It will definitely help. But to see muscle you will need to lose some fat too. How much depends on your build and body composition which is different for everyone. I lift pretty heavy for 30-40 mins, 2 or 3 times a week, and have for several years. I am 5 foot 1 and can see muscle definition at 118 lbs in my legs and back. At 112, I can see it in arms and abs as well. For a 6 pack I would have to cut down a bit more. Again, depends on the person

Age and gender does matter, what are you people talking about. The older you are the harder it is to build muscle especially if you're a woman, That said it's not impossible, it's actually VERY possible. You need to push yourself hard, at least 3 times a week. For me I need a minimum 45 mins each time. I use primarily free weights and squat racks.

56 yrs/post menopausal

NP. Would doing pilates be a good adddition?

If you have a typical email job, back muscles are among you most neglected and a must for working out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: As you age, particularly as a woman, you need to work at building back muscle and maintaining what you have.

Building muscle again or literally working out back muscles? I’ve begun lifting light weights , but I don’t think back muscles have been targeted and I’m curious how to achieve this at home with dumbbells and a yoga mat.

Sorry! I meant building muscle again. Though your back muscles can be part of that. You could do bent over rows for that with dumbbells at home.

Anonymous wrote: As you age, particularly as a woman, you need to work at building back muscle and maintaining what you have.

Building muscle again or literally working out back muscles? I’ve begun lifting light weights , but I don’t think back muscles have been targeted and I’m curious how to achieve this at home with dumbbells and a yoga mat.

There are no quick fixes. 10-15 minutes? Maybe start with that but you need to put in more time. You could efficiently lift heavy enough weights in the right ways 30 - 45 minutes maybe 3 times a week with decent food intake and you’d probably get there. Maybe with some supplemental core exercises, which you should be doing for overall back and stability health anyhow. As you age, particularly as a woman, you need to work at building back muscle and maintaining what you have.

Anonymous wrote:No one can prescribe this for you.
Your age should not matter.

Actually, age and diet does matter for women and muscle building.

There is no such thing as tone. You have muscle or fat.

It depends on your neurological tone. Either your muscles hold shape at rest or they don’t. Genetics. If they do, then yes you can achieve that look at any age.

What are you doing differently now? Are you actually lifting weights?

Age seems highly relevant as you lose muscle mass with age, no? Just wondering what others experience was. Not trying to be buff…more Pilates toned.

Your age is just a number. I’m training a 73 year old woman right now who is insanely toned. I have clients in their 30s who simply don’t put in the time and effort to look fit and toned. It’s 100% in your control. A 10-15 minute strength training workout is not going to get you good results. That’s not nearly enough time. Your diet plays a huge role in how your body looks and feels as well.

No one can prescribe this for you.
Your age should not matter.

I’m 5’5 130 pounds and 43 yo female. If I do YouTube strength training 10-15 minutes 4-5 times/week could I expect to become toned? How long does it take? Used to be sooo easy pre 40.