Wanting to transition goals from straight-up weight loss, to toning :)

mermaidrhirhi
mermaidrhirhi Posts: 39 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
So far I've lost just over 40lbs, with roughly 15lbs to go :) Because of this, I am wanting to focus my exercise in to toning, rather than just weight loss. What should I change? Right now, my basic routine is:

- Healthy, nearly dairy-free (due to intolerance) and low gluten diet
- 20 minutes elliptical every other day
- 2 x 10 minute workout videos, varying (using 5lb weights most of the time)
- hike up a local mountain 2 times a month
- Zumba drop ins from time to time

My problem areas are no different than the usual, stomach, thighs, and arms. I am wanting to tighten all these areas while losing that last 15 by summer time so I can wear a bikini confidently for the first time ever!
Any thing I should change/add?

Replies

  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Weightlifting for sure. Get a good solid beginner's program like Starting Strength, Stonglifts 5x5, or read New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women.
  • holyfenix
    holyfenix Posts: 99 Member
    BusyRaeNOTBusty wrote: »
    Weightlifting for sure. Get a good solid beginner's program like Starting Strength, Stonglifts 5x5, or read New Rules of Weight Lifting for Women.

    I was going to suggest exactly this. Don't be afraid of lifting, you will not start looking masculine.
  • mermaidrhirhi
    mermaidrhirhi Posts: 39 Member
    I am not afraid of lifting at all - I just don't use a gym. I have an elliptical at home, and I do those workout videos with free weights. Any other at home/outside ideas?
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Rhiannab92 wrote: »
    I am not afraid of lifting at all - I just don't use a gym. I have an elliptical at home, and I do those workout videos with free weights. Any other at home/outside ideas?

    More body weight resistance exercises.
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/bodyweight-training-resources/
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    Try bodyweight exercises. You are Your Own Gym, Convict Conditioning and Body by You are good places to find full routines and they will teach you about using body leverage to make progress.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    edited December 2014
    You aren't going to firm up on cardio alone... except for the muscles you already have finally showing through the disappearing layer of fat. Body weight exercises are good until they aren't enough any more. You can use items around your home to help, too. For example, a couple of gallon sized milk jugs filled with sand or water make great hand weights.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    You aren't going to firm up on cardio alone... except for the muscles you already have finally showing through the disappearing layer of fat. Body weight exercises are good until they aren't enough any more. You can use items around your home to help, too. For example, a couple of gallon bottles of milk filled with sand or water make great hand weights.

    And put some heavy stuff in a backpack and wear it while doing body weight exercises after they are not challenging anymore.

  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    edited December 2014
    Toning = Weight loss.

    As you lose the fat from around muscle it becomes more visible underneath the skin.

    Toning has nothing to do with exercise. You become tone as you get less body fat.


  • branflakes1980
    branflakes1980 Posts: 2,516 Member
    Before I joined the gym I bought Jillian Michaels total body revolution. It's a 90 day program and I completed it 3 times. I saw amazing results, but I eventually wanted to start lifting heavy so alas... I had to get a gym membership. Good luck to you!
  • mermaidrhirhi
    mermaidrhirhi Posts: 39 Member
    thanks for all the tips everyone! Definitely checking out that nerd fitness, and Gillian Michaels total body revolution. At this point in my life, a gym membership still isn't for me, I am a full time student, and a part time employee. I use the classes at school (hence the zumba, and I am doing barre next semester) but maybe in the summer I can do more lifting at a gym, because I will have time.
  • mermaidrhirhi
    mermaidrhirhi Posts: 39 Member
    SueInAz wrote: »
    You aren't going to firm up on cardio alone... except for the muscles you already have finally showing through the disappearing layer of fat. Body weight exercises are good until they aren't enough any more. You can use items around your home to help, too. For example, a couple of gallon sized milk jugs filled with sand or water make great hand weights.

    I know I am not - hence the question :) I have 5,10, and 15 lb weights. Would this work? I also have resistance bands, an elliptical, a jump rope, and my laptop! haha
  • ksy1969
    ksy1969 Posts: 700 Member
    Rhiannab92 wrote: »
    thanks for all the tips everyone! Definitely checking out that nerd fitness, and Gillian Michaels total body revolution. At this point in my life, a gym membership still isn't for me, I am a full time student, and a part time employee. I use the classes at school (hence the zumba, and I am doing barre next semester) but maybe in the summer I can do more lifting at a gym, because I will have time.

    It is all about choices and priorities. I choose to get up at 4:30 AM so I can get to the gym 4 days a week to lift. I try and do the same for at least 2 other days for some cardio, but that is not a priority so I do not always make it.

  • BusyRaeNOTBusty
    BusyRaeNOTBusty Posts: 7,166 Member
    Rhiannab92 wrote: »
    thanks for all the tips everyone! Definitely checking out that nerd fitness, and Gillian Michaels total body revolution. At this point in my life, a gym membership still isn't for me, I am a full time student, and a part time employee. I use the classes at school (hence the zumba, and I am doing barre next semester) but maybe in the summer I can do more lifting at a gym, because I will have time.

    Does your school have weight room?

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