Training different body parts (Tris and Bis, etc) during weight lifting days, or just do all over body works outs. I have tried both, and I have heard both are good. Which way is really the best? I'm think total body If i'm trying to tone and get lean all over. What are your thoughts?
There is NO "best" way. The "best" way to train for YOU is going to be different than the "best" way for another! You need to experiment with different training methods and regimes to find what works best for YOU!
As I mentioned in another thread before this, there is NO such thing as "toned". "Toned" is either a) losing bodyfat, b) gaining muscle mass, or c) recomping (i.e. losing bodyfat whilst gaining muscle - usually only done by very experienced trainees who know how to manipulate everything perfectly for them, especially re nutrition). What you want is FAT LOSS.
As far as what works "best" for fat loss, you have to find what works for YOU. NUTRITION is the primary factor that determines the success (or lack of it) re fat loss for the majority. Then training. There is no "one size fits all" approach - for example, some people diet ridiculously, whilst others like me don't diet but train very hard and intense. Experiment to find out what your body responds best to is the best way to do it - you can start off with a "base" nutrition plan and training programme, but if you do, I recommend adjusting it weekly based on your results from that week, so that you get and continue making progress.
Your "diet" should be a LIFESTYLE DIET and it should be SPECIFIC TO YOU, no matter how different or unconventional it is to everyone else. As you get older and more experienced re training, etc. as well, your body will change, so what works re nutrition will change as well (for example, I have always been lactose intolerant, but now I can barely handle ANY dairy; until recently, I was fine with whey, but can no longer use protein powder, etc.), and it is a never-ending experimental process on making progress and achieving the results you want to.
When it comes to training for fat loss, ANYthing is going to work, since for 99% of individuals, whether or not they are successful with their fat loss is dependent on their NUTRITION. That said, training hard and heavy is the best way to train re fat loss, IMO (and definitely works the best from personal experience - which is what I always do anyways, regardless, and I stay pretty lean all the time).
Whether you are a beginner or experienced trainee would also depend on the type of training programme recommended. Full-Body sessions are great for beginners (and even experienced trainees - I do at least one a week when training), but if you're more seasoned with training, then setting up a programme that is most beneficial for your needs and effective for your goals is the best thing to do.
Re fat loss, I recommend reviewing
The 3 Keys to Fat Loss - it contains comprehensive advice and information on training, nutrition (and supplementation - only the basics required!), for effective and successful fat loss. Check out more
articles on training for fat loss I've written to see what exercises to include in your training programme.
If you're still not sure what to do after going through all that and don't want to do everything yourself, then save yourself the time and get yourself a trainer who knows what they're doing, who can and will set you up on a training programme (and nutrition plan - since it's the most important factor in your fat loss - if you want that as well) that is tailored specifically to meet YOUR goals AND needs.
~Rosie~