Discouraged Exerciser

[honeycomb719]

Ok, I've been working out about 3 days a week for the past 2 going on 3 mths...The problem is, I'm losing inches that I dont need to lose. I cant afford to lose. I was hoping to add some muscle, but it seems Im only toning:ohwell: I know, I shouldnt be complaining but I was hoping for some advice as to what I might be doing wrong.
I do overall workout when I go, here is my regime:

10mins (cardio) Either treadmill 3.2 w/ (incline 3.0) or stair-stepper(5mins) but, (mostly treadmill)
3 reps of 15 on chest press (seated one) 30lbs
3 reps of 15 on back/shoulder machine 20lbs
150-200 ab machince(crutches) (seated) or 3 reps of 15 on each side for obliques 80lbs
3 reps sometimes 4 reps of 15 on leg press 40lbs My workouts dont last longer than 45mins to and hr depending on how packed the gym is.
I havent really changed my diet much, but I do drink more water, and try to eat more fruits. But nothing major as far as diet is concerned.
Im not a big snacker, but I do enjoy ice cream at leisure, and to make sure Im not losing too many calories, I drink Ensure plus once a day.

Ive decided maybe 3days a week is too much for my already high metabolism and decided to cut back to 2days a week. I have lost a lil over an inch off my stomach from a 31 1/2 to a 30. My hips hasnt moved, I dont think, but I do wanna gain inches there, from a 37 to a 39/40 if possible. My bust is at a 36DD, not looking to do much there.
Overall I want a samller waist w/ more curvy hips. What am I doing wrong?:( Should I be eating more? If so what? I dont wanna put the weigh back on my stoamch.
Any suggestions/comments will be appreciated.

[Leslie_C]

I would think for your body type you need to do heavier weights so u can build muscle where u want. I would say do the lower body weight machines heavy weights low reps. Youll want heavy weights and low reps. 40 lbs sounds pretty light for leg press...I could do over 100 lbs and do a tons of reps before getting tired. u want it to be heavy enough that u tire out in 6-10 reps. Im no expert but this is what Ive gathers from fitness mags,etc. low weights high weights to tone/slim, high weights low reps to add size. hth!

[honeycomb719]

I think I somewhat agree with what you said about high weights/low reps, but I was afraid, I would get that chisled, muscular leg look, and thats NOT what I want. I already have a somewhat athletic build naturally, and didnt want to do high weights fearing this would only bring out my already muscular tone.
I want to look more soft and feminine with the add weight, if you know what I mean:perplexed

[Leslie_C]

I think I somewhat agree with what you said about high weights/low reps, but I was afraid, I would get that chisled, muscular leg look, and thats NOT what I want. I already have a somewhat athletic build naturally, and didnt want to do high weights fearing this would only bring out my already muscular tone.
I want to look more soft and feminine with the add weight, if you know what I mean:perplexed

hmmm...ok how about this? Do the treadmill on high incline, do the stairmaster or elliptical in high resistance....these should add size without giving u big muscles. Squats with weights. Plyometric toning exercises bc they get ur heart rate up so high u are burning straight sugar (not fat) but they tone u up.

also check out this body type quiz...it recommends exercises for u.
http://quiz.ivillage.com/diet/tests/bodytype.htm

and I would try sites like shape magazine, fitness magazine, muscle and fitness hers, oxygen magazine....they have lots of experts on their forums who could probably give u excellent advice. good luck in achieving the body shape u want!

[Mariaat40]

This is not what you want to hear, but I know of no exercise that will help you add muscle to your hips. I'm an aerobics instructor and I teach a strength training class. There is nothing in my arsenal of exercises that does what you want to do. (But someone could certainly prove me wrong.) You're doing back, chest and shoulder work, which will help your waist seem curvier by building up your upper body and giving you the "v" shape. It also sounds like you're doing great with your waist reduction activities.

But it really is tough to spot reduce, as much as we'd like to do it. It's really tough to lose weight in one place (waist) and not lose it all over.

Finally, the stairmaster, squats, treadmill on an incline, etc. are great for firming up the booty (if that's your goal), but they do nothing for the hips.

[Leslie_C]

This is not what you want to hear, but I know of no exercise that will help you add muscle to your hips. I'm an aerobics instructor and I teach a strength training class. There is nothing in my arsenal of exercises that does what you want to do. (But someone could certainly prove me wrong.) You're doing back, chest and shoulder work, which will help your waist seem curvier by building up your upper body and giving you the "v" shape. It also sounds like you're doing great with your waist reduction activities.

But it really is tough to spot reduce, as much as we'd like to do it. It's really tough to lose weight in one place (waist) and not lose it all over.

Finally, the stairmaster, squats, treadmill on an incline, etc. are great for firming up the booty (if that's your goal), but they do nothing for the hips.

I used to teach aerobics as well a few years and a lot of pounds ago (lol). If u do those lower body exercises (stairmaster,etc)....they tend to beef up the booty a bit which adds inches to the hips since thats where u measure to get ur hip measurement (the fullest part). It will give the illusion of more curves. slimming the waist down will make them look bigger too so thats a good plan.

[honeycomb719]

Maria, Leslie you ladies have helped me alot. Thank you sooo much. So tell me this, should I remain at 3 days a week, or go down to 2 days a week?

[Mariaat40]

Maria, Leslie you ladies have helped me alot. Thank you sooo much. So tell me this, should I remain at 3 days a week, or go down to 2 days a week?

From an overall health perspective I think three days a week is better than two. If you're concerned about losing too much weight you might need to up your caloric intake a bit. Just be sure that the added calories are from fruits, veggies, whole grains, etc. The stuff that's bad for you goes straight to the gut.