So with all the big fitness magazines advertising how to ‘tone up’ in 6 weeks, or tummy ‘toning’ workouts its no wonder so many of us think we want to come to the gym or exercise to ‘tone’ up. In fact there is no such thing and I shall explain why.
Lean Muscles
When you picture what you believe to be a ‘toned’ physique what your actually seeing is strong lean muscles with low body fat. We all have the ability to strength our muscles by using weight training, which incorporated with a little cardio will gain that lean physique you are after.
A lot of women I have trained are shocked when I ask them to pick up a weight after they come to me to ‘tone’ up.
“Oh no. I don’t want to gain muscle and be big and bulky”
If I had a penny for everytime I have heard that I would be extremely rich indeed! I could go on for days but I shall keep it short and sweet- us girls simply do not have the hormones to grow huge bulky muscles like men do. Sure you see the women who have the bulging biceps and popping quads but this has come from a hell of a lot of hard work and often supplementation to gain this physique.
Weight Training
Lifting a few weights will actually help tighten your shape and make your limbs appear leaner, longer and bonus-increasing muscle increases your metabolism and aids in fat loss.
So building muscle not only helps you look better but also turns your body into a lean mean fat burning machine and so you can say yes to that tempting treat-guilt free!
Muscle=increased metabolism=more food!
Of course treats should be in moderation, I am not saying you can eat lots of cake and cookies and still look lean but it is ok to have that off-plan meal and not gain any weight as a result!
I hope this helps you understand the concept that we don’t ‘tone’ our muscles but instead gain lean, strong muscle and still keep our womanly shape! Trust me!
Hope you all have a great day and as always I would love to hear your feedback or any questions you may have. Head over to my instagram @scmfit for insights into my training and diet.
With love,
Sinead x
