Best way of toning muscle without losing too much weight?

[Anonymous]

I have a body mass index of 17.6 which is underweight. I'm 20 years old and I'm 5'3" and weigh 99lbs. I don't think I'm too skinny though, I don't have bones that poke out. I think my problem is lack of muscle, I don't exercise that much and I'm quite weak. I want to tone my muscles, especially around the buttock's area, I think it's too saggy, even though it's not that big. What exercises should I do? I've been doing some occasional swimming, bike riding and brisk walks. Any other suggestions?

[WonderingNomad]

good question! I would suggest trying yoga, or maybe pilates, (though I haven't done the latter) running is going to burn a bunch of calories. dancing might be fun, but again you might burn more calories with that than just with say a gentle yoga class. I wouldn't lift weight unless you want to build up bulk in your muscles. if you just want to tone the best is to just use the weight of your own body and/or gravity to create resistance (i.e. doing crunches, holding your arms out straight for so-many seconds, etc.), which is the kind of workouts that yoga (and I assume pilates) utilize. plus it incorporates a lot of stretching so you get that nice long, lean look rather than the stocky, bulky look.

i began yoga after I lost a bunch of weight following surgery and didn't wanted to get my strength back without risking losing anymore. having done a lot of running in college, I hated the idea of yoga at first ,but eventually came to love it. it was exactly what I needed at the time (and still need!) and it sounds like it might be perfect for what you're looking for ;-)

[cathifer]

jogging, dancing, and squats and lunges :) also I don't know what this move is called but lye on your stomach and your arms fully extended in front of you arms and legs held shoulder width apart and then lift both your legs and arms up as high as you can with only your belly touching the floor, hold for as long as you can.

[TheGoodTheBadTheHOT]

"99lbs" - girl, that's unhealthily skinny. Go eat a McDonalds.

As for your butt; squats, running are probably the two best exercises.

[Asker]

I don't think I'm unhealthy skinny. I don't have ribs that show ect. I have a healthy appitite and eat well, but I don't gain weight even if I pig out on junk food. I think I just have a fast metabolism, and I think my low body weight is partly due to lack of muscle not just low body fat, that's why I want to tone up.

[TheGoodTheBadTheHOT]

Well you're underweight (and you know that) don't expect to be putting on 20lba of muscle. You're a woman, your anatomy won't let you do that. I would be tempted to say you have more than a fast metabolism, maybe a hyperactive thyroid gland. Would you mind telling me your age?

[TheGoodTheBadTheHOT]

20lbs *

[Asker]

I don't want to put on 20 lbs of muscle, I just want to tone it up as I don't think I'm very fit at the moment. I know my bmi says I'm underweight, but only by a few lbs and I don't think I look underweight, I'm just petite, I always have been. I'm 20, turning 21 in a few months.

[TheGoodTheBadTheHOT]

alright. I would still reccomend putting on a few pounds if you can but otherwise, just do what you want. Generally any exercise will build muscle.

[ProfessionalLovers]

you're quite the d***, aren't you?

She's not unhealthy by any means. get off her.

But my sister is slim like you, and she does this --> link she loves the results she has gotten so far

best of luck!

[AmberChick]

Yoga is a great exercise, and it tones your butt, tummy, arms, and basically your whole body. It is also very meditative/relaxing, which is nice.

[internet_guy]

Aerobics,Jogging