'Heavy weights' for weight loss

albali

Hi
I keep reading about people who swear by lifting weights as a way of helping them lose weight. I totally get that; stronger muscles burning fat more of the time etc etc. However, if I can't join a gym and don't want to buy heavy weight/kettlebells, can I do strength training and achieve the same results? So if I did a programme of sit-ups, crunches, lunges, burpees and so on, is this the same as 'lifting heavy'? What do you reckon?

Vipecap

It would be tougher to do "heavy" lifting without them but you can do alot just using your own bodyweight or things around the house. Check out www.bodyrock.tv , she designs all her workouts to be done at home and with common items. It's a really great site for what you are looking for.

ambut

^This!

You can absolutely get great results without going to a gym. You will be limited by what you have access to, but there is still a TON you can do. Also look up "You Are Your Own Gym"...I haven't done it myself but many people I know swear by it. Good luck!

UponThisRock

No, it wouldn't be the same as "lifting heavy" but you would get some benefit from it.

If you want to add some resistance on the cheap, you can do a lot with resistance bands and gallon jugs full of sand or water.

albali

Wow! Thanks so much for your quick replies. I'm off to investigate now!!

engineman312

what the others say. i'd skip the crunches though, unless they're on a swiss ball.

you can definetly get a great routine of body weight exercises and make it effective. this is what i did when i was starting out: http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/

ninerbuff

Hi
I keep reading about people who swear by lifting weights as a way of helping them lose weight. I totally get that; stronger muscles burning fat more of the time etc etc. However, if I can't join a gym and don't want to buy heavy weight/kettlebells, can I do strength training and achieve the same results? So if I did a programme of sit-ups, crunches, lunges, burpees and so on, is this the same as 'lifting heavy'? What do you reckon?

You can develop muscular endurance with those exercises (if you lose weight, the resistance gets less) but to get stronger you have to overload the muscle and that's why heavy lifting works.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Strobins05

It would be tougher to do "heavy" lifting without them but you can do alot just using your own bodyweight or things around the house. Check out www.bodyrock.tv , she designs all her workouts to be done at home and with common items. It's a really great site for what you are looking for.

^^^ I second this as well, good luck and you should get some great tips regarding this!

diggly

Bump for reference.

thefuzz1290

Buy resistance bands...cheaper, portable, and you can get the benefit of "heavy" lifting if you're just starting out. You can get a set of 3 for around $30. They also make super heavy weight bands if the regular ones get too easy.