Home equipment - what do I need?

GlindaGoodwitch
GlindaGoodwitch Posts: 157 Member
edited November 16 in Fitness and Exercise
I am trying to lose weight, and tone. Currently, I run aprx 5K every other day, and would like to compliment this cardio with strength training. I don't have space for any fancy bow-flex or what not, and currently I only have a couple of 5lb dumbbells.

I'm 5'2, 162lbs (aiming for 130ish). I have zero experience in weight lifting, and don't have time to go to the gym, but I do have time to work out at home :) I would love some ideas for what kind of strength training I can do at home, and what kind of equipment would be the wisest investments.

Thanks in advance! I appreciate any insight or ideas!

*note: I'm happy with my food choices, and am now focusing on the training/fitness part to complete the puzzle.

Replies

  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    edited April 2015
    All you need is your body and a bar that's about 8' off the ground.

    ETA:

    To be more specific, you could use one of the following books to guide and help you with calisthenics.

    Convict Conditioning (My personal favourite)

    You Are Your Own Gym
  • jchite84
    jchite84 Posts: 467 Member
    Plenty of good body weight/HIIT programs floating around out there. If you want to get into more weight lifting I'd recommend something like adjustable weight dumbells to start. I personally have an olympic set and I don't use anything else (no bench, no rack, etc), just the long bar and plates.
  • Dave55412
    Dave55412 Posts: 88 Member
    Get a 25 pound kettlebell and do swings/rows/squats. Youtube has plenty of info on how to do them correctly. It will do both cardio and strength at the same time. Just be sure that you keep your back straight when you swing.
  • GlindaGoodwitch
    GlindaGoodwitch Posts: 157 Member
    chivalryder wrote: »
    All you need is your body and a bar that's about 8' off the ground.

    ETA:

    To be more specific, you could use one of the following books to guide and help you with calisthenics.

    Convict Conditioning (My personal favourite)

    You Are Your Own Gym

    I will look into both of those! I love your optimism in suggesting I could possibly do a single chin up - BUT I will take that challenge ;)
  • GlindaGoodwitch
    GlindaGoodwitch Posts: 157 Member
    Thanks everyone for your suggestions - I'm going to see what I can come up with over the weekend. I need a new challenge.
  • rspoelstra
    rspoelstra Posts: 4 Member
    edited April 2015
    Dave55412 wrote: »
    Get a 25 pound kettlebell and do swings/rows/squats. Youtube has plenty of info on how to do them correctly. It will do both cardio and strength at the same time. Just be sure that you keep your back straight when you swing.
    This. Maybe a lighter KB to start through, get the form down.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    This content has been removed.
  • GlindaGoodwitch
    GlindaGoodwitch Posts: 157 Member
    LOL! I am just seeing this now. *genius* !
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    I second the kettlebell and high bar for full body work. Also, if you have a high beam or bar, you can drape a strap with rings (TRX suspension training) for suspension work. Use a bench for step-ups, box jumps, hip-thrusts, push-ups...
  • GlindaGoodwitch
    GlindaGoodwitch Posts: 157 Member
    So we just got a bowflex - (my husband acquired one...) This will work, right?
  • VeryKatie
    VeryKatie Posts: 5,961 Member
    edited October 2015
    chivalryder wrote: »
    All you need is your body and a bar that's about 8' off the ground.

    ETA:

    To be more specific, you could use one of the following books to guide and help you with calisthenics.

    Convict Conditioning (My personal favourite)

    You Are Your Own Gym

    This

    And don't worry, it will work you up to the chin up, not just throw it at you right away :) Based on the You Are Your Own Gym one.
  • Timshel_
    Timshel_ Posts: 22,834 Member
    The most basic home gym will work to a point when you are getting started through probably a half year or maybe more depending on goals. Look on Craigslist for anything $100 or less that has at least a 100lb stack. Look for name brands and nothing too fancy.

    As mention, strength and conditioning can be done without it as well.

    The choice to make is which will motivate you and keep you coming back consistently over time to do it.
  • youdontknowwhatyousaw
    youdontknowwhatyousaw Posts: 221 Member
    I second Convict Conditioning. Great book.
This discussion has been closed.

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