Where to begin with strength training?

smlamb33

I am interested in strength training but don't know where to begin. I have lost 115 pounds and I still have around 35 pounds more to go but, I also need to firm up and tone. I have been working out with a toning band and am starting to notice a difference in my neck and back muscles but still nothing in the arm and leg area, especially my thunder thighs. I don't want to do anything that could possibly cause me to injure myself and I don't want to do anything extreme like the p90x. I just want a way to tone up without going overboard.

Does anyone know of a good starter dvd with some toning and strength training? I really want to be able to run and not jiggle everywhere! LOL! :laugh:

BAMFMeredith

The 3 best strength exercises to start with (in my opinion) are push ups (even if you have to do knee ones, no shame!), lunges, and squats. You can start out with no weight, and just make sure you have someone show you correct form to prevent injury. Push ups are seriously amazing. You're working your upper body, your core, and with full leg extension, even your lower body. Lunges and squats will help you with the legs/butt toning as well.

emanij99

Hi, I had a personal trainer for a while which really helped with strength training. However if you don't have time for a trainer and work out most of the time at home try the ten minute workout videos. They're by the same guy that did p90x. I think they are a great start to toning. If you have a gym membership make sure you are "confusing" your muscles. This just means do arms one day, legs one day, and then back/abs. A good website to look for workouts is gym technik! I hope this helps.

medoria

Jillian Michaels No more trouble zones is 55 minutes of strength training. 7 circuits, every circuit is 5 moves thats repeated in two sets. You do each move for about 25 seconds. Its long but I say go for it, youll see and feel the results and its totally worth the effort. Start of light with 2 lbs dumbells and youll bee fine.

camckinney

Well, as you've seen, I'm doing the New Rules of Lifting for Women and I love it. I have never strength trained before and this fits me really well. Granted I'm only at Stage 1 and it gets more difficult as you go, but I'm looking forward to it.

smlamb33

Thanks everyone for your great advice and tips! I have been doing squats and lunges with a toning band with Leslie Sansone for about 5 weeks, I think and then I have been doing wall push ups, so at least I am headed in the right direction from the sounds of it. YAY!
I'll be sure to check out the 10 minute videos, Jillian Michaels and the New Rules for Lifting! Thanks everyone, this has been very helpful! At least I know which direction to get started in!