Strength training at home??

lilbitsc89

So I am just about to my desired weight...maybe just a lb or two more but now I need to focus on toning/tightening up. I know I probably need to incorporate strength training since as of right now my exercising includes zumba 3 x a week right now and occisionally riding my bike.

I can't join a gym right now and Ive never weight trained so I was just wondering what ideas you all have for strength training at home? I have some 2 lb and 5 lb free weights. lol i know not much

And if i do start weight training at a gym (at least the gym in my neighborhood that only has like 2/3 machines), where do I even begin?

LynC33

I do my weight training at home. I have hand held weights of different sizes and weights(used for bicep and triceps) and I also have a bar that I can put weights on the end(used for chest, shoulders and back) and I use my fit ball for squats if I feel like doing squats....which is very rare lol. However, the resistance training I do at home is working, thats the main thing.

ishtar13

Bodyweight exercises:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/tipsandtricks/a/basictraining.htm
http://greatist.com/fitness/50-bodyweight-exercises-you-can-do-anywhere-030612/

http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/ (also uses household items like a milk jug).
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/07/17/no-gym-no-problem-bodyweight-exercises-and-the-nerd-fitness-challenge/

And a playground workout:
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2012/04/12/playground-workout/

TwtyMami35

I have two very active daughters and I am not always able to get to the fitness studio. I recently purchased Bob Harper's, "Pure Strength" DVD (the Biggest Loser Trainer) and he is as intense as the strength training at the studio. He has a 20-minute beginner's portion and the 1 hour portion. I do the one hour. The DVD is awesome!

babycook

bump

LynC33

I have two very active daughters and I am not always able to get to the fitness studio. I recently purchased Bob Harper's, "Pure Strength" DVD (the Biggest Loser Trainer) and he is as intense as the strength training at the studio. He has a 20-minute beginner's portion and the 1 hour portion. I do the one hour. The DVD is awesome!

Wow, I will have to grab that DVD. Will offer some variety for me :-)

wookiemouse

Get Chalean Extreme (DVD). I started on this program in 2010 and lost 4 dress sizes with it. Totally got me over my fear of weight lifting! It's only 30-40 mins 3x a week and you start off light and gradually increase what you lift. I could barely do 8 lbs on bicep curls before that DVD, now I'm doing 25 lbs! You can use weights or bands, and it's tailored for women (ie, she's not going to build up your neck muscles!).

jb_2011

Hi Liz, I've been doing the exercises in a book called "Strong Women Stay Young". Very good routine using hand weights and ankle weights, and towards the end of the book there are additional strengthening exercises including push ups and crunches.

gehlerc

OP: Thanks for posting this question!

All who responded: Thanks for the great information!

This is exactly what I've been needing to find out.