shouldn't you incoroperate other things into your workout ..

smkcx♥
smkcx♥ Posts: 317 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I know you can't target weight loss -- theres no such thing. But, my mom has lost a bit of weight, she walks everyday just about and her legs are tiny and in great shape, but her upperbody is alot bigger than her lower. She was complaining about it so I suggested maybe she could do stuff that worked her upper body and she said "when you walk you lose weight all over, i dont need to do other stuff theres no such thing as targeted weight loss so it doesnt matter, walking is just as good as doing anything else!"

which I know theres no such thing as targeted weight loss but you would think that doing stuff that engaged her upper body would atleast help? I'm not implying that my mom looks bad or anything, but it is noticable that her upperbody is larger than her lower (her upper arms & stomach are mostly) and she complains alot and since I myself am starting this lifestyle change im a bit curious myself.

So, is she right? is it a waste of time to do some crunches, and stuff for your arms? Thanks!

Replies

  • Dellie22
    Dellie22 Posts: 167 Member
    Through weight training, you can target a specific area.
  • mistresseeyore
    mistresseeyore Posts: 579 Member
    It's better to vary things up. Believe me, my Dad is a body builder and minored in Physical Education in college. If she doesn't take care of the top with toning, she will get wings and a belly flap.
  • kiwi1855
    kiwi1855 Posts: 218 Member
    Weight loss is all over, but TONING is what you are getting at. I can lose a bunch of weight by walking, but the baggy skin would be there, and the individual muscles would not be toned and in shape - only my legs! If you don't do any other exercise, you'll lose overall weight, yes, but the definition would certainly be lopsided - legs would be smaller and more defined, arms would not be any less "flabby" (trying to find a gentle way to put it, but can't really). Spot weight loss = NO, spot toning = YES!
  • smkcx♥
    smkcx♥ Posts: 317 Member
    okay, so since shes pretty much topped out in the weight department (134lbs on a 5'6 frame) by toning up her upper body it would help?

    so i should be doing things that engage my upper body as well, even tho I am 201lbs at 5'4 just so that when I do finally get down to a nice healthy weight, I will be ..nicely shaped (sorry can't find a good word?)
  • joshuamhort
    joshuamhort Posts: 81 Member
    While walking will help to reduce fat all over, just as any exercise would, it does not help tone the muscles all over. In order to tone the muscles, you need to work those particular muscles. It is amazing how a little bit of toning can change appearances.
  • smkcx♥
    smkcx♥ Posts: 317 Member
    thank you all for your responses, im definitely going to let her know & now I, myself know :D
  • kiwi1855
    kiwi1855 Posts: 218 Member
    Muscle has a higher metabolism overall than fat does. So while walking certainly is a great start, I would suggest doing other exercise to start toning, otherwise you'll get the loose skin effect happening if you have a lot to lose. As well, toning the muscle will help your metabolism overall and increase your rate of loss.
  • uLinx
    uLinx Posts: 148 Member
    Spot weight loss = NO, spot toning = YES!

    I wanted to reply to this post, until I saw this! SO WELL SAID!!!
  • Ashlea82
    Ashlea82 Posts: 191 Member
    even if she just carried some light hand weights when she walked it would help tone her arms
This discussion has been closed.

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