How can I get tone without getting BIG??

Mechie · 2011-07-01T11:51:57+00:00

I've always had this issue in the past...Whenever I hit the gym, unless I do only cardio...I always gain a lot of muscle and get "bulky" from any strength training...Is there any way to avoid that?? Does this have to do with how often you do strength training?? Or does it depends on how many rest-days in between?? I tried searching the forum but I don't see topic related to this. =(

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PolefitFanatic · 12/6/2011
@UTpoler - perfect! It's pretty difficult to build muscle - especially without trying. Nice pic.
vickiezoo · 12/6/2011
Sensualschimitar iam a veggie and tend to fill upm on carbs a lot as well as veggies, I also have a physical job and get hungry quickly if i don't stock up on carbs. Thats why I feel chunky.
Robyn West · 12/7/2011
I'm going to have to dissagree with a bunch of ladies on here (don't hate me!) but it is WAY too common a mistake I see in gyms for women to be lifting low with higher reps. This only really works if there is an aerobic element to it or if you are getting super specific with smaller muscles groups. How often do we see women lifting 5lb dumbells? Truth is, you should be aiming to fail at 12-15 reps if you're not looking to gain. Anything higher than that (for most muscles) and you're pretty much wasting your time. I would suggest you seek the help of a professional, like, a personal trainer. They are pricey, I know, but my advice would be to look at the local colleges and universities in your area. Most kinesiology students work part time as personal trainers to pay for school and charge a fraction of what a commercial gym would charge. Wouldn't you want someone who studies the human body and how it reacts to stimulus to help you figure out what to do instead of fad diet, a magazine or common misconceptions people believe? On a final note, there is something to be said for girls who have muscles. Muscles are sexy AND functional! Not only do they help you do all that crazy pole stuff but they also help keep you HEALTHY! And as we age, a person with a reasonable amount of muscle will do a lot better health wise than someone who is too skinny. Eat you carbs (complex, of course), protein and fats, drink LOTS of water and try to stay away from salt (you'll retain water around the muscle that can be mistaken for fat and make you look bigger than you are). Be proud and grateful for this beautiful healthy body you are lucky to enjoy :)
Porshka · 4/5/2012
Thank you, UTPoler!!! The misconception that you are going to get all huge is one of my biggest pet peeves. Also, I love Jamie Eason....
donnalee · 4/8/2012
http://localhostLinda-Hamilton-workout-T2.jpg Attempting to post a pic of muscles. Learning how to post pics today.
donnalee · 4/8/2012
Still learing. I uploaded a pic of Linda Hamilton's muscles from "The Terminator." And it did not appear in the thread where I wanted it. I wanted it to go under the muscles thread. I will get better at this.