[love_012]

i'm 26 years old, 5'5", 105 lbs, and a size zero. i'm also HORRIBLY out of shape. i've noticed that in the last couple of years, i'm still the same weight and size, but now everything is puddly and SOFT!! specifically, the middle region (tummy, thighs, butt)
i've never been great with working out; what's the best thing i can do to tone up without adding any bulky muscle? can anyone recommend a simple workout regiment to ease into?

[luckygirl83]

I've been doing squats in the shower (so I have no excuse not to since I take a shower or two everyday!). My bum and hamstrings need the exercise. My metabolism isn't what it used to be! I know what you mean about that puddly look. I never noticed the leg problem until I was standing between two mirrors in a store dressing room. My doctor says its not healthy to have weight in the butt-belly-hip area even if I am of below average weight.

[k2sealer]

Women don't typically have to worry a lot about building big bulky muscles from an exercise routine. Or, at least, MOST women. Start walking and really stretching your legs out so you can feel the muscles in the back of your thighs and butt working. Walking is the all time best exercise. Do a few crunches when you're watching TV. Maybe add in a couple of low weight dumb bells for your arms.

One caution.... Take your measurements and use that to gauge how fit you are. If you start working out, you will usually go up a few pounds because muscles weigh more than fat. But if you take your measurements first you can check that to see if you are improving, rather than freaking out when you gain a couple of pounds but are really just more toned.

[exotikittenx]

So glad you brought this up! I am thin, and I hate it when people say, "Why do you need to go to the gym?" "You don't need to exercise and can eat whatever you want!" Ummmm, no we can't! Even thin girls can be out of shape and people who think we don't need to exercise are ignorant.

Anyway, to answer your question, don't worry--- it takes A LOT to bulk up and it will not likely happen. I would limit cardio to about 30 minutes or so, because I"m guessing you don't want to lose weight.

Work the major muscle groups, you can do a few sets for each with free weights, squats, crunches, lunges, push ups. If you have access to a gym, I would suggest getting the advice from a personal trainer for maybe a couple of sessions to see what they would recommend for you personally. Good luck!

[aklein]

Originally Posted by k2sealer

Women don't typically have to worry a lot about building big bulky muscles from an exercise routine. Or, at least, MOST women. Start walking and really stretching your legs out so you can feel the muscles in the back of your thighs and butt working. Walking is the all time best exercise. Do a few crunches when you're watching TV. Maybe add in a couple of low weight dumb bells for your arms.

One caution.... Take your measurements and use that to gauge how fit you are. If you start working out, you will usually go up a few pounds because muscles weigh more than fat. But if you take your measurements first you can check that to see if you are improving, rather than freaking out when you gain a couple of pounds but are really just more toned.

Great advice. And I hate to nitpick here, but muscle and fat weight the same. A pound is a pound. Muscle is denser than fat and you can fit more muscle mass into an area that was previously fatty.

[whalenme]

I am smaller but I run all the time because I run races as often as possible. I did not want bulky muscles either so to stay in shape all I do is run 5-6 days a week and anywhere from 3-8 miles a day. I have never lifted weights before either. I do about 15 minutes of abs and maybe 30 push ups. Running has kept me in great shape and makes me look toned and in shape but not bulky.

[J Star]

I'm skinny fat too!
I suggest yoga.

[ashsin]

yoga is great.. and also walking.. i try to walk abt 2-3 miles abt 4 times a week and yoga abt twice a week.. yoga really helps with eveyrhting.. its like a wonder drug. u should try it

[CivicGirl]

I'm in the same boat as you and always am out-of-breath climbing a set of stairs (sad, I know). People have recommended not lifting weights, but instead doing cardio to help tone the body without bulking up. I've yet to do this on a regular basis yet... so no results to share.

[stevenash]

Originally Posted by luckygirl83

I've been doing squats in the shower (so I have no excuse not to since I take a shower or two everyday!).

This sounds so dangerous to me! Slippery tile, squats? I'd kill myself. You need to put a warning label on this post. :)

[artjen]

I've been the same way- thin but out of shape! The last couple years I've been going to the gym much more regularly, but still my butt could look better! I started training to run a half-marathon about a month ago so I'm hoping this will get me into better shape.

[bnjj]

I think Pilates may be good for you for toning up while not bulking up.

[luckygirl83]

Originally Posted by stevenash

This sounds so dangerous to me! Slippery tile, squats? I'd kill myself. You need to put a warning label on this post. :)

Hehehe. I agree. I do it before I turn the water on. It just motivates me to do it everyday!

[juxtapose]

pilates!!!

[ILoveMyBug]

Originally Posted by aklein

Great advice. And I hate to nitpick here, but muscle and fat weight the same. A pound is a pound. Muscle is denser than fat and you can fit more muscle mass into an area that was previously fatty.

This comes up on here all the time, and I can't help it, but it bugs me.
Yes a pound of something weighs the same as a pound of something else, because it's a pound! But that doesn't mean you'd have the same amount of solid mass to make that pound. If you had a block of fat and a block of muscle the same size, the muscle would weigh more.
You may as well say feathers weigh the same as lead because a pound of each weighs the same!