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Weight loss and toning: Am I doing it right?

tinyfitlauren
tinyfitlauren Posts: 30
edited February 8 in Fitness and Exercise
I used to try to lose weight by only doing cardio, but that wasn't working and I soon found out from MFP member that the best way to go is a mix of cardio and strength. I've now started to do strength training as well but I'm wondering if what I'm doing is too little or not right?
I workout 3-5x a week usually, and start with 30 minutes on the elliptical. Then I do 5x20 squats on the leg press using the 60 and 80 lbs (60, 80, 60, 80, etc). I also use a shoulder press and another machine that I don't know the name of, but it targets arms as well. After that I cool down on treadmill for 15-20 minutes. At home I sometimes do 30 DS or basic ab workouts.

Is this enough? I'm not sure if the light strength that I'm doing is okay or if I should try to build up to "heavy lifting" (once I am ready, of course).

My main goal is to lose INCHES and weight, and tone up in the process.

I am an 18 yr old girl weighing 141 lbs. Going to the gym is my main exercise right now.

Thanks so much in advance!

Replies

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Get a trainer or buy New Rules of Lifting for Women.
  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    When most people say "tone" what they mean is losing fat, revealing the muscle they already have. When we diet we lose muscle along with fat. Lifting and getting adequate protein are the best ways to keep as much muscle as possible. Sets of 20 on machines won't do much. All that does is improve muscle endurance. "Strength" routines have been shown to preserve muscle best.

    I'd recommend this program. Start with the bar, pay close attention to form.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/560459-stronglifts-5x5-summary


    If you want to learn more, this is a good article:
    http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/training/weight-training-for-fat-loss-part-1.html
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    Definitely get on a program. There's no sense in trying to create your own. Try Stronglifts, The New Rules of Lifting, or Starting Strength.
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    Definitely get on a program. There's no sense in trying to create your own. Try Stronglifts, The New Rules of Lifting, or Starting Strength.

    This.
  • tinyfitlauren
    tinyfitlauren Posts: 30
    Thank so much for the help! :) I honestly didn't even think of looking up a program..
  • catfive1
    catfive1 Posts: 529 Member
    Definitely get on a program. There's no sense in trying to create your own. Try Stronglifts, The New Rules of Lifting, or Starting Strength.

    This.

    ^This.
    "You Are Your Own Gym" is a great bodyweight program.
  • JesterMFP
    JesterMFP Posts: 3,596 Member
    Definitely get on a program. There's no sense in trying to create your own. Try Stronglifts, The New Rules of Lifting, or Starting Strength.

    This.
    ^Agree with this. I'd say you're already ready to lift heavy. "Heavy" is relative, but lifting weights light enough that you can do 20 reps isn't going to change the shape of your body much.
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    on your lifting days you should probably do less cardio and more weight training..

    something along the lines of three day a week total body workout (squats/deads/ohp/chest press/pull ups/etc) and then cardio on off days....
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