never done strength training

HMbubblegun
HMbubblegun Posts: 7 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi everyone

so I do a lot of cardio and I've been losing weight steadily for over a month now. The thing is, I've read in a few places that I should be doing "strength training" too but I have no idea where to begin. I don't even really know what strength training is, the only thing I can think of is lifting weights.

I'm female, 23, 177lbs and aiming to get to 136 lbs, I have no intention to "bulk up" but I'd just like to get toned and healthy if any of that is relevant.

so can anyone recommend some good strength exercises that I can do at home? Also, how often should I be doing them and what kind of equipment should I get, if any?

Thanks

Replies

  • martyqueen52
    martyqueen52 Posts: 1,120 Member
    When people say "strength training" they mean two things..... either normal body building.... or power-lifting, which is what comes to mind when I, or someone else says strength training.



    But anyhow. Get a few dumbbells or kettle bells. Squats are a compound movement and will greatly benefit you and work your entire body and nervous system. Lunges are another great exercise. You can do floor dumbbell presses ( like you're bench-pressing), curls, tricep extensions.
  • mperrott2205
    mperrott2205 Posts: 737 Member
    Ok first things first: You will not "bulk up". Assuming from what you've written, you still want to lose body fat so you'll still be eating at a caloric deficit. You can only put on significant muscle mass from eating in a caloric surplus, known as "bulking".

    And if you want to build strength, then hands down the best beginner guide to this would be the Stronglifts 5x5 program.

    http://stronglifts.com/5x5/ it's pretty straight forward and their are video tutorials showing each movement and how to perform them.

    Good luck.

    EDIT:

    Workout A: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP2g3Sj3qSw

    Workout B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro3Mh9o7JPU
  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
    First, no one 'bulks up' by accident. It takes years of dedicated training.

    Second, depending on how much money you want to put into a home gym, my equipment I bought new for about $600. It's not fancy, but should carry me through the first year. I already had a barbell and some dumbbells, just needed to add some heavy weights, a bench, and squat rack. There are several beginner programs 'starting strength' 'new rules of lifting for women' strong lifts' and others.

    If you want something without cost, look up bdy weight training 'convict training' or 'you are your own gym.'

    All that being said I am new to weightlifting, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. I hope you find what you are looking for.

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