Does working out with light weights really work?

[Anonymous]

I used to weight train to be in shape and more toned, but I guess I put on muscle kinda easily for a girl because I got bigger than I wanted to. I know it wasn't fat, because I was defined and had very slight abs, but I want to know if anyone has had experience with light weight/high reps making them toned instead of bulky.

At this point I have lost a little muscle, but still have some, and have gained some fat. I hate cardio because I've always been horrible at it, but I have done some sprinting and jump rope in the past, and I like a long walk.

It's just that I've heard people say that working out with light weights/high reps is a waste of time and does nothing. Any advice?

Updates

+1 y

I should clarify that in the past I was doing primarily strength work with heavy weights and low reps.

[scottsilver]

ok, to start with if you wanna lose fat make sure that the exercises your doing target your larger muscle groups (so your legs/ arms and chest).

make sure that you don't over do in sets but you can either go for high reps on a light weaight with short rest periods (15-25 reps and 30 secs between each set for rest)

try exercises that engage more than one muscle group as well so for example when squatting also include a shoulder press.

and it is true that once you get beyond 25 reps of something there is less gain than lower down the range.

any questions feel free to ask

[misuzi]

Higher weights and less reps builds muscle faster and burns fat quicker.

Lower weights with more reps are better at building tone and definition. Because of this, it helps to focus on a wider range of lifts to hit different muscles. Generic things like bicep curls with low weights aren't as effective as other motions.

Real low weights, like 5 lbs, are when it gets essentially useless.

[Asker]

OK I'll experiment with moderate weight/reps.

[Morningglory3]

I do the Tracy Anderson Method and it really works for me. It uses light weights with high reps and your own bodyweight. You should try her Mat Workout. It's for women who want to tone up without bulking.

[Asker]

I'm going to give it a try :)

[Morningglory3]

Nice.

[kheserthorpe]

What does toned mean?

You can build muscle, or lose it.

You can gain fat, or lose it.

What do you want to do?

[Asker]

I think I want to lose some fat without gaining much more muscle? Ugh, I hate cardio, that probably explains why I'm where I'm at hahaha.