In Opposition to Yesterday's Post... Can You Shape and Tone Without Losing Any Weight??

OF COURSE YOU CAN!!!  

I was asked this question this morning.... "Can you tone without losing weight?"

  

First off, it's a calories in/ calories out kinda thing.   I suggest, just as I posted in yesterday's blog  about losing weight, that you keep track of EVERYTHING you eat, but in addition...keep track of the exercises/activities that you do, THEN you can then figure out how many calories you are excerting vs. how many you are taking in.  Google search for how many calories burned per activity that you do... google search how many calories in what you eat.  It may take a little time, but it is a one time thing to search, then you will just know.  

MAKE SURE THAT YOU EAT WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO ACHEIVE HEALTH AND FITNESS!!  Foods like lean protien, low saturated fat, whole fiber carbs, fruit, lots and lots of vegetables and don't forget healthy oils:  olive oil, fish oil, avocado oil, etc... If you eat right, you will be able to maintain your weight as you tone your muscles. Remember, that as you build muscle you lose fat and build muscle definition. If you lose muscle, you will lose weight!!

• The best way to tone and shape up is to do weight training. You don't have to pound super heavy weights...  Do some moderate weights (weights you can lift, but that take a bit of effort to do so), use dumbbells and follow a video at home or maybe in a class at the gym... use the machines at the gym....  Check out my blog for exercises that I have already posted.  I have videos for each exercise to help demonstrate the moves.  Do about 12 to 15 repetitions of each exercise, and three sets of each.
• Try this website for full length videos as well as mini workouts if you need some inspiration and instruction...  (of course, please check out my schedule of classes and take one... or more... of my classes!! http://stayfitwithjudi.blogspot.com/p/schedule-of-classes.html) 
• http://www.exercisetv.tv/workout-videos/

• Some people say not to do so much cardio if you are NOT trying to lose weight.  However, cardio fitness is vital to your heart health, as well as your muscles!   Just remember that ratio of calories in/out.

•  I suggest doing your weight training before your cardio. The idea is that when you are finished lifting weights, your body is ready to burn fat, which is a vital part in the process of muscle building!!  Come to the gym too early for your cardio class and do some circuit training...  take a walk, jog or run after you do your weights in your living room...  skip rope.. swim...  you CAN do it!  Make the time.. you will feel better, stronger, healthier... AND you will look awesome in the process!!

• DON'T FORGET THE CORE WORK OUT!!  You can finish up with some core exercises...  check out my previous posts for some core work!  http://stayfitwithjudi.blogspot.com/2011/02/work-those-obliques.html http://stayfitwithjudi.blogspot.com/2011/02/finishing-up-core-exercises-but-first.html