Women are known for their beautiful curves and slopes. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, but for those looking to accentuate their physique, bulking can get in the way. Bulking is great for body builders and certain athletes. A large layer of fat can ruin the look of muscle.
Being lean means you have a lower body fat percentage. Being lean and muscular is typically better than being bulky and muscular. If your goal is to slim down and create less of a bulky physique, follow some of these tips below.
Higher reps and lower weight
Your routine should involve higher repetitions and lower weight. Put down the heavy weight and swap them out for a more manageable weight. For example, using a weight of 5 to 8 pounds for dumbbell curls can help you tone up rather than bulk up.
Tip: Aim for at least 15 reps per set
Yoga
Perform 10 to 15 minutes of yoga per day can increase your flexibility, strength, and agility. Practicing yoga can help you create muscle tone. A study proved that yoga can help slim down abdominal fat.
Lift heavy 1x per week
You don’t have to put away your dreams of maxing out on weights. You can save your heavy lifting for one day per week. On this day, you can max out on certain lifts and exercises.
Perform Cardio
Many body builders avoid cardio like the plague. It’s good for your cardiovascular health and endurance. Aim to get 20 to 30 minutes of cardio per day at a rate of 3 to 5 times per week.
Caloric Deficit
Remain 200 to 300 calories below your regular intake. Be sure to include quality high protein sources to avoid losing your muscle rather than fat.
