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"Developing Muscle Tone"

By Matt Hill

Developing Muscle Tone Everyone wants to get a shapely toned body, but what exactly is muscle tone and how is it achieved? Muscle tone is the combination of the feel and look of muscles. A well toned muscle has good shape, firmness and is not hidden behind layers of fat. So the question is asked, “How do I obtain good muscle tone?” Muscle tone is earned through a smart and healthy diet, a well designed resistance training program and a safe cardiovascular regimen. These three things must be present in equal fashion to obtain safe results.

Even though muscle tone is heavily dependant on resistance training, the body must be fed supportively through the process. Toned muscles require the proper balance of proteins, starches and fiber to maintain their look and feel. In the same boat, if the muscles are toned, what good are they if hidden below layers of body fat resulting from a poor diet? A safe diet will always be a part of any training program and should not be cast aside as invaluable.

Though muscle tone is earned through a progressive resistance program, a sound cardiovascular training program must be a part of training. As mentioned before, if the muscles are hidden under a layer of fat what purpose is their tone serving. A well designed cardio program will safely raise the metabolism, strengthen the heart AND create a healthier body over all. Without working in cardiovascular training that great muscle tone will not be achieved.

Now the obvious part, good muscle tone is achieved through progressive resistance training. This means that muscles adapt to and over come resistance by growing stronger and harder. The result is muscle tone.

Resistance training consists of lifting free weights against gravity, using a machine that transfers gravity through a system of simple machines or lifting against resistance bands. By consistently changing the resistance types and difficulty the muscles will be challenged and forced to adapt and grow. Of course this is a major part of obtaining better muscle tone but it is not to be weighted any heavier than cardio or diet.

In short, to get to the muscle tone that everyone strives for, these three things must be a part of the program. It comes as a shock to most that diet and cardio plays such a large part in muscle tone. Through balancing and maintaining these three facets of a healthy lifestyle the human body will become a synergistic piece of artwork, all parts working in concert towards a purpose.

About the Author:

Matt Hill is a certified personal trainer in Hoover, Alabama. He specializes in helping busy men and women develop muscle tone. He is a trainer and manager at Fitness Together-Hoover. He can be reached for a free consultation at