Body Toning - Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any way I can change my body shape?
Some modern researchers are emphasizing that every body has a natural beauty. Instead of having a mental image of the “perfect body”, they advise having a realistic view of self and begin to view our own body as beautiful.
Any body type can lose or gain weight. This of course will be in relation to a person’s bone structure and body proportion, allowing for varying levels of fatness or thinness.
We have to accept the body we were born with, obviously. So adjusting mental attitude so we come to accept that and not try the futile exercise of trying to dramatically change it will help us come to live with it and appreciate it.
Having said that, there are certain changes we can make involving slimming, firming body areas such as buttocks, hips, breasts, and improving the condition of our skin.
Changing how we look for the better can have a positive effect on our emotions so we feel more self-confidence and we enjoy how we look.
How does aging affect body shape?
Muscles help burn calories. Less muscles, less calories are used up. As part of the aging process, muscles begin to shrink which then has an impact on how fast we burn calories.
Various parts of the body can easily put on weight once our fat burning capacity lessens due to losing muscle tissue.
This whole process can begin as early as 25 years of age.
In men, the fat tends to go to the mid-section.
The thighs, buttocks, and abdominals seem to accumulate fat in women.
What is the difference between body toning and dieting?
Dieting involves adjusting the diet through supplements or abstinence from certain foods for periods of time in order to lose weight.
Body toning may or may not include weight loss. Generally it means firming up parts of the body through exercise, muscle building and/or the use of certain herbal formulas which can be applied to the parts of the body needing attention.
How important is exercise when considering body toning?
Very important!
You can’t beat walking for an all round activity which benefits so many parts of the body. It’s good for controlling a person’s weight, toning the leg muscles, keeping good posture, strengthening the bones, and improving one’s self-image.
Specific exercise and muscle toning programs can tighten a protruding stomach, remove the bulge around the waist, add support to the back muscles, lift and firm a sagging bottom or tone flabby thighs for better-looking, shapelier legs.
How can I choose pants to flatter my body shape?
Adjust the following points to your particular body shape when choosing pants:
Baggy pants rather than tapered pants are better for wide hips.
Make shorter legs look longer by choosing slim pants preferably without turn-ups or cuffs.
Wide leg pants without back pockets are better for the body with a full bottom.
Avoid tapered pants with large thighs. Wide or straight leg pants are best.
To avoid emphasizing a full bottom, take attention away from this body area by choosing light or bright colored tops with dark pants. Dark colors can have a slimming effect.