Gross, I think I'm skinny-fat.

[pandagirl]

I was once very athletic and toned from playing sports. Now, besides walking a bunch, I get no exercise and as a consequence, I've become skinny fat.

 

I'm relatively petite, so I'm not worried about my weight, but I feel like I have loose skin all over my body -- GROSS!

 

I need to tone up all over. Do you think pilates or yoga will do the trick?

[USMCHokie]

As always, I will recommend a regimen of basic weight training and cardio exercise. I don't think yoga/pilates alone will be enough for you to see the results you're looking for.

[threebyfate]

Depends on how your body reacts to physical exercise and if you want to get ripped or just toned. Your diet also matters. It also depends on how much self-discipline you have to maintain your exercise programs.

 

My routine is yoga/pilates and also stairs, on alternating days. Right now, I'm below pre-pregnancy weight and in better shape. Feel pretty good about life.

[threebyfate]

"pictures or ban" ~ threebyfate

For you? Not a hope in Hades.

[Leigh 87]

As always, I will recommend a regimen of basic weight training and cardio exercise. I don't think yoga/pilates alone will be enough for you to see the results you're looking for.

 

 

That is incorrect. I have seen women achieve great results through weight lifting - however, I also know women, including myself, who attain their desired results though Pilates and yoga alone.

 

Of course, HOKIE - that poster - will tell you that ALL women need to lift heavy weights regularly to attain their best results.

 

I disagree that lifting weights will get every women their best result. A lot of women get their best results through lifting heavy weights 2 - 3 days a week; but NOT ALL women.

 

 

I do not like developing my muscles, but that could be because I am already at my goal weight and body fat %, and so I only look to maintain my physique.

 

Yoga and Pilates are hard! Hokie should go do a bloody yoga and Pilates class 4 days a week or more, and see if he continues to think that it wont give women their ideal bodies.

 

Both Pilates and yoga and very hard work if you try hard- the beginners stuff is just that- begginners- but as you start the advanced exercises, YOGA AND PILATES and soooooo challenging, trust me!

 

 

It all depends on your body though. I AM NOT saying that heavy lifting 2 - 3 times a week will not be your best option; IT COULD be. However, Pi;ates and Yoga could be enough.

 

 

I have tried lifting heavy weights exclusively without Pilates, I have tried weights AND Pilates together, and I have tried JUST Pilates and Matt work and yoga together with NO heavy weights.

 

For me, I prefer the way I look with lots of Pilates, yoga, and running ( or another form of vigorous cardio).

 

Lastly - remember that no one on love shack can guess what will be best for your body; you are the only person who can know, so I suggest trying differnt methods out.

 

Lift heavy weights twice a week, work up to three times a week, and add in a pilates DVD a few days a week.

 

Then if you are not happy with your body, increase the amount of pilates you do - and invest in professional pilates AND yoga classes - and scale back the weight lifting.

[pandagirl]

I don't want to be "ripped," I just want to look FIT.

 

I used to go to the gym, and I'd do 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of weight lifting. I really don't like the gym, because I find it boring, but something's gotta give.

 

And yes, yoga CAN BE REALLY HARD! I can definitely see how some people get very, very toned and muscular from doing it regularly.

[whichwayisup]

Join a gym and get a trainer, if you're serious about getting back into shape.

 

OR, do brisk walks, yoga, and pick a up sport that you love to play (tennis, swimming, biking) to do 3 times a week.

 

And, you can also do little workouts at home. Sit ups, push ups every day and build up your endurance level.

[SmileFace]

New rules of lifting for women and pilates . Those two will so do the trick . No need for cardio since you dont need to lose weight but if you do a good 20 minute hiit work out while do you some good.

 

Good luck on what you decide to do

[Leigh 87]

Actually - sit up and crunches are bad, in my opinion. Pilates exercises, such as the pilates 100's, or abdominal planks ( which can be done for the middle and side areas), are some examples of the abdominal exercises that I think every one SHOULD do.

 

 

And I also think cardio is important - it is healthy to take at least one brisk walk per day, just to get moving; it is never good to just sit down, and not walk around or do anything. Running erands and daily life is not enough in my opinion - I think a 20 min walk every day is a good amount, and more if you have special inerests and goals, such as weight loss or perfecting things ( some people find their bodies need more intense cardio to get optimal results)

 

There are people who think you should only lift heavy weights and forget cardio, where as many people like me do not think heavy lifting is necessary for every person.

 

I am not against any form of exercise, besides crunches lol! I am against dogma though, and feel you have to try what works for you:)

 

YOu will find out what works, we can only suggest things that MAY work.