Exercise / Toning HELP

JDMarlowe
JDMarlowe Posts: 327 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have lost 130 pounds through diet and exercise. And while I feel and look a lot better, that kind of weight loss has come with some down sides.... I lost muscle and I am wanting to tighten and tone things up. I am not trying to become a body builder or even become ripped, just nicely toned. I work crazy hours as a Emergency 911 dispatcher and my wife is a paramedic who works 24 hour shifts and we also have a 3 month old daughter. So my time that I can spend in the actual gym is very very slim. So I am looking into home gyms etc.
My main question is, would I get the same (or similar) results from a Bowflex type of machine as I would using traditional free weights and "lifting" ?? I was leaning towards a bowflex because they seem so versatile as I don't have tons on money to spend in multiple separate machines and weights.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance guys!

Replies

  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    No. If you want home equipment get a rack, bench, bar, and plates.
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I agree with justsomerando ... I think if you can get some free weights from a used sports equipment shop like Play It Again, off of craigs list or yard sales, that would be more beneficial in the long run. A bench, a barbell and plates, and some dumbbells. Maybe even a squat stand?

    That way you can instantly access hundreds of various workout programs found in articles, youtube videos, etc. and find a workout routine that will be ideal for your goals, schedule, etc.

    A couple years ago, I lost weight through diet and also lost a lot of muscle too. I started off with simple, lightweight strength training to get the muscle back. I had great initial results, and now I'm fully committed to strength training. So I wish you the best of luck!
  • JDMarlowe
    JDMarlowe Posts: 327 Member
    Thanks!!
  • JDMarlowe
    JDMarlowe Posts: 327 Member
    Good idea!! I honestly didn't even think to check Craigs List! Thanks for the advice!!!
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    Jefit.com has a lot of good weight routines that you can use as well, and has an app that allows you to download your workouts and track sets, reps and weight from workout to workout fairly easily.

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