When I discuss toning a body, I think of a dancer’s body. A dancer’s body is lithe, powerful and strong. There are subtle, attractive muscles that shine through and look natural to the body. This differs from building pounds of muscle which can also be attractive but results in obvious muscle formation like a body builder would have.
Toning generally involves using lighter resistance with more reps, while building muscle involves using heavier resistance with less reps. Both toning and body building involve developing muscle, which is enhanced by certain diets. If your goal is to tone or build muscle, getting lean protein from beef, chicken and fish as well as lean carbs from steamed vegetables and brown rice will help form strong muscle tissue necessary for both.
Below are 6 exercises to get your body toned for the summer and all year long.
Arms and Upper Body
- Chest flys
- Triceps extensions
Back and Shoulders
- Pull ups
Inner Thigh and Hamstrings
- Leg circles
- Leg kicks
Glutes
- Leg lifts
