ST question

kimhuddlestun9
kimhuddlestun9 Posts: 8 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all! I'm about a week into this journey, 5 pounds down, 70 to go. I've been going to the gym everyday except one and doing 25 min on the treadmill with an incline then 20 min on the elliptical. I usually do a circuit of most of the machines (I don't do all the arm ones) in between. My question is do I need to do the ST part every day? I want to tone my arms, legs and back flab but I don't want to end up with big bulky thighs. I'm new to this so any help would be appreciated!

Replies

  • aub6689
    aub6689 Posts: 351 Member
    You won't add any bulk unless you are eating more than you are burning. As long as you eat in a deficit, you will lose fat and the circuit training will help you retain more muscle which will help you achieve that 'toned' look.
  • aub6689
    aub6689 Posts: 351 Member
    Also maybe I'm spacing, but what is ST that you are asking if you should do every day?
  • kimhuddlestun9
    kimhuddlestun9 Posts: 8 Member
    Sorry, strength training
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Most trainers recommend taking a day off after working a muscle. So if you work your entire body at once, you'd do ST about 3 times a week.
    Give some thought to adding in some freeweight exercises at some point, for functional strength. A good program to follow is New Rules of Lifting for Life. :+1:

  • kimhuddlestun9
    kimhuddlestun9 Posts: 8 Member
    Thanks I will check it out!!
  • aub6689
    aub6689 Posts: 351 Member
    Agree with previous reply, it is usually recommended to take a day between lifting if you are working the same muscle group. You can strength train more frequently if you rotate muscle groups, ex: upper body, lower body split or upper body push, upper body pull, lower body, etc. I also would recommend eventually incorporating free weights. Good luck and no need to worry about getting bulky-- without a calorie surplus and a bunch of testosterone, women really can't gain muscle mass or 'bulk'.
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