i am a 27 year old female, 5' 7" and 140 pounds. I was at 125 lbs and I want to get back there but I refuse to starve myself like in the past. I go to the gym every day for an hour or so. I do spinning classes but I have been told to do more weight training to boost my metabolism and muscle conditioning, so i started doing more this week.

The thing is, I feel like my arms are already "beefy". I don't gain in my stomach at all - it all goes to my legs and arms! My arms are muscular but also have fat. I don't want to make them even bigger, and I'm nervous about overworking my quads with the machines.

I guess I just don't want to get that bodybuilder physique. Strong but slim, you know?? That's the goal. Is it better to do things like yoga or pilates for that? I guess a combo is best, but how much of what types of exercises should I do? I am open to suggestions, so fire away!!

sweet jane

The important thing to do is to continue to exercise, but I would recommend that you break at least one day per week....your body needs to recouperate....
Otherwise, you also need to do small weights with numerous reps. The regular cardio will keep your weight down, but the weights in specific areas will give more definition and reduce the beefy look of your arms. They will be toned, but not muscular looking if you keep the weights at about 2-5 lbs. I would do @ 4 reps of 10-12 movements. I don't know where the beefiness is at on your arms, but figure out where your problem area is and do a google search for the movement that best targets that area. good luck!