Question:
Remind me how you tone, please

Is it more reps with less weight that tones, and fewer reps with more weight that builds bulk? Or the other way around? I never can remember. Specifically, what I'd like to do is reduce the softball-sized spheres of fat that hang down and *completely cover* my elbow joints. (I try to avoid self-loathing, as nothing good comes of it, but I have to say "YUCK!!! These balls of fat make me sick!!!") I still have over 100 pounds to lose (have lost 80) so it's not just skin. So maybe there's still some hope for toning. Thanks.    — Kim A. (posted on April 14, 2003)

April 14, 2003
Hi, I understand where you're coming from completely. I get this question all the time (I'm an athletic trainer student), To tone up you do more REPS with less WEIGHTS. A set 3 or 4 with about 15 reps each(depending on your threshold) should work. Remember, after you get done with a set take a quick, few second breather, then start your next set. Hope that helps...Good luck.
   — shawna M.

April 14, 2003
Great! Thanks for asking this question. I just started to try and tone my arms and thought I had it right on what to do. I'm glad to see someone who knows what they are talking about answered this so I can be sure I'm doing things right. Thanks!
   — Dee ,.

April 15, 2003
Remember that fat and muscle are two different things and building one does not make the other go away. You cannot tone away fat, also building muscle will not necessarily reduce the redundant skin. Then, with lifting weights, the last few should be tough. If you can do 3 sets of 15 and not work very hard, your weights are not heavy enough and you need to up the weight. Women are not going to bulk up without steriods so don't worry about that. Use a weight heavy enough to make you work and increase the weight when it starts to get easy (or not as hard). Good luck
   — Sunny S.

April 15, 2003
Doing more reps of lighter weight will build tone and endurance. But, all the weight training in the world won't get rid of fat. You need to combine it with cardio to get max results. Also, don't worry about bulking up...like a previous poster said, women don't bulk up without using steroids or something like that.
   — Brittany C.