Im too skinny!!

suzzi2704

Hi guys

I think I'm too skinny but I still want to use the gym as I'm a member at Esporta - so I was wondering what exercises I should do in the gym as I don't want to lose any more weight and I don't want to be all muscle woman!! I simply want a nice toned slim body and a good level of fitness (don't we all!!!).

The instructor recommended this -
5 min warm up on bike
20 mins on X trainer
10 minutes at 10mph on treadmill

THen - several resistance exercises - chest press, sitdown rower, sit ups etc etc
I find it all really tiring and am not very confident with the resistance stuff and enjoy cardio things more - what does anyone recommend for me????

Feisty_Fairy

Hi i am no expert but i was always told the cardio is what makes you burn fat and lose weight so i would think you would need to do less of that than anything.

good luck!

november

Hi Suzzi

I used to have the same issue when younger and used to go to the gym. I was advised to do resistance - mostly weights - with less repetitions and higher weights than someone would use who was trying to lose weight who would be doing more cardio.

This is a good few years ago but I did a aerobic class followed by weight machines.

I didn't turn into a muscle woman but I did end up with lovely toned arms and legs etc. and was very fit.

So your instructor is saying basically what mine said back then. I would stick with the resistance exercises as you are probably just not confident with them as they are not what you are used to yet.

Oh those were the days ........ I suppose I could always find a new gym :rotfl:

Justie

don't be scared of using weights - they don't put on bulk and they will keep you slim but build strength. Mass/bulk comes from eating more rather than doing weights and if you're overweight weights will give quicker inch loss than cardio. If you start upping your protein and eating loads AND doing weights then yes you'll bulk up but otherwise you'll just build lean muscles.

Whatever work out you're doing please make sure you're eating enough and enough of the right things to give you the energy to work out. Usual advice is carbs before (even if it's a banana) and protein within an hour afterwards to help your body recover. You're probably tired while working out from a mixture of your body getting used to new things and not having enough carbs onboard.

Pilates is also very good for building strength but keeping lean - if your core muscles are strong then you hold yourself well and it keeps you looking 'thin'.

Don't get obsessed with the scales - if you're toning up you will put on weight as muscle is heavier. Judge any results by clothing and how you look - you may find that although you're 'skinny' now you may find that your dress size will change but you'll look more in proportion. Whatever you do don't exercise to lose weight if you already think you're skinny...

And most of all enjoy it!