Toning question for the experts. :)

I am almost 35, 5'6 and 120lbs. When I'm off the wagon not working out I can fluctuate 6-8 lbs (128lbs). I do a lot of cardio/ cycling. Intense cardio intervals. Similar to insanity. I also do class that include some weights. I LO e to run as well but don't get a chance to do a lot with having 3 kids. I play lacrosse 2 nights a week. I know you lose weight proportionally but I lose upper body and my legs won't lean out the way I would like. I have some small cellulite spots that I would love to try and reduce. I just get soooo lean up top. I would hate to lose more weight (hoping fat would come off the but and legs) but I would rather not. Any recommendations would be great. Even what things to eat more of. I have been trying to do more protein.

Thanks in advance

All that cardio work *clap clap* - now throw some strength training in there and your ganna go from super awesome - to everyone being jealous about how super awesome you look

I recommend doing squats, and using the smith if your somewhat noobish like me to get your form down and prevent getting hurt.

Less is more if your new to the strength training - get down that form and use small weight and get used to the movement.

I personally would avoid the smith machine and just start with a lower weight - I started with bodyweight squats.

A smith machine will not help you with your form - in fact it will do the exact opposite as it forces you to follow an unnatural path and doesn't teach you to use all your muscles to stabilise the bar.

^ I feel like it prevents injury for a noob while they are working on their form with the low weight using the free weights. I use two smiths every other day...


I guess to each their own

OP just so you (and others) are aware, this person is a troll and I would take anything they say with a pinch of salt.

Please stop trolling on a very useful and helpful thread.

I am almost 35, 5'6 and 120lbs. When I'm off the wagon not working out I can fluctuate 6-8 lbs (128lbs). I do a lot of cardio/ cycling. Intense cardio intervals. Similar to insanity. I also do class that include some weights. I LO e to run as well but don't get a chance to do a lot with having 3 kids. I play lacrosse 2 nights a week. I know you lose weight proportionally but I lose upper body and my legs won't lean out the way I would like. I have some small cellulite spots that I would love to try and reduce. I just get soooo lean up top. I would hate to lose more weight (hoping fat would come off the but and legs) but I would rather not. Any recommendations would be great. Even what things to eat more of. I have been trying to do more protein.

Thanks in advance

All that cardio work *clap clap* - now throw some strength training in there and your ganna go from super awesome - to everyone being jealous about how super awesome you look

I recommend doing squats, and using the smith if your somewhat noobish like me to get your form down and prevent getting hurt.

Less is more if your new to the strength training - get down that form and use small weight and get used to the movement.

I personally would avoid the smith machine and just start with a lower weight - I started with bodyweight squats.

A smith machine will not help you with your form - in fact it will do the exact opposite as it forces you to follow an unnatural path and doesn't teach you to use all your muscles to stabilise the bar.

^ I feel like it prevents injury for a noob while they are working on their form with the low weight using the free weights. I use two smiths every other day...


I guess to each their own

it doesn't prevent injury because they aren't the same movements.

The best way to prevent injury in learning to properly squat -is accomplished by dun dun dunnnnn

learning to properly squat.

^lmao :laugh: - she is totally correct.

edit: take back my initial comment because it was not accurate.

I think there's some great tips and advice here. I really think you have to stop looking at the scale, just lift heavy and more often, decrease the cardio and the weight training classes. In a perfect leaning out world you would do about 3-4 HIIT style workouts, 3 Steady State Cardio workouts, and Lift heavy at least 1 body part per week, and stretch after every workout for at least 15 mins.

For the weight training, I suggest just stacking body parts together and just roll through a rotation. Legs/Shoulders, Chest/Tri's, Back/Bi's- then go back to Legs/Shoulders etc.
Additionally for your lower body, focus on going as heavy as you can with high reps as predominately your legs have a lot of fast twitch muscle and respond well to that.

On the weight training classes, I'm an instructor and they are good if you have the ability to really load up heavy and burn out high rep on the muscle periodically in your training, but not all the time. I see people lifting super light weight, not even struggling through the reps. And they do that week by week.
Are you weight training at home?

For me, I use to love lifting weights in my 20's, thought I'd never stop. Then couldn't stand it in my 30's, would just prefer teaching a class or doing a HIIT workout.
I have given in to lifting and have really transformed my body tighter, harder, because of it. I haven't actually weighed myself for about 3 months because the number on the scale messes with my head.
Before really lifting consistently and heavy, I would have a number to reach on the scale. If I was there, then I know I looked good, fit in my clothes, etc.
But now- I'm no where near that number, but my body is hard, more cut, and have abs. As I was leaning out, I would weigh myself and be freaked out as the scale was "heavy" but I didn't look or feel that number as it normally looks on me.

It's because of really diving deep into weights.
I think you mentioned something about water too- Rule of thumb- always drink 1/2 the ounces of water that you weigh and add 32 oz for working out.
I personally just shoot for a gallon a day. I use the Smart Bottle 50oz and re-fill it 3X. When I'm 1/2 way through the third at the end of the night, I'm good.