best way to slim down and not bulk up?

So I've recently started working out again...in the past I was dieting (low cal/low carb) and exercising 3 times a week, each time I would do cardio either treadmill or elliptical for 20 minutes and then do strength training at high rep but low resistance to work each part of my body...but all I did was gain muscle! no weight loss! I know it isnt that my body is comfortable where it is, because diets have helped me shed pounds before....but I'm hoping to increase weightloss with exercise and tone up a bit. What am I doing wrong? I wanna shrink not grow!

Thu. Jan 12, 7:49pm

Growing muscle is good! If you are more toned, it will be reflected in how your clothes fit...
What do you mean by "no weight loss"? Do you mean that you are stilll retaining the fat, but also gaining muscle? or are you referring to the numbers on your scale?

Muscle weighs more than fat, so you could be much more fit, but at a higher weight...

Thursday, January 12, 2006, 9:46 PM

Also, some people are more prone to gaining muscle than others... It's not a bad thing-- but you need to know how your body responds....

Thursday, January 12, 2006, 9:46 PM

hey OP here, I gained muscle and kept the fat over it! I'd be fine with the muscle if it replaced the fat...but the fat just wont budge:(

Thursday, January 12, 2006, 11:21 PM

One thing to note: muscle burns off calories just by existing, so you're off to a good start. Just keep going. Also don't worry about "bulking up." Women don't have enough testosterone to truly bulk up.

Friday, January 13, 2006, 9:06 AM

As a woman who tends to get bulkier than I'd like (broad shoulders, huge thigh muscles, etc.) I have to say, the most important thing I can recommend is, make sure you're doing a really good job stretching after a workout, even if it's just cardio. It'll help to keep the muscles long and lean, rather than bulky. Also, drink a lot of water, to help flush your system.

If you're gaining muscle, but the fat isn't bulging, and you're working out consistently, clearly the working out is working. Maybe you're taking in too many calories???

Friday, January 13, 2006, 10:17 AM

keep going, you will begin to see a difference in the amount if fat on your body. Stretching is a good isea too-as it will elongate your muscles and make them seem more smooth rather than bulky. Everyone's body is different, but as a woman who naturally is more muscular than many others, i can tell you right now, that you will only bluk up to a certain point . . .don't worry, you aren't going to get huge like a body builder without the help of supplements and specialized training. Weight training is the best thing for burning fat . . .because even while you are sleeping you burn callories, and muscle burns more calories than fat, so all that muscle you are building will lead to a sleeker, new you!

Friday, January 13, 2006, 2:19 PM

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