Many seek a toned body not only for aesthetic reasons but also for its numerous health benefits. Striving for a slim physique often entails adopting healthy eating habits and engaging in regular exercise to reduce excess body fat, crucial for optimal physical well-being. Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet and staying active can alleviate stress and boost self-esteem, positively impacting mental health. However, the pursuit of a toned body should not lead to extreme dietary restrictions or negative body image issues, as this can foster an unhealthy obsession. It’s important to recognize that achieving a toned body is a highly individual journey, and what constitutes “healthy” varies from person to person, as noted by Austin “Ozzie” Gontang, director of the San Diego Marathon Clinic and a registered psychotherapist at Pacific Pearl of La Jolla.
What does a toned body look like?
A toned body is characterized by strong muscles and minimal body fat, resulting in visibly defined muscles and a firm feel to the touch, as explained by Gontang. However, he clarifies that this definition does not entail reaching the extreme levels of a bodybuilder. Achieving a toned physique also involves maintaining low to moderate levels of body fat and presenting a generally healthy appearance indicative of a balanced diet and regular exercise regimen.
Gontang cautions against resorting to extreme methods to attain a toned body and stresses the importance of prioritizing overall health and fitness over mere aesthetics.
“What health benefits does a toned body offer?
Beyond enhancing your self-image, focusing on your health and fitness while pursuing a toned physique provides additional advantages. According to Dr. Michael Fredericson, co-director of Stanford Medicine’s Longevity program and director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, “Maintaining a toned body can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.”