Need support for toning!

chanrahan2

Hey everyone! I am getting married in July and have just been going through some pictures and I hate all of them! I have had low self-esteem for a while now and looking at thoe pictures did not help!  I am just looking for some support and/or tips on how to get more toned so I don't end up hating my wedding pictures! What are you guys doing to get into shape???

Thanks so much in advance! Any tips/support is welcome!

kristinanddan

Well first, you can't get "toned" - toned refers to a contraction of the muscles.

 

My point in saying that is, are you trying to lose weight or improve your muscle definition or both? If you're at a happy weight but feeling out of shape, I suggest weight training and some cardio. If you're also looking to lose weight you'll need to evaluate the correct number of calories you should be eating a day as well.

AngelaBaker87

I'm going to start toning after the Holidays! No point in trying before then with all the tasty food! =p

J&K10910

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_need-support-toning?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:4d57bb99-feaa-41bf-b670-8da39cac5387Post:4ff935d5-fc3f-4b92-bce8-c2025d071ccf">Re: Need support for toning!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need support for toning! : Ditto! Cardio with weight training (low weight, high reps) and a healthy diet are my go-to's. I've also found yoga really whips my arms into shape. Good luck!
Posted by Jaridds68[/QUOTE]

No.  Low weight, high reps, is a myth.  if you want to build muscle (which, combined with fat loss is what gives you a more toned look) you  need to lift enough weight to be able to do about 10-12 reps, not many more.

Jaridds68

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_need-support-toning?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:4d57bb99-feaa-41bf-b670-8da39cac5387Post:d8e1d745-9de2-4666-96f6-2b4de2b971f1">Re: Need support for toning!</a>:
[QUOTE]I suggest weight training and some cardio. If you're also looking to lose weight you'll need to evaluate the correct number of calories you should be eating a day as well.
Posted by kristinanddan[/QUOTE]

Ditto! Cardio with weight training (low weight, high reps) and a healthy diet are my go-to's. I've also found yoga really whips my arms into shape. Good luck!

petite+engineer

An even easier fix: figure out how to look good in photos.

I was a little frustrated with my engagement photos, because it looked like I have a small belly. However, I noticed that it was because my FI had his hand on my waist and pulled my shirt awkwardly. Also, just where his hand was drawing attention to my trouble spots. Take photos together so figure out how to stand together so that the attention is drawn to your best features.

Second, if you haven't already bought your dress, take pictures when you go shopping. Several stores would not let me, but I told them it was a dealbreaker and that always seemed to work. No photos, no business. Once I got home and looked at the photos, I saw things about some of the dresses I never noticed in the mirror. For example, a belt that accented my waist cut me in half and made my hips look huge. At one store (where we got the dress), my mom brought a laptop so we could look at the photos while we were still at the store. I'm glad we did!

MerAndTrick

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[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Need support for toning! : No.  Low weight, high reps, is a myth.  if you want to build muscle (which, combined with fat loss is what gives you a more toned look) you  need to lift enough weight to be able to do about 10-12 reps, not many more.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

<div>ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!!!  Even 10-12 is a high rep if you are really pushing weight to the max.  Sometimes push the weight up and try for only 3-5 reps.  You WILL see results... you WILL NOT get bulky.</div>

acprucefinneran

Looks like we are in the same boat. I am also getting married in July and trying to get in shape. All my friends are poo-hooing it because I am very thin, but this last year while completeing graduate school gained 20 lbs. No one else can tell because they aren't seeing me try to put on my favorite pair of jeans that no longer fit my fat bottom.
I used to be a runner (before I started grad school),so I'm trying to get back into it. Right now I'm running a slow (or walking, if I'm not in the mood to run) 2 miles. I run about 3 times a week. Running works all of your muscles and is good for your lungs and heart. I don't recommend running on the street because it's hard on you knees. On the other days I use 2lb weights and do some shadow boxing and other weight lifting, also with some sit-ups, and a little cardio (dancing around my living room, jump roping, etc). If you can afford ZUMBA classes or kick boxing, I highly recommend those as well because they are fun.
I also have The BIggest Loser dvd, and that's pretty good. It's a lot of lunges that work your gluts and cardio.

Best of luck! It's really hard to stay motivated some days, but you can do it. The results will come, you just have to be pacient. If you can, get your fiance to start working out with you. It makes a big difference when you have someone to work out wth.