How to tone a thick back?

[cransplash]

I am petite, and I very self conscious about my thick back. It's broad, thick, and I really want to tone it down (and begin wearing strapless tops, etc without feeling conscious).

Can you recommend some exercises that can help "shrink" my thick back?

[Deleted]

Are you overweight? If that's the case, you want to work out to get to a normal body weight, and the excess fat in the area will eventually go away. If you are normal body weight now, I would suggest New Rules of Lifting for Women, which is a guide for lifting heavy. This will help you build muscle over your entire body. Toning is a misnomer, you want to build muscle. You are a woman, so you will not likely bulk up.

That being said, it could just be how you are built and there may not be a lot you can do besides embrace it.

[Deleted]

Ditto pp - there's only so much you can do. Be at a good weight. Build up your arms a bit to look more proportional.

And then get clothes - especially bras - that fit. "Back fat" is often "crappy bras". Oh, and crappy posture. Yoga or pilates can be great for posture, which makes everything look better.

[gnomesweetgnome]

May 25, 2012 13:49:44 GMT -5 @tokenhoser said:

And then get clothes - especially bras - that fit. "Back fat" is often "crappy bras". Oh, and crappy posture. Yoga or pilates can be great for posture, which makes everything look better.

This. Also, if you have body fat to lose, NROL4W can help with that as well. They have an eating guide plus the lifting workouts which should help you burn fat. You should also do cardio for general fitness benefits.

[sadlebred]

Liposuction is the only way you can spot reduce.

[emyinpink]

1st, what are your stats and measurements? is there a chance that you need to build up muscle mass in other places so you look more proportionate?

bodyfat reduction is really accomplished by diet. some people help their bloating by carb reduction (and for me carb reduction really helps weight loss), but you'll have to find the plan that works for you.

if you give us more info, we can help you get started!

the final thing might be adjusting what your goals are. many of us are not built to have "whispy" figures, and no amount of workout/diet plans (short of starvation) will accomplish that. it may just mean that you need to change your goals, which is totally fine.

[cransplash]

Hi! I am 5'1" and 132#. I would like to get back to my pre/wedding weight of 120#