do i lift heavier weights or not?

[Tealtop1]

i keep hearing different things.

smaller weights with high reps= tighter toned muscles

bigger weights with less reps= burn more calories, more muscle definition, burn more fat

i'm naturally athletic looking so my arms are already too defined. So does that mean i should use small weights since i want my arms small?

but if i do that does that mean i don't work out as effectively since i'm not burning as much?

what do i do if i just want strong toned feminine arms?

[Anonymous]

There's no such thing as "toned" muscle. Muscle is what it is. Light weights will build muscle endurance, heavy weights will increase muscle strength. Muscle mass is mostly genetic without strict dieting and workout plans designed specifically to increase it. You will hit a point where your muscles have reached their "maximum", and you will stop seeing gains in terms of size.

Any experienced bodybuilder will tell you that when you hit this plateau of muscle mass, it's very difficult to break through. If you're not trying to do that, your muscles aren't going to increase in size.

The only way to ~decrease~ the size of your arms is to stop working them and let the muscle atrophy, but that will sap your strength as well.

I'm really curious what your arms look like, since you think they're "too defined" already.

[Argus14]

Lol thank you for saying that. I'm sick of hearing people wanting to "tone".

[Tealtop1]

they're not massive or anything but i'm naturally petite so it's annoying (personally). You can see the definition regardless but when i pick things up or tie my hair up you can really see it, and it's like that even if i go months without working out. So i'm worried bc now that i'm home for the summer i will start working out again.

[Phoenix98]

Actually there is such as a thing as toning your muscles toning is defining the muscles making them stand out more. But you are right it also builds endurance as well.

[Argus14]

The muscle already has a shape. Definition comes from a low body fat percentage. If already have a low bf percentage and You want them to pop out more then you need to Put on some size.

[sexyasianboi26]

Smaller arms= Weak

By reading your description, chances are you have already achieved what you want people to see you as. Your arms are probably smaller, and more toned in the eyes of people, but not your eyes.

If you are looking for fat burn, instead of caloric burn that will lead to catabolic burn;, then try and do arm exercises SLOWLY.

Slow repetitions can be pretty tough, because you will hold the tension much longer than a normal fast repetition.

Acrobats have strong feminine arms, their workouts are much different than going to the gym.

[Anonymous]

I use heavier weights and do more reps. I see results much quicker than with lighter weights.

[Thatguy321]

Light weight with high reps will build up your endurance, what are you training for? And if your arms are too defined, just back off working on them so much is all, thats what i have to do with cloths. Cloths are the best way for guys to know if they are too big in one area, like if i have lots of room in my shirt but my sleeves are like choking my arms haha thats the example and vise versa

[paxtonfun]

I would use weights that push you but you can handle at about 12 reps in 3 sets each. That's for strength, endurance and sustainable muscle growth. Don't forget to work all you muscles and not just the visible show off ones, it will be a huge health benefit especially for women.

[islands7]

If your GOAL is: strong toned feminine arms
THEN
smaller weights with high reps= tighter toned muscles
ALSO
include smooth muscle toning to soften "definition" = swimming long yardage (join a swim club); also pulley weights - 2nd best to swims

[biggie90]

Yeah sounds about right heavy and less reps for size and less weight more reps for tone. Do medium weight and medium amount of reps 8-12 reps. Add in cardio too.

[Argus14]

Women can lift heavy. Just like men do just not as heavy obviously. You don't naturally produce the hormones needed for a significant increase in muscle mass like we do.

Go heavy :) .

[biggie90]

No they don't women lack the testosterone needed for any significant muscle mass increases.

[Argus14]

That's what I said...

Is not testosterone a hormone?

[Insaan]

Simply no. No means no.