how to do strength training at home?

miskadoo
miskadoo Posts: 2
edited January 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I just started MFP and have started doing walking as my main exercise. I want to do strength training but live in an area with no access to gyms. Can someone refer me to an article, web site, or book to get information on how to do strength training at home without buying expensive equipment.

Replies

  • terri0527
    terri0527 Posts: 678 Member
    Get a copy of New Rules Of Lifting For Women
  • melfitnesspal13
    melfitnesspal13 Posts: 378 Member
    I just started MFP and have started doing walking as my main exercise. I want to do strength training but live in an area with no access to gyms. Can someone refer me to an article, web site, or book to get information on how to do strength training at home without buying expensive equipment.

    Hello - There are sooo many workout videos for strength training on youtube.com you will be amazed. Also, right here go on the search and type in your topic and you will see how many people post on this topic all the time. I personally love P90X from beachbody.com but you actually have to buy this. I just finished the 60 min shoulders and arms workout, burned 630 calories and feel great. BTW I'm in my 50's so anyone can do this!! I leave out the side planks on the floor and do pushups against the wall instead. Enjoy! :flowerforyou:
  • RunnerElizabeth
    RunnerElizabeth Posts: 1,091 Member
    So I do strength at home because I use what would be my gym time for a run while my daughter is at daycare (single mom). I bought the book "You Are Your Own Gym" from amazon also purchased the ap ($2 on my droid), the ap isn't required, but really helps for keeping track of rest periods, time and it keeps my training log.

    Anyway the program uses all bodyweight exercises and gets progressively harder so you'd be able to keep using it. It uses your own body weight and stuff you have around the house, so other than the expense of the book, it's free.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    You are your own gym
    nerdfitness.com
  • MightyDomo
    MightyDomo Posts: 1,265 Member
    There are a few different ways to do it, honestly you don't always need equipment if you can use your own body weight as resistance but I do suggest for women at least having 3, 5, 8 & 10 lbs dumbbells for some exercises.

    I like to do russian twists (for my core and arms) using a single 10 dumbbell or two 8 lb dumbells. It increases the work you do to your muscles.

    There are also work out programs that you can youtube/torrent/purchase that are wonderful for working your muscles pretty hard and they also include cardio. Beachbody and Jillian Michaels I definitely stand behind and would say they are the best ones I have used yet (P90X, 30 Day Shred, Ripped in 30, Extreme Shed and Shred, etc... there's lots!)

    By youtubing or torrenting you get them free but if you are like me and prefer to purchase they can go on sale every so often so just keep a look out for sales. Jillian Michaels often sells at $5 - $15 per dvd depending on where you go, I bought my P90X for $100 CAD on sale at London Drugs and I am eyeing for the sale on Insanity so I can get that one in the bag too :)

    If you want to check out a listing of exercises I would definitely recommend going here:
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/workout/muscle-groups.html

    Good luck!
  • SkinnyMsFitness
    SkinnyMsFitness Posts: 389 Member
    Hi! I posted two 30-day challenges on my blog...in which I'm completely right now...one's for squats and the other's for crunches. I've only completed 9 days and I can feel I'm getting stronger; esp. with the squats - they were real difficult for me! :-) If you have a dog, I've found that mine is very helpful; we play tug-of-war almost daily! lol And she's one strong beeeeotch!! Lol

    Also, cutting grass, or swimming, anything physical! Good luck!
  • calibriintx
    calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
    Just do a google search of homemade weight training. I've read a lot about people using sandbags in place of kettle bells, etc. Drawing a blank on the many other great ideas I've heard.

    There's also this site, which has plans for homemade equipment: http://www.home-gym-bodybuilding.com/homemade-equipment.html
  • elleryjones
    elleryjones Posts: 88 Member
    Fitnessblender.com also has tons of great FREE video workouts that don't require weights or equipment.
  • miskadoo
    miskadoo Posts: 2
    Thanks to all who replied! Great and helpful information. I have checked out some on you tube and amazon for books. And started doing basic exercises I downloaded free from Fitness At Home website. Now for the motivation part.....:bigsmile:
  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    You ave a body right? Bodyweight exercises are just what you need. No gym is ever needed.
  • BabyCerise
    BabyCerise Posts: 70 Member
    Hi there ! try fitnessblender.com, it gives you loads of free workout you can easily do at home ! =)
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I just started MFP and have started doing walking as my main exercise. I want to do strength training but live in an area with no access to gyms. Can someone refer me to an article, web site, or book to get information on how to do strength training at home without buying expensive equipment.
    Get the book "You Are Your Own Gym" by Mark Lauren. No equipment needed other than a towel, and whatever furniture you have lying around your house.
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