8 or 12 reps for toning?

[Hamyak]

Hi everyone, I'm a bit new to the whole weight training thing and I got a little bit confused as to the amount of reps that I should be doing. In my first month I began with 12 reps, second month I went down to 8 reps (increased weight), and now I'm sticking to 8 reps in the third month thinking it's going to get my toned up. I did gain a lot of muscle but I want to get more lean. Recently, I read that to achieve this goal I have to do 12-15 reps of all my exercises (works best for female toning). Is this true? Bouncing back and forth between reps will probably shock the body, no?

Any feedback is much appreciated. Thanks

[illiniStrive]

Imo, a including a variety of rep ranges (1-5, 6-8, 9-12+) can be beneficial and useful for a well-rounded program.

"Toning" is a huge buzzword in the fitness industry an a bit misleading. A toned appearance comes from appreciable muscle coupled with a degree of leanness that shows this muscle off. Fat is not going to turn into muscle. With your stats (and newness), I'm thinking the issue is that you do not yet have enough muscle to support the look you're trying to achieve.

First step right now is to find a good training program and stick to it. Newbies (and intermediates for the at matter) usually do not have the know-how to set up their own program. Here is a good thread to read about choosing a novice program: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=127023861

[sy2502]

Define "toning".

[freebirdmac]

Imo, a including a variety of rep ranges (1-5, 6-8, 9-12+) can be beneficial and useful for a well-rounded program.

"Toning" is a huge buzzword in the fitness industry an a bit misleading. A toned appearance comes from appreciable muscle coupled with a degree of leanness that shows this muscle off. Fat is not going to turn into muscle. With your stats (and newness), I'm thinking the issue is that you do not yet have enough muscle to support the look you're trying to achieve.

First step right now is to find a good training program and stick to it. Newbies (and intermediates for the at matter) usually do not have the know-how to set up their own program. Here is a good thread to read about choosing a novice program: http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=127023861

She's correct but as a newbie you don't need to worry about periodization. I agree that you should use a professional routine. As for leaning out, that's all about diet. Rep ranges have nothing to do with it.

[sweetkissees918]

No such thing as toning. You cannot tone fat nor can you tone muscle. You either gain muscle or lose fat or vice versa (that would be horrible tho). There are different rep ranges oreinted for strength and size. Strength 1-6 rep range and Size 7-12. Diet is what leans you out. Rep ranges are irrelvent to that matter.

Gaining size = lifitng leavy and eating @ calorie surplus
Losing fat = Lifting heavy and eating @ calorie deficit

[Hamyak]

Thank you for the information everyone! By toning I meant to slim down a bit, gain muscle, but not have that 'bulky' look. Now I realized that it's all diet. Don't want bulky- watch what you eat in terms of carbs, fats, etc.

Your info helped a lot!

[freebirdmac]

Thank you for the information everyone! By toning I meant to slim down a bit, gain muscle, but not have that 'bulky' look. Now I realized that it's all diet. Don't want bulky- watch what you eat in terms of carbs, fats, etc.

Your info helped a lot!

Bulky comes from having too much fat. You don't need to worry about getting bulking from too much muscle mass.