Need Advice

[RLG]

I am looking to tone up my body but am worried about gaining too much size(mass). I have been weight training for about 1.5 years (3-4 times a week) and doing cardio about 5-6 times a week.

I have varied my weight training over the year and a half and do anywhere from 3-4 sets and am currently doing 20 reps per exercise. I use a split routine with 2-3 exercises per bodypart.
How often shoud I increase the weight? I don't want to increase too much and gain too much size.
I have seen very liitle gains as far as toning goes. Should I try and increase muscle mass a little first then tone?
Also, I do consume a protein drink after my weight workout with very little carbs with it. My husband suggests adding some simple carbs to the protein drink and he thinks I should consume more protein throughout the day. I currently consume about 60-70 grams of protein a day. (I am approx. 128lbs. 5ft. 6in.)

Any help anyone can give would be greatly appreciated as I am growing more and more discouraged. Thank you.

[TrishB]

Increase weights when doing 10 reps becomes easy.
If you are doing 4sets of 20 reps...you are just going thru the motions. You are probably causing more stress on joints than on your muscles.

Unless you are looking to add muscle size, don't bulk...meaning don't increase body weight.
Just concentrate on really pushing yourself to the limit with your weight training.

I would up the protein. On an 1800cal/day diet, I usually take in 150-175gms of protein depending on my mood.
Make sure you are taking in some carbs both before and after a workout.

[ROCK CRUSHER]

you talk about weights & cardio..

but you don't talk about your diet

[JAmanda]

From experience I also wanted to "tone" and have that muscular looking body without becoming incredible hulk. But the toned look you are after only comes from cutting the fat you have off your muscle and as I realised you cant do this without having a good muscle base to start with. I consider that Itrain with heavy weights for my size- and it does not make you BIG if anything since weight training my clothes have got looser! Dont be scared to gain muscle because chances are it will be trade off with fat - what would you rather have?? So dont be afraid by the weights and the effects it will have on your body, because it is all good and unless you are into get big drugs and eat bucket loads of protein (your body gets rid of the stuff you cant utilise anyway) you will have no probs!! Good luck

[egoatdoor]

Originally posted by JAmanda
From experience I also wanted to "tone" and have that muscular looking body without becoming incredible hulk. But the toned look you are after only comes from cutting the fat you have off your muscle and as I realised you cant do this without having a good muscle base to start with. I consider that Itrain with heavy weights for my size- and it does not make you BIG if anything since weight training my clothes have got looser! Dont be scared to gain muscle because chances are it will be trade off with fat - what would you rather have?? So dont be afraid by the weights and the effects it will have on your body, because it is all good and unless you are into get big drugs and eat bucket loads of protein (your body gets rid of the stuff you cant utilise anyway) you will have no probs!! Good luck

I agree wholeheartedly. Unless you are getting loads of testosterone( i. e. drugs), a woman will not get big and bulking ( gaining" too much mass") lifting weights.

I agree with your husband that you need some post workout carbs and with TrishB that you need more protein.

[RLG]

Thanks everyone for your advice.......keep it coming!!!