“Toned” is one of the most common words in fitness. We are told we should want toned arms, toned legs and a toned stomach. We believe certain workouts will give us “long, lean muscles,” while heavier weights might make us “bulky.”
But what does being toned actually mean—and can you really tone a muscle?
In this episode of Meet Your Body, physical therapist Jessica Valant breaks down the physiology behind muscle tone, muscle definition and the appearance we often describe as “toned.” She separates fitness marketing from what is actually happening in the body and explains what to focus on if becoming stronger and more defined is one of your goals.
You'll learn:
What muscle tone actually means from a physiological perspective
What most of us really mean when we say we want to look “toned”
The roles muscle mass, body fat and genetics play in muscle definition
Whether you can spot-tone areas like your arms, stomach or thighs
The truth about “long, lean muscles” and whether certain workouts can create them
Whether lifting heavier weights will make women bulky
What actually helps if increased muscle definition is one of your goals
Why just focusing on harder workouts and fewer calories isn’t the answer
If you've ever wondered whether you should lift heavier, do more reps, lose body fat, change your workouts or find the perfect exercise to “tone” a specific area, this episode is for you. It will give you science and actionable tips while also placing the focus on what really matters - you feeling strong, independent and empowered in your body.
Sponsors:
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Resources mentioned in this episode:
⚫︎ How to Start Lifting Weights: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000719787855
⚫︎ Progressive Overload: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000755983233
⚫︎ Weight Loss Tips for Midlife: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-your-body-with-jessica-valant-mspt/id1649561552?i=1000758876585
⚫︎ Jessica’s website, resources, services & more: http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com
⚫︎ Jessica’s UNLIMITED community and app with daily workouts for muscle strength: http://www.jessicavalantpilates.com/unlimited
⚫︎Watch our podcast episodes on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@meetyourbodypodcast
⚫︎ YouTube workouts: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessicaValantPilates
⚫︎ Follow Jessica on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jessicavalantpilatesJessica Valant Pilates app:Apple IOS - https://tinyurl.com/mry5ya8rGoogle - https://tinyurl.com/yh3ty5fp
Jessica Valant and Jessica Valant Pilates, LLC, recommend you consult with a physician before starting any new exercise program. The information given here is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition.
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