Buff Vs. Tone Muscles

As a high school athlete, I never thought twice about how I worked out or how much I was lifting. I just did what the coaches told me and pushed as much weight as I could 10 times. I was strong, tone, and loved it. After I graduated, I didn't have a coach to tell me what to do or how to work out. I had to turn into the coach and learned how to workout to achieve different results myself. Now, as a Personal Trainer, I can help teach others how to reach their personal goals for their muscle tone.

Put VERY simply, there are two different types of workouts when it comes to dealing with muscle tone. Building larger, new muscle mass, and firming up existing muscle groups. Men usually lean towards the building of muscle mass to get that "buff" look. Most of the women I work with say they do not want to do this type of muscle building workout because "I don't want my muscles to get huge like that". Ladies, don't worry. Women's bodies are designed differently from men in the fact that your muscles do not have the capability to get as big or as strong as men's do. What about the women body builders you ask? First of all, that is not normal! Those women have gone through intense lifestyle changes, diet supplementing, and power lifting workouts.

To achieve the muscle mass building type of exercise, follow these simple steps:
1.More weight, less reps. Lift 80-90% of your max lifting weight 6-8 times, or until muscle failure. Do this for 3-5 sets.

2. Take minimal breaks between each set. 30 seconds is the longest break you should take. This will keep your muscles working at peak performance allowing you a better chance at recruiting the most muscles fibers possible.

3. Perform Supersets. Work 2 different muscles groups in the same body region by switching back and fourth between each exercise with no break. For example, Do a set of bicep curls to failure and then immediately do a set of triceps pushes. Repeat the combination for 3 to 5 full sets with no break in between.