Workout Routines for Toning

Exercise and diet are the most fundamental means by which anyone can lose weight and tone their body.  While there are a myriad of exercise routines that cater to a specific part of the body, there are just as many exercise gurus who have their own take on how to effectively tone the body.  Although it may be hard to choose one routine above the rest, here are examples of workout routines for toning the body in order to achieve the desired results.

Before you begin any routine, ensure that you check with your doctor first.  If you are just starting an exercise routine, you may wish not to use any weights initially but rather perform exercises such as pushups, squats, lunges, and pull-ups.  As you progress, you can then start lifting weights two to three times a week.  Keep in mind that strength training will increase your metabolism allowing you to burn fat.  Also, while engaging in workout routines for toning, it is necessary to follow a proper diet regimen as well.

Exercises for toning the body encompass weight training.  The more sets you do, the more you will benefit from the exercise.  As stated earlier, as you begin to burn calories you will not only improve muscle strength, but will eventually tone the muscles as well.  Reducing body fat is the first course of action.  After the weight is lost, then you can truly focus on a full body workout using weights.

When you begin a workout routine for toning, always perform warm-up exercises first.  By stretching the muscles you have less chance of incurring an injury.  When you begin the toning phase, work on the larger muscles first.  Ensure that the amount of weight you utilize offers enough resistance for the muscles and proceed with this type of exercise at least three times a week.

Here are some exercises you can start at home using dumbbells of various weights, an exercise ball, mat, and barbell (optional). 

Place a 5-pound weight in each hand with your elbows slightly bent.  Then lift the arms out to the sides just at the shoulder level.  Bring down the weights and repeat.

Lie down on your stomach and life up your head and chest with arms outstretched.  Lower the chest and repeat.

Hold 5-pound weights in each hand and begin hammer curls with palms facing each other.  Place arms down and repeat.

Hold 5-pound weights in each hand and bend forward while keeping back flat and abs in. Keep elbows bent.  Straighten the elbows even with the back.  Lower and repeat.

Hold 5-pound weights in each hand and stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold the weights in front of your thighs, and bend from the hips and lower the weights towards the floor. Keep your back flat and shoulders back.   Return to start and repeat.

Hold 5-pound weights in each hand and stand with legs slightly apart.  Bend both knees, and lunge while keeping your front knee behind the toe.  Lift back up and repeat before switching sides.

These are just a few of the many exercises you can perform in workout routines for toning.  In addition, you can easily find DVDs online that will incorporate both total body workouts and strength training that can help you to begin this most important process of toning and maintaining your body’s health.