Resistance For Dummies???

barb1241

Howdy. I have lost 64 pounds through diet modification and cardio-slow and steady, walking and walking and hiking and bicycling (not too fast, but enough to know I've ridden). I have the impression that I should be doing some kind of weight training or something besides, but I know nothing much about it.

I am NOT going to the gym, certainly not any time soon. I have 2 pink 2lb. hand weights and I sometimes walk with those or do the WATP video while holding them. I kinda think that doesn't count too much or help too much either.

So, my question is: how do I start at home, slowly? Is there a resistance training for dummies book or dvd or something?

Thanks for any kindly advice you can offer.

Barb

edited to correct typos

barb1241

bump

no helpers out there?

Weezoh

I've only got a thimbleful of info for you but if you want to start strength training at home you can start with bodyweight workouts such as the Nerd Fitness Bodyweight beginner workout - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvhHhDNjtxM
Advantages here is that it's free assuming you have a body and something to lift like a gallon of water and you can do it at home, or even a hotel room if you're travelling.

If you want more that you can do at home, you'll probably look into barbells/dumbbells. Don't buy anything new that you can find for cheap on Craig's list or freecycle even. weight plates are often found there for cheap cheap. You can do a lot of, if not most, strength exercises that you can with a barbell with dumbbells which might be easier if you're somewhere you have no one to spot you if you get into too much weight. There are a ton of videos that will show you form for any exercise you can think of and several you can't. Just go slow. You might check out Scooby's page http://scoobysworkshop.com for several videos.

I have no experience with resistance bands but a lot of people swear by them for home/travel use.

soehlerking

I'm a huge proponent of heavy-lifting, but I totally get the working-out-from-home thing. I would personally start with some Jillian Michaels stuff--that woman gets some serious results from some tiny weights. I thought Ripped in 30 did some good stuff for my arms, and of course she has Shred It With Weights, but that requires a larger weight (10 pounds I think?). I hope you find something that works for you!

barb1241

Thanks, y'all! Will check 'em out.

Barb

hiker359

This channel has a lot of great moves. You can do them at home without the kettlebells and still get a good workout.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Kitty8Tim?feature=g-all-u

DCpaleochick

I'm a huge proponent of heavy-lifting, but I totally get the working-out-from-home thing. I would personally start with some Jillian Michaels stuff--that woman gets some serious results from some tiny weights. I thought Ripped in 30 did some good stuff for my arms, and of course she has Shred It With Weights, but that requires a larger weight (10 pounds I think?). I hope you find something that works for you!

good info...thanks

CarolynB38

I enjoyed the Jillians Michaels DVDs. You can get some good muscle tone and calorie burns in with them. I've just started the Convict Conditioning programme (not Jillian Michaels but a guy called Paul Wade) which is all body weight exercises. The first few stages of each of the first 4 exercises don't involve any equipment other than a wall, and maybe a door frame. Much later on (unless you're really strong!) you will need a pull-up bar but that won't be for quite a while. There are some videos on you tube that show the sort of thing this programme involves. I'm enjoying it and I'm finding that, even though I'm reasonably fit from karate, even the stage 1 exercises are working my muscles. My quads are aching as we speak :bigsmile: There are two more exercises to add in once you are at stage 6 of all the other 4, but it will take some time before you get there.

IronSmasher

YouTube mark Lauren

freddykid

I have several strength workout videos that i do when I cannot go to the gym. Head on down to the Walmarts/target go to the fitness section. anything you do for strength training will be better than not doing it.

without getting anything:
pushups, dips, lunges, and curls will cover most areas.

honeybee1036

bump

kcrxgirl

Maybe try resistance bands? I got a band that came with a dvd for $15 at Target a while back.

LisaBeateith2012

bump for later

imaginaryplaces

There is indeed a book - "Weight Training for Dummies". It goes into lots and lots of detail about the hows and whys of strength training and has chapters on things you can do at home (It also covers machines and free weights pretty extensively). The emphasis is on improving your health and building strength and preventing injury, not so much on bodybuilding. Lots of info on how to develop your own program. I've found it really helpful - as someone who started out with zero experience.