"Toning" is a deception

I am confused about the correct terminology for what I want to do. I have read that what I think I am doing is impossible. I am eating at a deficit and losing weight, 45 pounds since March 8, 2015. I was doing mostly aerobic exercise but now have added what my physical therapist refers to as strength training. I was able to increase reps, intensity and weight, to me this would indicate that I am indeed increasing my strength. The last 2 weeks, I have had an injury that put most of my aerobic activity on hold so I am doing strength training exclusively. My calorie deficit has gone down but my weight loss continues at a healthy pace and inches are also decreasing in body measurements. Something about my metabolism has changed. People say muscle burns more calories than fat on one hand, but also say you can't gain muscle while eating in a deficit. How do I describe in correct terms what is happening?

daniwilford wrote: »

I am confused about the correct terminology for what I want to do. I have read that what I think I am doing is impossible. I am eating at a deficit and losing weight, 45 pounds since March 8, 2015. I was doing mostly aerobic exercise but now have added what my physical therapist refers to as strength training. I was able to increase reps, intensity and weight, to me this would indicate that I am indeed increasing my strength. The last 2 weeks, I have had an injury that put most of my aerobic activity on hold so I am doing strength training exclusively. My calorie deficit has gone down but my weight loss continues at a healthy pace and inches are also decreasing in body measurements. Something about my metabolism has changed. People say muscle burns more calories than fat on one hand, but also say you can't gain muscle while eating in a deficit. How do I describe in correct terms what is happening?

although there are some instances where you can actually build mass while in a deficit, like if you are brand new to weight training...

I think what's mostly going on is the fact that you can condition a muscle (more endurance and even strength) without actually adding muscle mass.

you see that you are lifting more but there is not a 1 to 1 relationship between mass building and strength

Packerjohn wrote: »

"Lean muscle" and make the muscles "longer" are a couple more that hurt the ears.

I think longer muscles actually mean something. Weight lifters tend not to have longer muscles that's why they get all that muscle bunching up in an ugly way above their shoulders. I learnt about this in yoga. When you do a headstand there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you do it the wrong way you would get those bunched up muscles but if you do it the right way you won't. Its been a while since i've done a headstand but i think the right way is to push into your elbows rather than clamping up around your neck to help you keep balanced.

Furbuster wrote: »

No don't sticky it. I use the words toning, building, strengthen, muscular... all of them and they all mean the same thing to me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who understand the ideas behind words.

If someone wants to use the word 'tone' to get fitter and healthier then there is nothing wrong with that.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/home-toning-workout.aspx

Then I can come ask you what you mean every single time.

No_Finish_Line wrote: »

although there are some instances where you can actually build mass while in a deficit, like if you are brand new to weight training...

I think what's mostly going on is the fact that you can condition a muscle (more endurance and even strength) without actually adding muscle mass.

you see that you are lifting more but there is not a 1 to 1 relationship between mass building and strength

I need the weight training for dummies version, please explain the difference between building and strengthening a muscle?

Patttience wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

"Lean muscle" and make the muscles "longer" are a couple more that hurt the ears.

I think longer muscles actually mean something. Weight lifters tend not to have longer muscles that's why they get all that muscle bunching up in an ugly way above their shoulders. I learnt about this in yoga. When you do a headstand there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you do it the wrong way you would get those bunched up muscles but if you do it the right way you won't. Its been a while since i've done a headstand but i think the right way is to push into your elbows rather than clamping up around your neck to help you keep balanced.

Wut?

Patttience wrote: »

Packerjohn wrote: »

"Lean muscle" and make the muscles "longer" are a couple more that hurt the ears.

I think longer muscles actually mean something. Weight lifters tend not to have longer muscles that's why they get all that muscle bunching up in an ugly way above their shoulders. I learnt about this in yoga. When you do a headstand there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. If you do it the wrong way you would get those bunched up muscles but if you do it the right way you won't. Its been a while since i've done a headstand but i think the right way is to push into your elbows rather than clamping up around your neck to help you keep balanced.