Going heavy (er)

Yes, take measurements, judge how your clothes are fitting you, and just look in the mirror.

Also, if you're really looking to go heavier with weight then you'll need to start real strength-training. Those videos (P90, Insanity, <insert video name>) are not strength training, they are primarily cardio first and foremost. You can gain some strength by doing them obviously, but they are not true strength training methods and they do not get into the realm of "heavy."

Don't worry about the numbers on the scales, worry about what you look like in a mirror, if your'e getting smaller you're losing fat.

I'm fairly new myself, but for free weights, your best bet is going to be YouTube, rather than a purchased DVD. Also, it's Free.

A lot of folks have had a lot of success with the "Starting Strength" routine, you can also look into "5x5" weight lifting and others. There are a ton of videos on YT showing proper form and technique, and you can get decent results if you stick to it.

Be advised, actual weightlifting will amp your appetite up, as you start burning more calories.

Yes, take measurements, judge how your clothes are fitting you, and just look in the mirror.

Also, if you're really looking to go heavier with weight then you'll need to start real strength-training. Those videos (P90, Insanity, <insert video name>) are not strength training, they are primarily cardio first and foremost. You can gain some strength by doing them obviously, but they are not true strength training methods and they do not get into the realm of "heavy."

Full push-ups and pull-ups are #heavy enough for me. I can't do either yet, How heavy is heavy? Am I trying to be able to bench 400 lbs?? lol

ETA: I weigh over 200 now.

Any suggestions for Dvd's?

I love P90X. It was plenty of a challenge for me in the strength department, and helped me drop 2% body fat in 2 months. I ended up aout 20%, the lowest I think I've ever been. I'm thinking of starting again, actually. This time, BEFORE I lose most of the weight.

Unfortunately there's really not a DVD like that. Well... not entirely true. Joe DeFranco's website sells videos that are strength oriented programs and that's about all I would recommend for strength training videos. His latest one is called "Strength System" and I believe there are videos with it but it's probably more instructional. http://www.defrancostraining.com/

If your goals are truly strength, then you'll have to breakdown and either get a membership or get a squat rack, barbell, and plates for a home gym. I'm not trying to be a smart-*kitten* or ****ty; it's just a fact. There's just so much false marketing with videos these days that play on people's misunderstanding of strength training and training myths that make it seems like you can just do a 20min or 30min video. If you're goal is just aerobic conditioning then get something like P90x or Insanity and you'll have some improvement in strength just from your body adapting to the different movements (if it's possible to adapt to those and the silly "muscle confusion" theory) but those types of videos are definitely cardio oriented. Best of luck in whatever you decide!