Getting toned and lean

It's really hard for women to look bulky, and even fitness models don't look like She-ra when they're not flexed.

In addition to plenty of cardio, I do Yoga and Pilates and am quite pleased with the results. You don't necessarily need to "lift" to build muscle!

I have always been advised if you are concerned about bulking up, then to use lighter weights and more reps. Currently I am a wimp (and have a right arm injury)... so I use 5 lb weights. Bicep curls I will do15-20 reps until I feel a burn, then rest 30 seconds and repeat the set about 3x (that's a start for me anyway). I had a trainer teach me a straight curl and each month I would change it up a bit to keep my body from getting used to it. So the next month on the curl I would not bring my hand straight up but would turn my hand sideways (like you were shaking hands). Also for upper body - tricep work either on the coffee table doing dips or with weights overhead and I hold both 5lb weights together in both hands over my head (can't do those right now - right arm, no overhead) shoulder flys etc, just the usual upper body.
Hope that helps, hard to describe in writing, hope I am kind of clear.
Kelle

I've been lifting heavy for a year and I have yet to bulk. Fitness models don't look bulky especially when they aren't flexing, just look at Jenna Renee, and they lift heavy. I follow men's lifting routines.

Lifting light weight for high reps is pretty much outdated advice and accomplishes nothing.

This.

You don't lift a barbell or a couple of heavy dumbbells and suddenly look like the Incredible Hulk. It doesn't work like that. Gaining serious muscle, especially as a woman, requires hard work and dedication. I wish it was as easy as some women seem to think it is.

Don't be afraid to lift weights! You will not get bulky. You have to eat a lot of calories to build up that kind of muscle mass & be on something if you are a woman. I lift heavy from the machines at my gym every time I go, in addition to cardio. I do 3 sets of 10 reps of the heaviest I can stand. I just 3 months of working out, I have toned up & my strength is incredible compared to what I could lift when I started. It really gets your heart rate going too, so it burns calories!

Don't be afraid to lift weights! You will not get bulky. You have to eat a lot of calories to build up that kind of muscle mass & be on something if you are a woman. I lift heavy from the machines at my gym every time I go, in addition to cardio. I do 3 sets of 10 reps of the heaviest I can stand. I just 3 months of working out, I have toned up & my strength is incredible compared to what I could lift when I started. It really gets your heart rate going too, so it burns calories!

Agree! I have found that I burn just as many calories lifting weights as I do cardio and it's amazing to see what your body can do!

It's hard for a man or woman to bulk up, but both can bulk up, if that's the look they are looking for. It takes time to bulk up. Bodybuilding takes time.

Some people can get ripped in 90 days doing Supreme 90 Day or P90x. Some people have to do more than one round to get ripped.

Ripped doesn't equal bulky or bodybuilder's body.

Maybe you can try cardio/strength (cardio/sculpt) workouts. These help with the tone and lean look.

Do you workout to dvds? If you want solo weight training workouts, maybe you can try these workouts. They are men workouts. A woman is in the video as well. I have these workouts. I like Terry Simpson. He's a fun instructor. You can find these workouts on Amazon and Collagevideo

1. Abs Diet 2. Instructor Terry Simpson
2. Men's Health 15 Minute Workout. Instructor Terry Simpson
3. Belly Off: The Strength Training Routine: Instructor David Jack
4. Belly Off: The Body Weight Routine: Instructor David Jack