Weight training at home

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I live 30 minutes from the gym. I have an elleptical and a treadmill. I am learning that I need to do some weight training or strength training, is there a difference? What equipment do I need or what exercises could I do for this category? Also, what about a punching bag? My son and I play with gloves and I enjoy it. Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Kim

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  • PoundByPound
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    I have a VHS type by Rachel McLish that is very comprehensive and pays a lot of attention to form. They didn't make it in DVD, but if you are able to play VHS tapes you can get it on Amazon for a dollar or two, used.

    http://www.amazon.com/Shape-Rachel-Mclish-VHS/dp/6303697259

    Unfortunately, I can't talk about my personal experience because I haven't actually USED my tape... shame on me.
  • My45Chelle
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    Check out your local thrift store for used vhs. If you have a Goodwill nearby, they carry lots of tapes and used hand weights too. I bought my friend a book on using weights called the Great Dumbbell Handbook, put out by this company which has a web site www.productivefitness.com and videos on Youtube ProductiveFitness.
  • MadHatR5
    MadHatR5 Posts: 33 Member
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    I wanted a Home Gym but it's just not in the budget. So I recently bought a set of resistance bands (ripcords.com). I skipped the workout DVD since there are pleny of resistance band exercises online.

    I stumbled on this site the other day (Buzzle.com). They see to have ton of short articles about a lot of things.

    http://www.buzzle.com/articles/fitness-training/

    http://www.buzzle.com/articles/kickboxing-workout-routine.html

    http://www.buzzle.com/articles/exercise-equipment/
  • Deweypc20
    Deweypc20 Posts: 68 Member
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    I use adijustable dumbbells for weight training at home, very convenient to have all different weights available in one dumbbell, rather than a whole set taking up all sorts or room.

    50lb max dumbbells:
    http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Stamina-50-pound-Versa-Bell-II-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Set-of-2/3185125/product.html

    25lbs max dumbbells:
    http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Stamina-25-pound-Versa-Bell-II-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Set-of-2/3185124/product.html
  • summersmi
    summersmi Posts: 50 Member
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    Most good weight training can be done with a set of dumbells. Not the kind with fixed weight but the type where you can change weight on the dumbells. You will find them fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Get a tape or DVD of weight lifting to learn form and you should be fine.
  • kwardklinck
    kwardklinck Posts: 1,601
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    I'm doing the 100 pushup challenge at http://www.hundredpushups.com/. They have a squats, pull-ups, and situps challenge there as well. I can feel my body getting stronger already.
  • sparklebritches
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    Jari Love videos! I use a 5-lb set and an 8-lb set but sometimes go the whole workout with the heavier set, so one might suffice with just one set starting out. You will need to increase the poundage as you gain strength.

    I workout at home and I do her videos 3-days a week. Anymore would be overkill on something so exhaustive. Bike the other 3 days and rest on one.

    You can check her out on Netflix or watch a preview on collagevideo.com.
  • YogaRunner
    YogaRunner Posts: 652 Member
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    Weight training is an essential part of working out and getting fit. Until I added it, I didn't get the results I was looking for. I swear by the ChaLEAN Extreme workout DVD. I lost 4 inches from my waist and 4 inches from my hips in the first 6 weeks of doing it. The workouts are 30 minutes long, one is slightly longer at 45 min and one is only 10 minutes long. I like that it has several different DVD's in the set so I am not watching the same darn workout everyday. It's a 90 day program and i am in the last phase. I've gone from 28.8 percent body fat to 22.2 so far and I'm sure by the end of this phase it will be lower. I love it!!!
    Risa
  • CasperO
    CasperO Posts: 2,913 Member
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    I use adijustable dumbbells for weight training at home, very convenient to have all different weights available in one dumbbell, rather than a whole set taking up all sorts or room.

    50lb max dumbbells:
    http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Stamina-50-pound-Versa-Bell-II-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Set-of-2/3185125/product.html

    25lbs max dumbbells:
    http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Stamina-25-pound-Versa-Bell-II-Adjustable-Dumbbells-Set-of-2/3185124/product.html
    Bump, +1, good stuff. I like dummys. Each arm carries it's own weight, so no cheating. Good stuff.
  • smae1980
    smae1980 Posts: 794 Member
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    Weight training is an essential part of working out and getting fit. Until I added it, I didn't get the results I was looking for. I swear by the ChaLEAN Extreme workout DVD. I lost 4 inches from my waist and 4 inches from my hips in the first 6 weeks of doing it. The workouts are 30 minutes long, one is slightly longer at 45 min and one is only 10 minutes long. I like that it has several different DVD's in the set so I am not watching the same darn workout everyday. It's a 90 day program and i am in the last phase. I've gone from 28.8 percent body fat to 22.2 so far and I'm sure by the end of this phase it will be lower. I love it!!!
    Risa


    Does this video incorporate weights?
  • YogaRunner
    YogaRunner Posts: 652 Member
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    Does this video incorporate weights?

    Absolutely! It is centered around the principle that muscle burns fat and that using "heavy" weights with fewer repetitions makes you lean. Heavy, of course, is relative to what is heavy for YOU not anyone else. You can use weights OR resistance bands. For more info on it go to www.muffintopnomore.com or send me a private note.
    Risa
  • mskimberlee
    mskimberlee Posts: 38 Member
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    Wow! Thanks each and everyone of you! I'm going to go through each and every suggestion and see what will work for me! These are fabulous and I appreciate everyone taking time to answer! These are great!