How to get started with strength training?

arakera
arakera Posts: 2
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I would like to tone up a bit as well as lose weight, and to do this I've been told to do a combination of cardio and weight/strength training.
Now, I love cardio. Running in the mornings and hiking in the evenings are things I enjoy doing and don't have to force myself to do - however. I once tried a kayla itsines bbg workout - they're supposed to be strength hiit or something I believe? And I liked it for maybe the first 5 minutes but it got so repetitive and boring even if I was hurting and puffed.. Not my thing at all! But I really want to get that muscled look (for a female anyway) and so many people rave about 'lifting' though I have no gym membership and can't afford one even if i wanted it.. Is there any way of incorporating strength training into my runs or hikes or just daily life?

Or should I ease into workouts like the bbg's by only doing 5 mins at a time?
OR is there another, better way than both of these?

Thanks heaps!
- Arakera

Replies

  • camp2520
    camp2520 Posts: 1 Member
    I'd love to hear the responses, I have the same problem!
  • hill8570
    hill8570 Posts: 1,466 Member
    If you can't afford a gym, you could look into bodyweight training (Convict Conditioning / You Are Your Own Gym, many others). I personally don't find bodyweight nearly as interesting as barbell work, but everybody's different.
  • compgeek812
    compgeek812 Posts: 57 Member
    For bodyweight exercises I default to Nerd Fitness, but I think saving up and buying dumbbells would provide better results for what you want.
  • rocardy
    rocardy Posts: 14 Member
    I combine body weight and dumbbells. I recently switched my routine from 3 reps of "x" body weight/dumbbell to 1 rep f either 30, 60, or 90 seconds. This week I was able to hold the plank for 60 seconds which is up from the 30 second of last week.

    Any use of dumbbells or other weights I strictly only do for 30 seconds, I want to make sure I maintain good form.

    I also slowly built up my dumbbell collection when I did P90X, I only bought what I needed until I ultimately had to buy the next pound size. My weights range from 1.5 to 15lbs.
  • DeeTee68
    DeeTee68 Posts: 198 Member
    You could always try resistance bands instead of weights. I am toning up using them three times a week and they give a good strength workout. Check them out on Amazon look for Bodylastics or some such recommended brand.
    A full set with door anchors and handles etc, etc is about £36.00. There are plenty of videos on you tube on how to use them.
    I spend no more than 15 mins a session and I am seeing a improvement already after 8 weeks.
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