5 Expert Tips to Tone Your Body

People hit the gym for different reasons. While some aim at increasing the bulk mass of their muscles, others strive for rapid weight loss, burning belly fat, or increased endurance. Another common goal among fitness enthusiasts is to achieve a toned muscular physique. However, there might be some overlap and confusion when people approach this goal.

Here, we’ll present some advice from seasoned experts from Vacaville that they employ in their personal training services. So, whether you're just starting out or you've been working out for years, read on for some helpful advice!

What is tone exercise?

What is tone exercise?

Before we describe some of the greatest exercises to tone your body, let’s just be clear about what we mean by toning. Tone exercises emphasize building muscle definition. To tone up is to make the muscles appear tighter and more defined by reducing the layers of fat. So, it’s a combination of fat reduction and muscle increase.

The opposite of toning is the term bulking. It implies improving strength and making the muscles appear larger. What’s more, exercises can also help you tone your body. For instance, if you aim at greater flexibility, a side-effect of your stretching routines can be improved muscle tone. 

What exercises will tone my body?

Now that you know how to define tone exercises, let's take a look at some of the most popular examples:

Squats 

The squat is one of the most popular exercises. It targets your lower body, specifically your glutes and quads. To do this exercise, stand with your feet in line with your shoulders, then bend at the knees until you reach about a 45-degree angle to increase muscle tone for the buttocks, legs, and hips.

Lunges   

Lunges are a great exercise for toning your legs. They target the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as your glutes, calves, and core muscles. To do this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart then take one step forward into a lunge position by bending both knees until they form 90 degrees angles at their joints.

Planks 

This is one of the simplest exercises, but it's also one of the best and most effective for toning your core muscles. It strengthens your abs, back, and shoulders while improving balance and posture. The great thing about planks is that they can be done anywhere at any time with no equipment needed other than your own body weight and a workout mat. 

The proper way to do a plank is the following:

  • Start with your toes and forearms on the floor
  • You’re facing the floor, with your head relaxed
  • Your forearms are facing forward, elbows under shoulders. 
  • Contract your abdominal muscles toward your spine. Aim for a neutral spine position, i.e. keeping your upper body in a straight and rigid line without bending. 
  • Your shoulders should be down, not rising up towards your head. 
  • Heels should be over the soles of your feet. 
  • Hold the position for 10 seconds, then release. Increase this to 30 - 60 seconds. 

Pushups 

This is a classic chest and triceps exercise, pushups are a great way to tone these muscles as well as the anterior deltoids (the front portion of your shoulder). They can be done almost anywhere and they only require your own body weight for resistance. Start in a plank position with your arms extended and hands on the floor directly under shoulders, then bend at elbows to lower body until chest touches the ground or nearly does; push up again.

Pullups 

Where in Vacaville, CA can I book professional personal training services?

Pullups are one of the most effective exercises for toning your back muscles. They also work out biceps, shoulder blades, and core as you pull yourself up to the bar. You'll need a pullup bar or something to hang from to do this exercise. Don't forget to breathe properly and keep your body steady as you lift yourself up.

So there you have it - five great exercises that will help tone your body! Make sure to set a realistic goal according to your body type and incorporate these into your regular workout routine. 

Where in Vacaville, CA can I book professional personal training services?

Your safest bet is to seek out help here at Maximum Fitness. You can’t miss us, as we’re located just a couple of blocks away from Town Square Library in Downtown Vacaville. We have ample experience at helping athletes and amateurs achieve their goals. 

Whether you’d like to improve your body image, feel empowered, gain muscle strength, or lose excess pounds, we’re at your beck and call. Our highly qualified and client-focused staff is ready to give you the best advice, recommend adequate exercise programs, and answer any questions you may have. 

Make the first step into a healthier lifestyle by visiting us today!