strength training suggestions

ohiomom0503

Hi all,
So far, the past 2 months or so, I've lost about 23lbs or so. I've recently(within the past 2 weeks or so) started light weights.
I go to a small fitness center. All they have there are hand weights, up to 50 lbs and a bench to do them on...aside from ellipticals, treadmills, bikes.
I've been doing bench presses, butterflies, bicep curls and I'm not sure what it's called, but you lay down holding a weight in your hand above your head and then lower it back behind your head.

I carry most of my weight in my mid section. What else should I do strength training wise?
Thanks

Awkward30

I'm no expert, but you are missing squats, lunges, and dead lifts!

ohiomom0503

I'm no expert, but you are missing squats, lunges, and dead lifts!

I've been hesitant to do lower body strength training as my legs are already pretty muscular.
I probably should incorporate them into my routine in hopes to help my legs maybe look a little leaner.

ohiomom0503

I'm no expert, but you are missing squats, lunges, and dead lifts!

oops posted twice

JennLifts

look up tricep exercises. Like kickbacks, or over head extensions.
Legs, if there's no machines, you could do dumbbell lunges, step ups, and hip thrusts, and squats.
for squats with dumbbells, I've found it easiest to hold one heavier one between my legs.

theba2il

I've been getting great examples at Fitnessmagazine.com.

mmtiernan

Check out oxygenmag.com and womenshealthmag.com for more exercises and routines. You could also get "The New Rules of Lifting for Women" - I'll bet your local library would carry it. Oxygen magazine has new routines monthly that might help.

Good luck!

chorgi

Kettlebells are a great way to add strength training into your repertoire. Check out CrossFit.com for some other ideas, too!

HeidiMightyRawr

I'm no expert, but you are missing squats, lunges, and dead lifts!

I've been hesitant to do lower body strength training as my legs are already pretty muscular.
I probably should incorporate them into my routine in hopes to help my legs maybe look a little leaner.

You won't get really muscular but doing them. It's really hard to build muscle especially for women. If you are working at a calorie deficit and have your diet in check then you should be losing fat while doing so. Losing fat makes the muscles you already have stand out more, however, it will also make your legs slimmer.
Since I've been doing squats and deadlifts I much prefer my legs now, alot more toned and a bit slimmer. I love the extra strength too! These 2 exercises are also great for getting your heart rate up (burning more calories) and use most of the muscles in your body rather than isolation exercises