A goal for many people is to have a more smooth and toned body. Is that something you’re aiming for with your workouts? Will walking tone my body?
What does a toned body mean?
Most people have a specific image in mind when the word toned is mentioned. A good synonym for it is firm. More women seemed to be concerned about having a toned body than men, but it is in no way one sided. The most important areas that people are more interested in toning vary though.
For women the most common are:
- Waist
- Backside
- Arms
- Thighs
For men there is slightly different priorities
- Chest
- Lower Belly
- Thighs
- Back
Now any person can be more of less concerned about any given area of their body being toned, but there are commonalities that have been found.
Is toned the same as fit?
One would think if they saw a toned muscular person that this person would be fit. Are they, though? Fitness has a multi pronged meaning, but fitness itself is achieved through a combination of cardio and strength training. Just one or the other may make you toned in appearance but you may not be fit. It isn’t uncommon for a person more focused on just one side of the spectrum. These people will find weaknesses when pushed, though.
A person who only focuses on strength training may have trouble walking longer distances or jogging short distances. Whereas someone who focuses just on cardio like jogging or cycling may find they have trouble doing a push up or lifting something over their head.
So no, the appearance of looking fit doesn’t mean a person actually is physically fit.
Is it shallow to want to look toned?
This is a subjective question. What one considers shallow, another will not. If looking tone is more important to you than being healthy then that is shallow to me and an unhealthy mentality. If, though, you’re working out for your health at least equally as much as how it will make you look then that is fine. I don’t consider wanting a toned body any more shallow than brushing your teeth or caring for your hair.
Can Walking help you tone?
Absolutely, it can. Since walking works so many muscle groups it helps to give those groups a tighter feel and appearance. Working muscles also helps to grow them. The more muscle mass you have the more calories your body needs and the more fat that can be burned. Less fat usually means a more flat and firm since fat tends to be bulbous and jiggle.
Walking can help tone various areas of your body depending on how you walk. Walking is especially good for toning your legs, but also helps with your arms, waist, backside, and back.
So, if you’re looking for toning exercise…
Walking should definitely be a part of your workout routine. It’s not challenging for most but has so many health benefits. Tone both your body and your health with regular walking.
Can’t wait to see you strolling along,
Kimmie