The Myth of "Toning"

How many times have you heard of people "toning"? How many exercise videos advertise that this workout will get you that "toned" look. Usually, these commercials and this term is directed at women. Why? Because may women fear "bulking up". They would rather be lean and "toned".

First, let me just say that "toning" is a big stinking pile of bull dung. There is NO such thing.

So... what's the deal? Let me explain.

Muscles do three things: Get bigger (hypertrophy), get smaller (atrophy), and stay the same. The rest of how "toned" you look is purely a function of how much lard is in and around those muscles. Period. Okay, if you REALLY want to split hairs, how much water is retained in those muscles will also affect how they look. But, by the time water is making a difference you are talking about people in the 10% body fat land and lower. For the rest of us real people, let's go with fat. 

Want to look more muscular? First lose fat, second build more muscle. It's really that simple. The classic example is people doing crunches hoping to get washboard abs. There might be a washboard in there. But, if there is a pile of laundry on top (fat), you'll never see it. 

Ladies have weird fears of looking like a she-hulk and so many avoid weight lifting. Silliness. First off, most MEN can't look like Mr. Olympia ever. It's genetics people. Well, genetics, a million gym hours, and a ton of 'roids. Females don't have that kind of muscle-gain potential without artificially pumping themselves with testosterone. Ladies, don't worry. 99% of you can lift weights all day. You will not look like (S)He-Man. The ones that might start looking like that can stop lifting and it will go away quickly. 

Back to "toning". The only thing those aerobic videos are doing that make you look more "toned" is helping you burn calories which gets rid of some of that fat already in and around your muscles. Now you can see what you got a little better. You'll look more "toned". Want to see your abs? Jog regularly to lose fat. Sure, throw some crunches in here and there just to maintain those muscles. Once you lose enough fat in your whole body, boom- abs. There's no magic.

Here's another important piece- Often you will NOT see any significant difference in the mirror if you have been sedentary for some time but begin exercising regularly. Why? Because the first place your body goes to burn the fat is WITHIN the muscles. Picture a nice marbled streak. That's lard in the muscle. That's how we get. Once your body has most of that intramuscular fat burned (think numerous pounds), then it will go to that fat under the skin that you see jigglin' around. Be patient. 

Bottom line: If you want to look "toned" then lose fat. If you did that but want to look a little more muscular, build some muscle (remember you have to be at a calorie surplus to do this). Next time you see a commercial about "toning"- throw your twinkie at the t.v.!!  :)