Low weight, high reps -- OR -- high weight , low reps

[fitgoddess]

Anyone got any ideas of which will get you leaner and more toned and sculpted?
Lighter weights with higher reps or heavier weights with lower reps?

 

[Boybert]

I think both work well to do the job. Spend a few weeks on one and then switch to the other for muscle confusion. Just remember that diet is roughly 80% of the equation.


Debbie

I don't really think, I just walk.
--Paris Hilton

 

[kathryn]

>I think both work well to do the job. Spend a few weeks on
>one and then switch to the other for muscle confusion. Just
>remember that diet is roughly 80% of the equation.

I agree: start with fewer reps, heavier weights to build more of a muscle base ('toned' and 'sculpted' are just words used by advertisers who think women are afraid of muscle, but 'muslce' is what 'toning' and 'shaping' is built on). And don't worry too much about trying to lose any weight during this time...fuel the muscles with the calories they need without going overboard. Do this for 2-3 weeks, then change to a higher-rep, moderate weight workout to help get rid of excess fat over the muscle while maintaining the muscle(Jari Love and Tony Horton make circuit-type weight workouts that are more efficient at burning calories than straight-set work).

And as Debbie said: diet (as in eating food that nourishes your body)is a big part of it. Burn more calories than you take in to reduce body fat, especially during the second stage of your 'rotation.'

 

[LauraMax]

I think you have to prioritize between "lean & toned" & "sculpted." If you want a lean & toned look, low weight/high reps is the way to go. If you want the sculpted look you need to build your muscles, so high weight/low reps would be more effective.

 

[fitgoddess]

THanks for the suggestions....I really wish I had the money to hire someone to give me a good diet, workout program etc., as I have 10 more pounds of fat to lose and am at the stage where I am ready to leave the Firm and go to the next level of getting a "Cathe-like" body! But I know that in order to get there, it can't just be guesswork...I need a program....Any more suggestions would be welcome.