Strength vs Toning Exercises

Hi,

There is a common misconception in the weight room.  It affects men and women alike. 

Do you know what is best - strength or toning exercises?  Well of course it depends on what you are trying to do.

If it is to build muscle and strength then you would think that lifting heavy weights would be best. 

If it is to just tone the muscles and lose a little body fat, then you would think that lifting lighter weights for more repetitions would be best.

There is a problem though.  Neither of the above statements are entirely true. 

Yes lifting heavy weights will make your stronger.  And it will build your muscles up to a point.  However, if you do not combine this with an increase in calories, you will be limiting your muscle building and strength building efforts. 

So what about toning?

Turns out that lifting heavier weights for less reps is much better than lifting lighter weights for more reps. 

A study done on women showed that lifting up to 85% of their 1 rep max was much better than lifting just 45% of their 1 rep max. 

The higher weight group burned more energy and raised their metabolism higher for a longer period of time.  So not only did they gain strength but they lost more body fat in the process. 

So the next time someone brings up the strength vs toning issue again, head on over to the heavy weights and build those toned muscles the right way.

Thanks,

Mike Val
http://www.valshealthsite.com/