Where to start with weight/strength training?

swaymyway

I have decided it's time for me to add a lot more weight/strength training to my work out routine, I am a huge cardio fan and have always given that much more time and attention - but I have stopped losing weight now doing what I was doing so it's time to concentrate on building muscle and getting toned.

I have no idea where to start however - is there a guide or some sort of plan I can follow? I have found I like to follow plans when it comes to exercise - for example I am currently doing Turbofire and used C25K when learning to run.

I don't have a gym membership (and have no plans on getting one) but do have access to some weights at home, ranging from 2kg hand weights up to (I think) 25kg dumbells.

If any one could point me in the right direction it would be appreciated - female, 31, 125lbs, 5ft - if that info is relevant

sgha

Drink water!!:happy:

TavistockToad

bump!

Kate_UK

I found having a dvd to follow helped me, Jillian Michaels no more trouble zones is split up into different circuits so if you only wanted to consentrate on a few areas you could just pick those circuits, but the whole dvd is pretty much a full body toning workout. its about 50 mins long.

SereneRose

Bump. Need to know this too!

Kirsty_UK

Try this for info:-

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exbeginners/a/begstrength1.htm

and the relevant links inside

swaymyway

Thanks for the link. Does any one know if there is an actual 'plan' to follow, similar to C25K? x

AlsDonkBoxSquat

I do my strength training in group ex classes, I love body pump so much I bacame an instructor. That being said, I bought "The New Rule of Lifting For Women" last week and am really excited to get through it and start putting it into practice. I've decided that I need to spend time not only in the class room, but also in the weight room. I do suggest a couple of sessions with a trainer just to make sure that you have good form and aren't putting any strain on your back and knees.

shellrae1973

I heard this book is really good, but I haven't bought it yet.

http://www.thenewrulesoflifting.com/nrol-for-women

http://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting-Women-Goddess/dp/1583332944

katkins3

I bought "Weight Training for Dummies". It answered questions I didn't think to ask and was very common sense.

mmtiernan

I lift 3x per week using the "ChaLEAN Extreme" DVD series and it works well for me. I have also used routines from the book "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" and sometimes I sub in routines from Oxygen magazine. There's also a really good bood from Women's Health magazine called, "The Women's Health Big Book of Exercises". (I have the Men's Health version of this book).