Toning your muscles with free weights creates not only the benefit of improved appearance, but cardiovascular and skeletal health as well. Improving the integrity of one's bones with weight-bearing exercise and free weights is one of the tried and true methods consistently recommended by medical and fitness professionals alike. Contrary to popular belief, toning does require some level of muscular challenge and exhaustion, so do not be afraid of challenging yourself with somewhat heavy weights. Toned and shapely muscles require some measure of build up, despite the fact that you will not enter the low range of under 10 reps for any exercise on a tone-focused routine.
Building and toning a solid muscle base can reshape your entire physique. Be sure to change your routine constantly for maximum results.
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Tone muscle by completing higher repetitions of each exercise for every body part to exhaustion. Using lighter weights and higher repetitions is the primary focus of those wishing to tone (rather than bulk) their muscle.
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Exercise each body part to exhaustion, taking care not to miss any area. Include back, shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, thighs, abdominals, gluteals, calves and stretches in each routine.
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Work out each body part three days per week to maximize your gains while toning with free weights. Frequency and commitment are the foundations of an effective toning routine.
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Focus your attention on the burn as you move into fatigue with each body part. Feeling the burn is vital to tapping your muscle's maximum capacity for strength and tone, whether you want to build or define.
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Incorporate plyometrics and compound movements into your toning routine for the best results.
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Consult with someone who has the toned physique you identify with as your goal. Ask this person for his routine or find an online fitness advisor who seems to look the way you would like to, and incorporate his moves into your routine.
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Know that toned muscles buried under layers of fat are hard to see, so stick to your diet!
Tips & Warnings
Consult a physician prior to beginning your free weight routine. Doctor approval is an excellent idea for anyone undertaking a workout program of any kind, and is required by most gyms.
Lift heavy enough weight to tear down your muscle fiber a bit, lest you fail to build any significant musculature from your workout and find yourself disappointed with your results (or lack thereof).
