What size weights are the best for a woman to tone arms?

I am just getting into the cardio and strength training routine and currently I am using 5 pound weights in high reps... I am not seeing much in the way of results in my arms ( especially the waddle underneath my arms...) Is this a good size to continue with and it just takes time, or should I bump up the weights?

What kind of workouts are you doing? Are you working out to a workout dvd/vhs, the gym or on your own? I don't believe in lifting heavy, because I know that a person doesn't have to lift heavy to get results, so I would never suggest that to anyone.

I'm going to laugh when all the anti-lifting women have osteoporosis in their later years that could've been prevented from weight bearing activity.

:laugh:

and i just wanted to post a picture of a lady , ernestine shepherd, who's 75 and has been lifting heavy (and runs 10 miles a day) for 20 years



even though she's been at it 20 years she definitely doesnt have jillian's arms. i suppose that's because one can always look in the mirror and adapt their routine according to what results they want,

I am just getting into the cardio and strength training routine and currently I am using 5 pound weights in high reps... I am not seeing much in the way of results in my arms ( especially the waddle underneath my arms...) Is this a good size to continue with and it just takes time, or should I bump up the weights?

What kind of workouts are you doing? Are you working out to a workout dvd/vhs, the gym or on your own? I don't believe in lifting heavy, because I know that a person doesn't have to lift heavy to get results, so I would never suggest that to anyone.

What are you basing your "knowledge" on?

Her body and her own workouts........................................

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

That makes sense to a point ( I am almost 40 and have NEVER exercised before... so please excuse my ignorance... I dont want to "bulk" up... but do want to tone my muscles and make them well defined... I hope that makes sense...

Whoever said bodyweights exercises^.
Listen to them, its a great way to tone up.

Also, and I know Im very biased, but if there are any pole fitness classes near you, get yourself along. Its an amazing way to tone and build muscle. Ive just gotten to the point where my back and arms have suddenly 'popped' and are becoming noticeabley more muscular.

Pole fitness takes LOTS of strength. In fact the amount of strength it takes is much higher than some of standard exercises like bench press since balance is very important.



A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

If by "pole fitness" you mean exercise classes in which women simulate strippers, surely there must be workouts that are more dignified and less sexist.

By 'pole fitness' I mean classes in which both women AND men learn how to perform aerial acrobatics, dance gracefully and control their weight by learning how to hold it in ways you would probably think a bit impossible.
There is nothing remotely undignified or sexist, apart from people archaic attitudes towards pole as a form of exercise.

Seriously, tell me THIS is sexist and undignified:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfRUQ-fukOA

I also dont mind calling it 'pole dance' I dance, Im a dancer, being able to link dance and tricks takes work and skill, but thanks for people helping defend. Pole gets a bad rep, yet if a lot of people knew what it was like in terms of fitness they'd give it a go. We get a lot of men come to our classes once they realise how good it is for strength building (love the indian pole video of the guy shoulder mounting on that thick pole, damn!).

Anyway, I digress, but dont mock something until youve tried/know more about it, you might just learn something

I am using bands that way I have the option to shorten or lengthen as needed. I shut the top part into a door to do chin ups

I am using bands that way I have the option to shorten or lengthen as needed. I shut the top part into a door to do chin ups

The drawback of bands is that they are only a "progressive resistance" unit. What I mean by that is that when the bands are stretched the resistance increases, and as the bands contract they lose resistance. This only then applies force on the "concentric" contraction and none on the "eccentric" contraction. Eccentric contraction is necessary when trying to improve strength.