How do I build a workout routine? What is your workout routine?

[Anonymous]

I'm about 4'10 and 49-50 kgs (110 lbs). I have to be slim since I'm very short. I've been doing things to lose weight like cutting on calories and working out on the elliptical at home but I need some advice since I'm new at this working out thing and I also REALLY need to get my legs toned and slim because they're short and I think I look bad in even jeans, my favourite thing. I have a confidence issue too, yeah. Oh and tips on dieting too!

Updates

+1 y

Tips on lengthening legs (if there is any) ?

[Anonymous]

A workout routine is a very individual thing - it should be built based on your specific needs, goals, body type, fitness level and other factors like what equipment you have on your disposal, what activities you enjoy (you won't stick to a routine you hate doing), how much time you have for exercise etc.
Find a cardio routine that you enjoy - it will help burn calories and will give you many other benefits as well.
To give your body a toned look, add some firming exercises like squats and lunges - there are countless youtube tutorials that will teach you how to do them properly.

Since you're short and want longer legs, lower body stretching may be of use to you.

As for dieting, don't go for any drastic or strict diets, just adopt a few healthy habits. Try drinking only water or freshly squeezed juices for example, and stay away from sodas and sugary drinks. Don't eat heavy food in the evenings. Don't starve yourself or give up on all the food you enjoy - it won't work. Moderation is the key here. Good luck!

[Asker]

This is so helpful! does stretching really help in elongating legs? I'm an endomorph so it's hard for me to maintain my fitness I mean I can get fat quickly. I have an elliptical machine, I've been working out on it lately

[WeaponZero]

1. Compound strength movements that work the body in 3 movement patterns: upper body pushing, upper body pulling, and lower body. All 3 are necessary.

2. Cardio is necessary for overall health.

3. Follow rules 1 and 2 for fitness and for weight management and fat burning simply mate it to an appropriate diet

[kaylaS91]

You build a workout routine by finding out what spots specifically you'd like to work on, then choosing some exercises that work on that area mainly and doing a lot of them.

For legs, elliptical is great. I spend a lot of time on the elliptical, and have found it to be really good for toning the legs, a bit of the core as well. Also great for giving your legs a leaner look is jogging, as well as biking.

My workout routine is half an hour on the elliptical, 50 leg lifts, 40 leg raises, and a tiny bit of time with dumb-bells to ward off any flabby arms. :P

[Asker]

How often do you do these?

[kaylaS91]

I do that routine at least 4x/week, and usually a 30-40km bike ride once a week, weather permitting.
Also, with building your own workout routine, make it something that you can do consistently. It's much better to do a little bit but regularly versus some insanely strenuous workout once a month. Make sure you enjoy your workout, which will make it much more likely to happen often.

[Asker]

And what about your diet? do you drink like any of those green juices? lol I don't know I saw them on the internet :P

[kaylaS91]

oh ok. My diet? umm... nothing too extreme. I cut carbs for the most-part, just have toast for breakfast. After that, lunch & dinner I try to keep mainly protein or complex carbs. I don't drink 'green juice' but I have a fruit smoothie every evening, so just a bunch of chopped up fresh fruits/frozen fruits + a bit of soy milk in the blender. Same effect I'd imagine!
Throughout the day, lots and lots of water. If I have juice, it'll be just a cup of aloe water after a workout haha.

[Asker]

Soo does the smoothie play a role in the weight loss thing? I'm an endomorph so it's hard to lose weight for me so any weight loss smoothies can do help?

[kaylaS91]

yeah well the smoothies help with detox, so it'll be perfectly for your body type (endomorph). It's a ton of fiber + nutrients, all the good stuff with minimal amounts of caloria/sugar. If you're working out, I don't do it but you could throw in a scoop of protein powder or something as well as your post-workout re-energizer.

[Asker]

Ohh.. Thanks a lot! And does elliptical make your thighs thinner, you use it so I guess you'd know?

[kaylaS91]

yeah I definitely noticed my thighs getting thinner/more toned after I started spending a lot of time on the elliptical. So long as you boost the resistance a bit every so often, it's a great cardio workout that's kind of a cross between jogging/biking. It'll give you high potential for burning fat, on top of toning your legs/core. I'm pretty sure my butt got much more toned/perky too. :P

[Asker]

Ooh niice. Thanks!

[ParadiseCityGoal]

I find the easiest way to develop a workout routine is find some on Pinterest! There are so many on there and then you don't feel overwhelmed with trying to pick exercises. It's very easy to filter your search to make it more specific and I find it to be very effective.

[Climber]

Do weights and enough. You will not get bulky, don't worry, you are a girl. But gaining some muscle mass will make you more toned and streamlined.

[Klaatu51]

wot's yer goal then? 90-95?

[Asker]

95-97. Moreverr I need my legs and tummy toned

[Klaatu51]

lift weights with yer legs maybe? guess this :)

[badger25]

squats, lunges, jump rope, planks, push-ups

[Anonymous]

I do lots of cardio and some weight lifting.