What am I doing wrong (5x a week workout)

lectriceye
lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
edited November 25 in Fitness and Exercise
Ok so I'm not looking to beef up, I'm a female with an "ectomorph" build and just want to tone up have some sort of muscle definition and not put on weight. I've been on a 5x a week gym routine for a couple years. I would say my fittest was doing this:

Day 1: Pilates, Day 2: Insanity Day 3: Cycle Day 4: Barbell Day 5: Cardio resistance

Well I switched things up and I've gained weight and inches (diet is partly to blame). I've basically replaced Barbell with a HIIT class, that was it. BUT I gave up barbell because it's hard on my joints and I just overall hate it. I like cardio and thought the added weights would still suffice.

Am I doing it wrong? Do I need to just suck it up and become BFF's again with an ice pack and add in barbell?

Replies

  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    No... You need to focus on your diet.
  • lorrpb
    lorrpb Posts: 11,463 Member
    You answered your own question: diet is partly to blame
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    Ahh ok. I figured that might be the case. :s I will look at that more carefully and reassess!

    Do you think it's still possible to add muscle with this routine? I prefer body weight workouts to actual weights but do incorporate both...

  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    Those descriptions are too generic to give any meaningful feedback.
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    What do you need to know?
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    What do you need to know?

    Duration, activity, reps/sets/programmed progression are a good start.

    Barbell for example is a piece of equipment
    HIIT is a work/rest profile.

    Additionally, you have more than a bit of exercise ADD, I'd encourage you to pick a specific goal and a specific program to help you get to that goal.

    Popular basic programs are Starting strength for lifting and C25K for running. But any program you're not running at least 2 days a week, is probably NOT contributing to any goal or progression. It may provide minor General fitness improvement, but you're not going to progress in any meaningful way.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    Being "toned" for most people means having mid- to mid-low bodyfat with some muscle definition. Having muscle definition requires having a muscle base. Your best bet for doing that is with a progressive resistance program such as bodyweight work, TRX-type work, or lifting weights, or a combo. Cardio resistance will help build some muscle in beginners but very quickly that dies out and it's really just cardio. Furthermore, swinging weights around is more likely to be hard on your joints than would a proper progressive lifting program, which you were not doing with your weekly barbell day.
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    edited April 2018
    Ok well I can give you some information that might help, maybe?

    Day 1: Pilates- obviously more of core work class 60min followed the same day by 90min dance class, but I don't burn much in that one always so I don't count it.

    Day 2: Cardio Resistance-60min 3 long sets with cardio bursts and strength sets. Cardio moves are basically kickboxing and some body weight like burpees. Weights if squatting I use 30lbs total. For arms around 20 total.

    Day 3: Cycle-60mins can include tabata training and hills for more strength.

    Day 4: HIIT-45mins in the style of "insanity" so it's not probably the real deal HIIT i'm guessing. A ton of burpeess, jumping and lunges. Mostly body weight in that sense with lighter weights added in. No more than 10lbs.

    Day 5: Cardio mix 60mins I start out jogging 10 mins and go into another circuit set up of arms, legs and cardio. 1 min each 3x in 3 different sets. Again my weight used is similar to day 2.

    I give myself 2 rest days but I'm not sedentary, I still stay active. I don't run because I hate it and thats why I add in cycling instead also it's easier on my knee joints. So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    *I do track with a heart rate monitor and my average calories burned are about 2k a week.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    Ok well I can give you some information that might help, maybe?

    Day 1: Pilates- obviously more of core work class 60min followed the same day by 90min dance class, but I don't burn much in that one always so I don't count it.

    Day 2: Cardio Resistance-60min 3 long sets with cardio bursts and strength sets. Cardio moves are basically kickboxing and some body weight like burpees. Weights if squatting I use 30lbs total. For arms around 20 total.

    Day 3: Cycle-60mins can include tabata training and hills for more strength.

    Day 4: HIIT-45mins in the style of "insanity" so it's not probably the real deal HIIT i'm guessing. A ton of burpeess, jumping and lunges. Mostly body weight in that sense with lighter weights added in. No more than 10lbs.

    Day 5: Cardio mix 60mins I start out jogging 10 mins and go into another circuit set up of arms, legs and cardio. 1 min each 3x in 3 different sets. Again my weight used is similar to day 2.

    I give myself 2 rest days but I'm not sedentary, I still stay active. I don't run because I hate it and thats why I add in cycling instead also it's easier on my knee joints. So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    *I do track with a heart rate monitor and my average calories burned are about 2k a week.

    I think if you want to get "toned" you'll need to do something to build muscle, and have a calorie deficit. So no, I don't think you need to do more cardio.

  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    edited April 2018
    jemhh wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    Are you trolling us? Everything you listed, with the exception of pilates, is cardio.

    No, not at all! haha I was only asking because Stannmann mentioned earlier needing to run 2 days a week so I was genuinely curious if this counted or not!

    I had a gut feeling I need to add a serious weight day to the mix instead of HIIT or something of the like. Do you think switching those would be a good place to start?

    But I was asking because I was hoping that maybe all this would result in a miracle 6 pack. When I stopped lifting my 1 day a week a year ago it was fine, up until a few months ago when I think I lost that muscle and it turned to fat. I'm not expecting to be Jillian Michaels, just a lean "toned" where you can kinda see some muscles look.

    I appreciate all your replies! This is something I've wanted to ask about for a while but was too nervous to. :)
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    Are you trolling us? Everything you listed, with the exception of pilates, is cardio.

    No, not at all! haha I was only asking because Stannmann mentioned earlier needing to run 2 days a week so I was genuinely curious if this counted or not!

    I had a gut feeling I need to add a serious weight day to the mix instead of HIIT or something of the like. But I was asking because I was hoping that maybe all this would result in a miracle 6 pack. When I stopped lifting my 1 day a week a year ago it was fine, up until a few months ago when I think I lost that muscle and it turned to fat. I'm not expecting to be Jillian Michaels, just a lean toned look.

    I appreciate all your replies! This is something I've wanted to ask about for a while but was too nervous to. :)

    He mean running as in doing, following, etc. Similar to how you say "the engine is running". It's not an engine jogging down the street. It's an engine doing the work it's supposed to do.
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    jemhh wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    Are you trolling us? Everything you listed, with the exception of pilates, is cardio.

    No, not at all! haha I was only asking because Stannmann mentioned earlier needing to run 2 days a week so I was genuinely curious if this counted or not!

    I had a gut feeling I need to add a serious weight day to the mix instead of HIIT or something of the like. But I was asking because I was hoping that maybe all this would result in a miracle 6 pack. When I stopped lifting my 1 day a week a year ago it was fine, up until a few months ago when I think I lost that muscle and it turned to fat. I'm not expecting to be Jillian Michaels, just a lean toned look.

    I appreciate all your replies! This is something I've wanted to ask about for a while but was too nervous to. :)

    He mean running as in doing, following, etc. Similar to how you say "the engine is running". It's not an engine jogging down the street. It's an engine doing the work it's supposed to do.

    Ok that makes more sense! I'm following now, I swear. :D
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    jemhh wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    So you think I need to add more cardio in?

    Are you trolling us? Everything you listed, with the exception of pilates, is cardio.

    No, not at all! haha I was only asking because Stannmann mentioned earlier needing to run 2 days a week so I was genuinely curious if this counted or not!

    I had a gut feeling I need to add a serious weight day to the mix instead of HIIT or something of the like. But I was asking because I was hoping that maybe all this would result in a miracle 6 pack. When I stopped lifting my 1 day a week a year ago it was fine, up until a few months ago when I think I lost that muscle and it turned to fat. I'm not expecting to be Jillian Michaels, just a lean toned look.

    I appreciate all your replies! This is something I've wanted to ask about for a while but was too nervous to. :)

    What I said was if you're not RUNNING a program at least 2 days a week, you're not doing the program.

    You're doing something different every day. You need to pick something and do it 2-3 days a week.
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »
    You are doing a lot of cardio, some cardio with weights, but I wouldn't consider that strength work. There is nothing wrong with that but it sounds like it isn't in line with your goals. You might retain some muscle that way eating in a deficit but to build it, it will be minimal.

    What are your stats? Diet wise, if you have weight to lose you want to eat in a deficit, get adequate protein and follow a progressive strength training program for best chance of muscle retention. If you are at a good weight for your height but want to work on body composition (add a little here, lean a little there).. look into recomposition.. so eating at maintenance and lifting.

    Here is a list of lifting programs if you are interested:

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    This is awesome, thank you sardelsa!

    I am 5'7 and under 120# ideally I only want to lose 5 vanity pounds but add muscle. So I think recomposition is exactly what I need! I will definitely look into those links, I really never thought about that angle before.
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    Ok so I'm not looking to beef up, I'm a female with an "ectomorph" build and just want to tone up have some sort of muscle definition and not put on weight. I've been on a 5x a week gym routine for a couple years. I would say my fittest was doing this:

    Day 1: Pilates, Day 2: Insanity Day 3: Cycle Day 4: Barbell Day 5: Cardio resistance

    Well I switched things up and I've gained weight and inches (diet is partly to blame). I've basically replaced Barbell with a HIIT class, that was it. BUT I gave up barbell because it's hard on my joints and I just overall hate it. I like cardio and thought the added weights would still suffice.

    Am I doing it wrong? Do I need to just suck it up and become BFF's again with an ice pack and add in barbell?

    1. Somatypes are a myth created by a psychologist looking at personality types. Ignore anything that tells you that you need to train or eat a certain way based on ectomorph, mesomorph, etc.

    2. It sounds like you're trying to do a recomp? Reshaping your body without changing your weight? That kind of training takes a long time and very careful control of how you eat and train. Since losing fat and gaining muscle tend to be two very different approaches, be sure that you know what you want to do so that you can find the best way to achieve it. Otherwise you could end up spinning your wheels with a plan that can't work. There's a good thread on recomp here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat Check it out and be sure that's what you are aiming for.

    3. Building muscle requires progressive overload. This means that you need to add weight to your routine in increments over time. It doesn't sound like this is something you're doing with the routine you've described. Don't just wing it. There are some really great programs already built to help you do this. Some of them are even free: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    4. Are you doing "something like Insanity" or are you doing the actual Insanity program? Insanity isn't built to be run one day a week with all of this other stuff alongside it. If you're using a program, do it the way it was written (unless you need to make changes to accommodate injuries and such, obvs). If you're not using a program, and you want to gain muscle or recomp, then you should probably use one instead of making one up. Most of us don't have the expertise to build our own programs and there are so many prebuilt ones already available.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    Ok so I'm not looking to beef up, I'm a female with an "ectomorph" build and just want to tone up have some sort of muscle definition and not put on weight. I've been on a 5x a week gym routine for a couple years. I would say my fittest was doing this:

    Day 1: Pilates, Day 2: Insanity Day 3: Cycle Day 4: Barbell Day 5: Cardio resistance

    Well I switched things up and I've gained weight and inches (diet is partly to blame). I've basically replaced Barbell with a HIIT class, that was it. BUT I gave up barbell because it's hard on my joints and I just overall hate it. I like cardio and thought the added weights would still suffice.

    Am I doing it wrong? Do I need to just suck it up and become BFF's again with an ice pack and add in barbell?

    1. Somatypes are a myth created by a psychologist looking at personality types. Ignore anything that tells you that you need to train or eat a certain way based on ectomorph, mesomorph, etc.

    2. It sounds like you're trying to do a recomp? Reshaping your body without changing your weight? That kind of training takes a long time and very careful control of how you eat and train. Since losing fat and gaining muscle tend to be two very different approaches, be sure that you know what you want to do so that you can find the best way to achieve it. Otherwise you could end up spinning your wheels with a plan that can't work. There's a good thread on recomp here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat Check it out and be sure that's what you are aiming for.

    3. Building muscle requires progressive overload. This means that you need to add weight to your routine in increments over time. It doesn't sound like this is something you're doing with the routine you've described. Don't just wing it. There are some really great programs already built to help you do this. Some of them are even free: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    4. Are you doing "something like Insanity" or are you doing the actual Insanity program? Insanity isn't built to be run one day a week with all of this other stuff alongside it. If you're using a program, do it the way it was written (unless you need to make changes to accommodate injuries and such, obvs). If you're not using a program, and you want to gain muscle or recomp, then you should probably use one instead of making one up. Most of us don't have the expertise to build our own programs and there are so many prebuilt ones already available.


    And even the people that do, generally take one off the shelf and tweak it rather than entirely reinventing the wheel.

    Back to the original question.

    If you like yoga/pilates/bodyweight/gymnastics, there's no reason you couldn't run a quality 3-4 day a week progressive bodyweight program. And there are some in the linked discussion.

    It's not going to make you strong as fast or in exactly the same way as a dumbbell or barbell program, but you can get plenty strong.

    But for now, pick a program and stick with it 3-4 days a week for at least 6 months. On your off/rest days, it's ok to be active, but don't push as hard.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    You are doing a lot of cardio, some cardio with weights, but I wouldn't consider that strength work. There is nothing wrong with that but it sounds like it isn't in line with your goals. You might retain some muscle that way eating in a deficit but to build it, it will be minimal.

    What are your stats? Diet wise, if you have weight to lose you want to eat in a deficit, get adequate protein and follow a progressive strength training program for best chance of muscle retention. If you are at a good weight for your height but want to work on body composition (add a little here, lean a little there).. look into recomposition.. so eating at maintenance and lifting.

    Here is a list of lifting programs if you are interested:

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    This is awesome, thank you sardelsa!

    I am 5'7 and under 120# ideally I only want to lose 5 vanity pounds but add muscle. So I think recomposition is exactly what I need! I will definitely look into those links, I really never thought about that angle before.

    Ok you are technically underweight. At this point if you lose any more weight, you do not have the muscle base to support it and believe me you will not be happy with the results (been there, done that). You will look thin but not defined, you will probably lose even more muscle in the process if you lose those 5 lbs.

    Just for reference, I am the same height as you but over 20lbs heavier. Muscle helps. I would actually recommend you think about gaining weight at some point if you want to really improve your body composition. Recomposition is a good idea for someone at the mid to high BMI with a higher bodyfat% but for someone as light and lean as you, the results won't be as great. If you aren't ready to gain weight that is fine, but you will need to adjust your expectations on what you can expect at this point.

    Good catch. I misread that as 5'1.

  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    Thank you so much diannethegeek, I think you nailed it!

    I'm not doing Insanity exactly, I just said that because it's very similar. The fact is all these classes are gym classes I don't usually do things on my own so I rely on an actual class. I did the real Insanity class until it turned into "HIIT" and then into "CRT" which i'm not sure how accurately titled they are. But no, it is definitely not the real Insanity program.

    I think I need to focus on your #2 point and look more into recomposition and then look at everything again. I didn't realize that's what I was going for, but that's exactly it.
  • jemhh
    jemhh Posts: 14,261 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »

    But I was asking because I was hoping that maybe all this would result in a miracle 6 pack. When I stopped lifting my 1 day a week a year ago it was fine, up until a few months ago when I think I lost that muscle and it turned to fat. I'm not expecting to be Jillian Michaels, just a lean "toned" where you can kinda see some muscles look.

    I appreciate all your replies! This is something I've wanted to ask about for a while but was too nervous to. :)

    If you don't have visible abs at your height/weight, it's because you don't have a sufficient muscle base. Eat more and build some muscle. It will take a long time so you'll have to be patient.
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    You are doing a lot of cardio, some cardio with weights, but I wouldn't consider that strength work. There is nothing wrong with that but it sounds like it isn't in line with your goals. You might retain some muscle that way eating in a deficit but to build it, it will be minimal.

    What are your stats? Diet wise, if you have weight to lose you want to eat in a deficit, get adequate protein and follow a progressive strength training program for best chance of muscle retention. If you are at a good weight for your height but want to work on body composition (add a little here, lean a little there).. look into recomposition.. so eating at maintenance and lifting.

    Here is a list of lifting programs if you are interested:

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    This is awesome, thank you sardelsa!

    I am 5'7 and under 120# ideally I only want to lose 5 vanity pounds but add muscle. So I think recomposition is exactly what I need! I will definitely look into those links, I really never thought about that angle before.

    Ok you are technically underweight. At this point if you lose any more weight, you do not have the muscle base to support it and believe me you will not be happy with the results (been there, done that). You will look thin but not defined, you will probably lose even more muscle in the process if you lose those 5 lbs.

    Just for reference, I am the same height as you but over 20lbs heavier. Muscle helps. I would actually recommend you think about gaining weight at some point if you want to really improve your body composition. Recomposition is a good idea for someone at the mid to high BMI with a higher bodyfat% but for someone as light and lean as you, the results won't be as great. If you aren't ready to gain weight that is fine, but you will need to adjust your expectations on what you can expect at this point.

    Good to know sardelsa! You are definitely goals, so I appreciate all the honesty. It might be challenging to gain weight for me mentally, but I think I would be happier all around with results, etc. I know it would probably make me seem leaner in the long run. I've been looking into adding a lot more protein in my diet as well since I am super low on that. It's a lot to change, but this is good, I need somewhere to start!
  • sardelsa
    sardelsa Posts: 9,812 Member
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    You are doing a lot of cardio, some cardio with weights, but I wouldn't consider that strength work. There is nothing wrong with that but it sounds like it isn't in line with your goals. You might retain some muscle that way eating in a deficit but to build it, it will be minimal.

    What are your stats? Diet wise, if you have weight to lose you want to eat in a deficit, get adequate protein and follow a progressive strength training program for best chance of muscle retention. If you are at a good weight for your height but want to work on body composition (add a little here, lean a little there).. look into recomposition.. so eating at maintenance and lifting.

    Here is a list of lifting programs if you are interested:

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    This is awesome, thank you sardelsa!

    I am 5'7 and under 120# ideally I only want to lose 5 vanity pounds but add muscle. So I think recomposition is exactly what I need! I will definitely look into those links, I really never thought about that angle before.

    Ok you are technically underweight. At this point if you lose any more weight, you do not have the muscle base to support it and believe me you will not be happy with the results (been there, done that). You will look thin but not defined, you will probably lose even more muscle in the process if you lose those 5 lbs.

    Just for reference, I am the same height as you but over 20lbs heavier. Muscle helps. I would actually recommend you think about gaining weight at some point if you want to really improve your body composition. Recomposition is a good idea for someone at the mid to high BMI with a higher bodyfat% but for someone as light and lean as you, the results won't be as great. If you aren't ready to gain weight that is fine, but you will need to adjust your expectations on what you can expect at this point.

    Good to know sardelsa! You are definitely goals, so I appreciate all the honesty. It might be challenging to gain weight for me mentally, but I think I would be happier all around with results, etc. I know it would probably make me seem leaner in the long run. I've been looking into adding a lot more protein in my diet as well since I am super low on that. It's a lot to change, but this is good, I need somewhere to start!

    Hey no problem. Believe me I have been there, it's hard and slow but the results are worth it.

    You can find my progress in the thread Dianne posted above (pg. 115), also here is a thread with some of my results, they don't include my current bulk progress but it will give you an idea of where I started and what I've done.

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10536832/bulking-and-cutting-progress/p1
  • lectriceye
    lectriceye Posts: 24 Member
    sardelsa wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    lectriceye wrote: »
    sardelsa wrote: »
    You are doing a lot of cardio, some cardio with weights, but I wouldn't consider that strength work. There is nothing wrong with that but it sounds like it isn't in line with your goals. You might retain some muscle that way eating in a deficit but to build it, it will be minimal.

    What are your stats? Diet wise, if you have weight to lose you want to eat in a deficit, get adequate protein and follow a progressive strength training program for best chance of muscle retention. If you are at a good weight for your height but want to work on body composition (add a little here, lean a little there).. look into recomposition.. so eating at maintenance and lifting.

    Here is a list of lifting programs if you are interested:

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10332083/which-lifting-program-is-the-best-for-you/p1

    This is awesome, thank you sardelsa!

    I am 5'7 and under 120# ideally I only want to lose 5 vanity pounds but add muscle. So I think recomposition is exactly what I need! I will definitely look into those links, I really never thought about that angle before.

    Ok you are technically underweight. At this point if you lose any more weight, you do not have the muscle base to support it and believe me you will not be happy with the results (been there, done that). You will look thin but not defined, you will probably lose even more muscle in the process if you lose those 5 lbs.

    Just for reference, I am the same height as you but over 20lbs heavier. Muscle helps. I would actually recommend you think about gaining weight at some point if you want to really improve your body composition. Recomposition is a good idea for someone at the mid to high BMI with a higher bodyfat% but for someone as light and lean as you, the results won't be as great. If you aren't ready to gain weight that is fine, but you will need to adjust your expectations on what you can expect at this point.

    Good to know sardelsa! You are definitely goals, so I appreciate all the honesty. It might be challenging to gain weight for me mentally, but I think I would be happier all around with results, etc. I know it would probably make me seem leaner in the long run. I've been looking into adding a lot more protein in my diet as well since I am super low on that. It's a lot to change, but this is good, I need somewhere to start!

    Hey no problem. Believe me I have been there, it's hard and slow but the results are worth it.

    You can find my progress in the thread Dianne posted above (pg. 115), also here is a thread with some of my results, they don't include my current bulk progress but it will give you an idea of where I started and what I've done.

    community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10536832/bulking-and-cutting-progress/p1

    Wow, that is amazing! Thank you! It does put things in perspective when you see results/pictures vs. numbers. I still get caught on numbers and i'm trying to change that.
This discussion has been closed.