Guglhupf Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 OK, so how can I best burn calories & do cardio without getting BIGGER? I want to get smaller, not bigger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 I totally, totally sympathize and understand. Running without inclines. Speed walking without inclines. Aerobics. Dancing. Biking makes big thighs. Swimming makes big shoulders and upper back. Weight training - lots of reps, not using heavy weights, not going to close to muscle fatigue. You're trying for long and lean, not big. This is my major exercise issue too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guglhupf Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Thanks! My problem is I *like* to exert myself get "close to muscle fatigue". But at 5'11", adding bulky muscle to my substantial frame is not really the goal. People are afraid of me already... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scamhi Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 I would not worry about getting big anything thru cardio. Eat less and in smaller meals 6x a day, not processed foods and get to the gym- you'll lean out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Some people bulk up really easily. If I do a lot of cardio leg work on an incline, my thighs start to show it fast. Same with the rower on my upper body. I think gug is having the same issue. Eating or not eating processed foods has nothing to do with muscles getting bigger through use. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fantasty Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Gugl, cross-training might be the way to go. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 Yeah - running, walking, aerobics, dancing. Occasional biking, swimming, and uphill cardio machines. Weight training that doesn't add bulk. And lots of stretching. Yoga is great for long and lean. Ballet too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guglhupf Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 I don't eat processed foods and am not desperate to lose a lot of weight, but I want to get trimmer. Eating less but more often might be a good idea. Like Omni (apparently), I am capable of developing bulky muscles quickly when I work out. For this reason I had to give up my weight training with heavier weights , although I enjoyed it... Lighter weights/more reps & low resistance/higher speed doesn't appeal to my inner macho but it's probably what I'll have to do. And I'll go back to yoga. Thanks for all your tips. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
omnivorette Posted May 1, 2006 Share Posted May 1, 2006 I don't eat processed foods and am not desperate to lose a lot of weight, but I want to get trimmer. Eating less but more often might be a good idea. It's a good idea in general - blood sugar stays even, more efficient calorie burning. But has nothing to do with muscle shape. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FaustianBargain Posted May 2, 2006 Share Posted May 2, 2006 after 3 years, i went horizontal for crunches. today: 5x2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scamhi Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 FaustianB- any ill effects from your crunches? Step Mill today 40 min, fat burner course, level 17 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
banh cuon Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Jump rope class, 45 minutes. Abs, 15 minutes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scamhi Posted May 4, 2006 Share Posted May 4, 2006 elliptical 50 min random course level 15 spent 48 min in "heart training" zone- according to my watch Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FaustianBargain Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 FaustianB- any ill effects from your crunches? i am slow that way, ok...i was upping it by one extra crunch a day. two sets only. i was so sure i got the technique down right..but absolutely no soreness in the abs area.. if it doesnt hurt, i am obviously not doing it right. but my lower back was starting to hurt. i was hurting in all the wrong places. my doctor thinks i shouldnt do anything except cardio maybe...my trainer thinks i should abandon floor exercises and try something called 'core stablity' regime. i dont trust machines. they even got a machine for stretching(here)..if you can believe that..sucking the joy out of working out. altho' its rather spiffy. we'll see on monday re the core stability regime. i am taking the weekend off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scamhi Posted May 5, 2006 Share Posted May 5, 2006 start slow, stay consistant, finish strong we have a precor stretch-ey-machine. I use it occasionally it is effective. upper body day supersetted 5 setsx 12 of assisted pull ups with 4x15 sets of push ups 4 sets x12 flat bench 4 sets x8 seated dumbell military shoulder press 4 sets x12 low cable row- for back 4 sets x12 cable tricep press down 4 sets x12 spider bicep curls from preacher bench Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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