Do I have to do weights to achieve this goal?
Okay, I'm not overweight, am in a healthy bmi (but at the top end), but my tummy sticks out a bit and I really wanna get it so its flat and toned really. Just so you can see a leeeetle muscle definition?
My problem is I really do not like working out with weights ect.
I do a lot of exercise - I own 2 horses so looking after them and riding most days, also go to the gym a few times a week and cycle up and down to my boyfriends, (not far but coming home is a big big hill lol!)
So I figure I have to lose the fat on my belly, which I figure needs to go before you can see the toning anyway..but to tone it, do I have to do weights exercises, or would the combination of horses, cycling and the stuff like rowing machine, stepper machine and treadmeal at the gym do the job?
The simple answer: proper diet and exercise. Losing fat means taking in less calories than you expend in a day, and consuming what's colloquially called "clean" food.
Lean protein, low saturated fats, low refined sugars and processed flours.
Fat loss also occurs all over, not just in "trouble spots." Thus, one cannot JUST lose the fat in a particular part of the body by working out that one part to the exclusion of others.
Doing weights can strengthen muscles, but not necessarily make them bigger (without really calculating your nutritional intake). Since horseback riding engages the core muscles, they're probably pretty tough already but they're not going to poke out on their own and dissolve the layer of flesh that's on top of them. Calorie expenditure can be increased through exercise, whether that's cardio, weights, or other sports.
The big warning though is not to starve yourself. There is a bottom-end limit to the amount of calorie-deficit a body can handle in a day. Any greater difference in calories burned vs. calories consumed and the body can go into "starvation mode," which is holding onto everything it has left to protect itself, thinking that you're not going to feed it.
What crimson says is true, but I'd also add that 95% of people who dislike lifting weights just have a crappy (or no) routine.
... and I'm offended by the suggestion that I made that statistic up.
Yeah I am doing a calorie controlled diet as well, 1800 calories on non-workout days then 2200 calories on workout days as I'm tall and active even on non-workout days.
I've tried my own routines and also pump classes at the gym and I just don't like them because they hurt too much XD
Thankss, happier now cos I was feeling guilty for not doing weight exercises cos I wanna be toned but I really dislike it.
Original Post by ahrena_angel:
I've tried my own routines and also pump classes at the gym and I just don't like them because they hurt too much XD
Weight lifting shouldn't "hurt". If it does, then your form isn't good. If you are talking about soreness, that goes away after a few sessions, just like you were probably sore the first few times you went horseback riding.
It doesnt hurt right away, but like...after repeating it god knows how many times that you have to in the pump class it gets very hard work.
I can deal with the ache the day after but because I know its gonna be such hard work I really cannot be bothered..whereas I enjoy all the other exercise..the weights is a chore so its really hard to motivate myself?
I'm the opposite- I love strengthening exercises and HATE cardio. Jumping up and down, flopsweat, yukk.... Strengthening exercises have some cardio benefits,a nd I'm not LAZY, I'm on my feet, moving about, much of the day. My maintenance cals reflect that. I can't wait to start lifting heavy! (barbell for Christmas!)
Original Post by ahrena_angel:
It doesnt hurt right away, but like...after repeating it god knows how many times that you have to in the pump class it gets very hard work.
Heavy weight lifting (as in, the type that will be useful) shouldn't have more than 12 reps per set.
Lifting should be hard, but you need to know what type of pain is simply a sign that you are working your muscles and what means that you did something wrong (even if it doesn't show up in your first rep).
Yay, tomato, for barbells!
-shrugs- I dunno, I just did as I was told? and the first time I went she corrected the way I was doing it a few times ect..
But my main question really is can I have a toned tummy without doing weight exercises as long as I do other exercise? (once I've lost the flabby layer on top lol)
cos if I dont have to do it, I'd be so happy hehe!
Original Post by ahrena_angel:
-shrugs- I dunno, I just did as I was told? and the first time I went she corrected the way I was doing it a few times ect..
But my main question really is can I have a toned tummy without doing weight exercises as long as I do other exercise? (once I've lost the flabby layer on top lol
Yeah, there are many trainers at gyms who have no clue what they are doing. Not your fault - just don't judge all of weight lifting by that class, that's all.
It depends on what you mean by "toned". Lose fat? All that takes is fat loss through a deficit. Increase muscle? You might get that from riding, but you would probably also benefit from lifting. But if you are doing the type of lifting that you've described, I'd guess you won't get much benefit from it.
what amethystgirl said. and besides there around hundreds, thousands of different ways to strength train even with weights. if there wasn't, lots of different programs wouldn't exist. all you have to do is find a good few that you like, but you have to give them a good go.
I will say... yes, from personal experience, you have to lift weights to see the tone in your tummy (along with many other things).
I used to be the same way. I would do cardio 6 x's a week, eat clean, etc. I noticed a difference doing this, but it was not until I added weight traning into my routine that I noticed the biggest difference.
Do some of the weights at the gym. Weight traning does not need to take up a lot of your time. Try doing 15 mintues on your arms one day, 15 minutes on your legs the next, back, chest, core, etc. I think the longer you do it and once the results start showing... you will start to love it.
Okay, I'll do a short cardio workout tomorrow then try some of the weight machines at the gym..Maybe the machines are more my thing than free weights?
There were so many repetitions with that class as well that I lost interest..I have a pretty short attention span, but I hold it doing cardio by constantly competing against myself
thanks :)
Original Post by ahrena_angel:
Okay, I'll do a short cardio workout tomorrow then try some of the weight machines at the gym..Maybe the machines are more my thing than free weights?
There were so many repetitions with that class as well that I lost interest..I have a pretty short attention span, but I hold it doing cardio by constantly competing against myself
Free weights are far better for you than machines - machines don't tend to replicate natural motions and put more stress on your joints. They have their place in injury rehab, but in general aren't the way to go.
edit to add: but if the machines seem less daunting, give them a try - I don't want to discourage you too much - just know that you'll want to graduate to free weights before too long
And like I said earlier, high reps isn't what you should be doing for weight loss anyway, so yet another reason to forget about that class.
^^^What amethystgirl said.
Yeah, you should be able to do heavy weights for low reps and not take too much time to complete a workout. It doesn't have to be take a long time and be boring.
Also, I find it exteremely challenging to compete against myself and try to lift heavier weights as I get stronger. It's part of having an actual weight routine instead of just "lifting weights"
With the riding and cycling, you probably already have great abs(strong core).
Everything I've read says that getting your abs to show is by dieting off the fat on top of them. Since you are at the top of the bmi healthy range, you could probably safely lose the extra bit of fat covering the abs. You need to get your body fat pretty low to see abs. Using your muscles by lifting weights is good for you but it doesn't have to be a pump class if you hate it. There are lots of exercises and activities that can make all your muscles strong and healthy. No need for torture, find something you like!
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