Toning up for summer

Chads · 23 Mar 2007 at 13:27

Depth said:
When ever I want to cut some fat, I just avoid simple carbs (except after I lift).

All my carbs come from fruit and veg,

Does that mean you avoid pasta, rice, potato? (although I guess potato technically comes under vegetable.)

Chong Warrior · 23 Mar 2007 at 13:55

Chads said:
Does that mean you avoid pasta, rice, potato? (although I guess potato technically comes under vegetable.)

A potato is too starchy to be classed as a vegetable.

Though sweet potatoes are very low G.I. I believe

Depth · 24 Mar 2007 at 22:41

Chads said:
Does that mean you avoid pasta, rice, potato? (although I guess potato technically comes under vegetable.)

Yep, as Chong Warrior said though I do eat sweet potato, it's gorgeous.

If anyone is interested I just try and stick to this the best I can, and it really seems to work:

http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/nutrition/7habits.htm

Raz · 28 Mar 2007 at 15:08

Depth said:
Yep, as Chong Warrior said though I do eat sweet potato, it's gorgeous.

If anyone is interested I just try and stick to this the best I can, and it really seems to work:

http://www.johnberardi.com/articles/nutrition/7habits.htm

Good read, of those 7 points I find the eating carbs only pre-wo and PWO a bit difficult. I need to get rid of my family pack, not really bothered about a 6 pack though.

Runbalk · 28 Mar 2007 at 23:38

Tbh, I think too many people here assume too quickly what people mean when they use the word tone.

Morba · 29 Mar 2007 at 00:13

Runbalk said:
Tbh, I think too many people here assume too quickly what people mean when they use the word tone.

its not just here, its the same on any physically orientated forum where people have atleast some knowledge.

nero120 · 29 Mar 2007 at 12:24

For me, the word "tone" means to lose body fat so that muscles definition becomes apparent, but to have muscles at a decent enough size so you don't just look like a skinny weakling.

I don't know why everyone takes such an issue with it really, it strikes me as snobbish and arrogant.

MTA99 · 29 Mar 2007 at 12:55

nero120 said:
For me, the word "tone" means to lose body fat so that muscles definition becomes apparent, but to have muscles at a decent enough size so you don't just look like a skinny weakling.

I don't know why everyone takes such an issue with it really, it strikes me as snobbish and arrogant.

So you need to "bulk" to get the muscles then "cut" to get the definition. It is possible to add lean muscle while reducing body fat (or tone using your definition) but it isn't quick or easy!

Therefore those who want to "tone" require a specialised diet and training rountine yet have no motivation to follow it if it requires more than using a few machines in the gym twice a week. Herein lies the issue. Its not snobbish-ness or arrogance, its trying to impress on people who ask for advice that there aren't any shortcuts. Set some targets, do what it takes to achieve your goals then enjoy the results!

nero120 · 29 Mar 2007 at 13:54

MTA99 said:
So you need to "bulk" to get the muscles then "cut" to get the definition. It is possible to add lean muscle while reducing body fat (or tone using your definition) but it isn't quick or easy!

Therefore those who want to "tone" require a specialised diet and training rountine yet have no motivation to follow it if it requires more than using a few machines in the gym twice a week. Herein lies the issue. Its not snobbish-ness or arrogance, its trying to impress on people who ask for advice that there aren't any shortcuts. Set some targets, do what it takes to achieve your goals then enjoy the results!

People who use the term generally are just starting out in their road to getting fit and it is a common term you hear, so they use it. They obviously arent familiar with the specialised language so they ask a simple question and expect a decent answer, not a load of "TONE! RA RA RA!" crap. They come here looking for knowledge and advice and get snobbishness back, I think thats pretty low. If people are ignorant then educate them, don't embarass them and put them off! Who cares what language they use, it is the obvious meaning that is important.

MTA99 · 29 Mar 2007 at 14:12

nero120 said:
People who use the term generally are just starting out in their road to getting fit and it is a common term you hear, so they use it. They obviously arent familiar with the specialised language so they ask a simple question and expect a decent answer, not a load of "TONE! RA RA RA!" crap.

Ok point taken

nero120 said:
They come here looking for knowledge and advice and get snobbishness back, I think thats pretty low. If people are ignorant then educate them, don't embarass them and put them off!

The eduction starts with removing the word "tone" from the discussion. The word tone is used by the fitness industry to make people feel safe that they aren't gonna turn into "Arnie" but, by the same token, they're not gonna change into anything else (for better or worse) by following the usual "toning" routines.

nero120 said:
Who cares what language they use, it is the obvious meaning that is important.

Here's a few quote from the thread so far.....

"I don't want to be athletic, or have arms the size of my head, I just want to tone"

"If the guy says he wants to tone up, then he wants to tone up. Whats wrong with that? Is it just that its such a loose term? Surely to the majority of people it means become more muscular?"

"People say "tone" because saying "lose fat" implies they have fat - which they don't like!"

"For me, the word "tone" means to lose body fat so that muscles definition becomes apparent, but to have muscles at a decent enough size so you don't just look like a skinny weakling."

You see where i'm going with this. One mans tone is another mans tone :confused:

Confused? You should be!!

Styles · 29 Mar 2007 at 14:41

nero120 said:
People who use the term generally are just starting out in their road to getting fit and it is a common term you hear, so they use it. They obviously arent familiar with the specialised language so they ask a simple question and expect a decent answer, not a load of "TONE! RA RA RA!" crap. They come here looking for knowledge and advice and get snobbishness back, I think thats pretty low. If people are ignorant then educate them, don't embarass them and put them off! Who cares what language they use, it is the obvious meaning that is important.

Chill out. Part of a learning process is to be told your mistakes and have them put right. Tone can have many meaning and so eradicating it from someones weight lifting vocab is the best course of action.

I do not ever intend to be snobbish, I was once new to this game and a learner is every respect. I still treat myself as a learner as I'm learning new things every day. If I say something wrong, or do not know what I'm talking about I expect to be put right, no matter which way it is. You should just be thankful that a handful of people on here have the time and the decency to sit down and help people in the first place. We are here to help, in whatever way possible and in whatever method is required.

platypus · 29 Mar 2007 at 14:51

Depth said:
All my carbs come from fruit and veg, and I have a clearly visible six pack most of the year, except these little periods I have where I just eat whatever the hell I want. I should really stop doing that.

What if one's diet requires masses of carbs, is it then impossible to get a six pack?

Boscher · 29 Mar 2007 at 14:57

I have to agree with Nero to a point here. I have noticed some Gym Newbies getting aggressively jumped upon when mentioning "tone/toning". Make no mistake people do appreciate your experience and advice but to set them right you could put it in a bit more of a friendly manner.

MTA99 · 29 Mar 2007 at 15:01

I think we need to come up with some kind of standard copy-and-paste response to the "tee" word that covers all the points expressed here.

nero120 · 29 Mar 2007 at 15:03

S7yl3s said:
Chill out. Part of a learning process is to be told your mistakes and have them put right. Tone can have many meaning and so eradicating it from someones weight lifting vocab is the best course of action.

I do not ever intend to be snobbish, I was once new to this game and a learner is every respect. I still treat myself as a learner as I'm learning new things every day. If I say something wrong, or do not know what I'm talking about I expect to be put right, no matter which way it is. You should just be thankful that a handful of people on here have the time and the decency to sit down and help people in the first place. We are here to help, in whatever way possible and in whatever method is required.

Don't worry i'm calm. The stigma around the word tone is very real and does often result in snobbishness, I'm not accusing anyone specifically, but I have noticed it in the past. Please don't tell me I should be thankful for your expertise and because of that any snobbishness should be accepted - i call it like i see it and as far as im concerned it's ridiculous and pathetic. Thats my opinion, and you may find others agree with it.

Styles · 29 Mar 2007 at 15:34

Your point has been noted. In my opinion it's pathetic to post and whine in these threads if you have nothing to share with others or are not giving knowledge and advice to others. If anyone in any of these threads has been a little harsh to anyone about this subject, then it will be up to them to complain not yourself to come in and try and make yourself a keyboard hero.

Now if you are here to post offering advice then by all means continue, but if your posts are going to consist entirely of this rubbish every time then I see no point in you posting here.

The case is now closed, I will continue explaining to people that the word tone shouldn't be used in this case and I was do it however I please, as will anyone else with the knowledge on these forums. I believe I can mention four people off the top of my head that have expressed a dislike to the word tone, and those would be myself, Chong warrior, MTA99 and Morba, and I for one believe that those four are some of the most helpful regarding weight training matters within the SA.

Chong Warrior · 29 Mar 2007 at 15:52

nero120 said:
People who use the term generally are just starting out in their road to getting fit and it is a common term you hear, so they use it. They obviously arent familiar with the specialised language so they ask a simple question and expect a decent answer, not a load of "TONE! RA RA RA!" crap. They come here looking for knowledge and advice and get snobbishness back, I think thats pretty low. If people are ignorant then educate them, don't embarass them and put them off! Who cares what language they use, it is the obvious meaning that is important.

For your information there are several users who come on here everyday helping people out. A completely selfless act wouldn't you agree? I don't recall ever seeing you in here during your 5000 posts helping out! There are guys who do nothing but help and ALWAYS in a polite and friendly manner. I'm sure any arrogance or general unpleasantness would be stomped out very quickly by other members not to mention the mod's.

You pick up on a couple of posts in one thread and decide to take it upon yourself to start laying down the law what can and can't be said about an issue that crops up daily! I don't see anyone being snobby or arrogant in this thread when I read through it, I see a lot of helpfull posts until guess who comes in, stomping his feet :rolleyes:

nero120 said:
Don't worry i'm calm. The stigma around the word tone is very real and does often result in snobbishness, I'm not accusing anyone specifically, but I have noticed it in the past. Please don't tell me I should be thankful for your expertise and because of that any snobbishness should be accepted - i call it like i see it and as far as im concerned it's ridiculous and pathetic. Thats my opinion, and you may find others agree with it.

To be quite honest I find your 'tone' quite ridiculous and pathetic... that's just my opinion :rolleyes:

EDIT Sorry didn't see your post S7yl3s, wasn't there when I started. Pretty much just echoing what you said.

nero120 · 29 Mar 2007 at 16:07

Chong Warrior said:
For your information there are several users who come on here everyday helping people out. A completely selfless act wouldn't you agree? I don't recall ever seeing you in here during your 5000 posts helping out! There are guys who do nothing but help and ALWAYS in a polite and friendly manner. I'm sure any arrogance or general unpleasantness would be stomped out very quickly by other members not to mention the mod's.

You pick up on a couple of posts in one thread and decide to take it upon yourself to start laying down the law what can and can't be said about an issue that crops up daily! I don't see anyone being snobby or arrogant in this thread when I read through it, I see a lot of helpfull posts until guess who comes in, stomping his feet

I read this thread all the time, as it in general is very useful., but did anyone suggest otherwise? I am no expert on fitness so I don't often post, and most of my questions have been answered in previous threads. However, don't get all defensive just because a well known fact has been called. No one here accused anyone specifically of doing this so you have no grounds to counter, unless of course you are arguing that there is in fact no issue in this forum with the word "tone"?

To be quite honest I find your 'tone' quite ridiculous and pathetic... that's just my opinion

Sorry I hurt your feelings, I guess I underestimated the emotional stability of some of the "regulars" in here...

nero120 · 29 Mar 2007 at 16:09

S7yl3s said:
Your point has been noted. In my opinion it's pathetic to post and whine in these threads if you have nothing to share with others or are not giving knowledge and advice to others. If anyone in any of these threads has been a little harsh to anyone about this subject, then it will be up to them to complain not yourself to come in and try and make yourself a keyboard hero.

Now if you are here to post offering advice then by all means continue, but if your posts are going to consist entirely of this rubbish every time then I see no point in you posting here.

The case is now closed, I will continue explaining to people that the word tone shouldn't be used in this case and I was do it however I please, as will anyone else with the knowledge on these forums. I believe I can mention four people off the top of my head that have expressed a dislike to the word tone, and those would be myself, Chong warrior, MTA99 and Morba, and I for one believe that those four are some of the most helpful regarding weight training matters within the SA.

Good for you sonny, but I post where I god damn well please. If you are your chums are too blind to see the obvious thats your problem, but don't dare think you can decide what is post worthy or not, considering on why this issue got started in the first place. This is not exclusively a forum for members of your little club.

Chong Warrior · 29 Mar 2007 at 16:24

Very predictable responses, well done you *claps*