How to build muscle without bulking up?
I'm a college student trying to avoid the "Freshman 15" and stay in shape -- and looking good (6-pack abs, anyone?) would be nothing to complain about either. I've been working out a decent amount, using plenty of weight-resistant machines. I'm not so sure what I'm doing is best for what I want, though: I don't want to look like a meathead, or bulk up at all...I like my slender shape! I eat a ton, and I know that working out + eating a lot is the path bulky weightlifters take...
Point being: I just want to get in good, healthy shape; get stronger but stay slim; and while I'm at it, go for that 6-pack.
I have access to a pretty nice university gym, so I'm pretty limitless here. Got any exercise tips/suggestions? Anything in terms of how long I should be doing what kind of exercise with what kind of weights or machines (or lack thereof) would be greatly appreciated -- especially with regard to abs, since my doctor recently warned me that a solid abdominal core is the best prevention of future back problems.
Feel free to ask away for any more details or anything.
Thanks!!
Responses:
Swimming sounds like a great idea....unfortunately (and rather embarrassingly...), I can't swim. :/ That being said, I dig the idea of just being active in general. Perhaps I'll take up a sport.
I don't drink, so no need to worry about the cals there.
Our Caf is pretty good at serving healthy foods; brown rice, plenty of vegetables, etc. I'm vegetarian but eat plenty of tofu and whatnot to maintain proper protein levels. That being said, any specific suggestions about diet?
In terms of yoga-type exercises, there's a section of the gym dedicated to this kind of stuff, but I don't know much about that sort of thing. Any exercises you would recommend? Just a name would be dandy, so I could Google how it's done and give it a try.
Also, is it true that more reps at less weight is better for toning and keeping in good shape, whereas heavier weights at fewer reps is better for bulking up?