Need advise on exercise program

knsx04
knsx04 Posts: 3
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi. I am new to trying to lose weight. I don't need to lose more than I need to gain muscle strength and tone. I have had 4 kids and have the typical "mom" belly but otherwise am not overweight. I have begun jogging and have done 1 5k but I have NO upper body or core strength. I have heard of px90, insanity, and T25 but don't think I have enough core for any of them. I can NOT do a single pushup, plank, etc. I also have weak knees but no actual damage to them. Any suggestions on where to begin? Any programs better for those people with NO muscle tone at all? TIA

Replies

  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    Starting Strength. You can get the book on Amazon, and it pretty well thoroughly explains everything you need to know about getting stronger.
  • jldvs3
    jldvs3 Posts: 13
    I seen on here a few weeks past a post about good exercises to do and someone mentioned Leslie Sansone. Her videos are on you tube. They are simple walks, but there are one mile to five mile walks and she uses hand weights for upper body strength. These are simple and anyone can do them. It's nice you can do this in you own home. Good luck!
  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    The DVDs you mention are cardio with some slight strength elements.

    If you ant a stronger body, I'd definitely go the 'starting strength' or similar route.

    You may get the same end result with others, but as far as strength goes, that should be your quickest way to get what you want.

    It and any other beginner routine worth it's salt will advise you start very light - maybe even with an empty light weight bar for you.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Another option is do P90X and replace pushups with incline pushups:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0bRiVhnO8Q
    Start with hands on a table or bed frame. When that gets easy, use a lower hand position.
    Do the same thing with planks.
  • MakePeasNotWar
    MakePeasNotWar Posts: 1,329 Member
    The beginner version of p90x is the power 90 ( p90x = power 90 extreme). I completed that one first because I had the upper body strength of a newborn kitten. Modifications like the above poster mentioned are also a great way to build up strength.

    I still can't do pull-ups but I am happy to say I can now lift at least as much as the average house cat. Fully grown. :smokin:
  • GiGiBeans
    GiGiBeans Posts: 1,062 Member
    I'm a big fan of fitnessblender.com

    It's a free site run by a couple who makes easy to follow exercise videos. They have a search feature for level of difficulty, amount of time, body parts or types of exercise you want to focus on and even what equipment you have available.

    There are lots of upper body and total body strength workouts ranging from beginner to super setting.

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