The Best Toning Workouts for Women for Strength and Muscle Definition

building muscle strength training Feb 24, 2026
Strength training concept with blue hand weight and activewear.

Five pounds of muscle spread across 650 muscles does not look bulky—it looks defined.

 


 

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There is no physiological process called toning. You’re either building muscle and lowering body fat—or you’re stagnating.

 

Episode Summary:

Are you stuck in the 'forever toning loop' and not seeing the results you desire? Many women, especially those over 40, find themselves confused about how to achieve the toned and athletic look they crave. In this episode of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast, I dive deep into the misconceptions surrounding toning workouts and reveal the key strategies for building lean muscle effectively. As I often say, "True muscle definition comes from strength training, not endless repetitions of light weights.  It's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective workouts and embrace a new approach. It's time to break free from the cycle of ineffective workouts and embrace a new approach. 

Show Notes:

Throughout our lives, especially during midlife and menopause, our bodies undergo significant changes that can impact our fitness journey. Many women mistakenly believe that toning workouts are different from building muscle, leading them to rely on high-rep, low-weight exercises that yield little to no results. I share the inspiring story of my client, Annie, who was initially afraid of bulking up but discovered the transformative power of lifting heavier weights. By focusing on strength training, she achieved visible muscle tone and boosted her confidence.

In this episode, I outline three critical mistakes women make when trying to tone their bodies: the misconception that toning workouts are separate from muscle building, the overreliance on endless cardio, and the use of insufficient weight loads. If you're looking for effective weight loss and fitness motivation, this episode is packed with workout tips and insights tailored specifically for women over 35. It's time to shift your mindset and understand that building muscle while managing body fat is the key to achieving that toned appearance.

We'll also explore the importance of nutrition for women, including how to eat for muscle, the role of protein, and clean eating tips that can enhance your energy levels and overall wellness. Whether you're navigating the challenges of PCOS and fitness or seeking stress management techniques, I've got you covered. Join me in embracing strength training as a powerful tool for lasting change in your body composition and mental health. Tune in and discover how to transform your approach to fitness and wellness!

If you're interested in womens health, this is the podcast for you.

Get FREE lifetime access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program today! This unique program helps you build lean muscle and reduce inflammation—without the fatigue from long or intense workouts. All you need to do is post a review of my podcast, grab a screenshot, and upload it at: hollyperkins.com/review 

This offer won’t last—soon it will sell for $197. Don’t miss your chance to grab it free! 

Topics Covered:

  • Why “toning workouts” are often misundersto

  • The three biggest mistakes women make when trying to “tone up”

  • The real science behind muscle definition (hypertrophy explained simply)

  • Why women don’t “accidentally” bulk up

  • The exact strength training approach that creates visible muscle tone

Resources:


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Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

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