one meal of what ever you desire. Only downside is to keep fats low, but not too low to not enjoy something. 2 slices of pizza is fine for example, but a whole pizza is a no no... I'd do the cheat meal only on your High Carb days perferably Friday or Saturday the days you can get out with friends/family.

Hopefully this was informative and can help you with your dieting plans