Weight training/toning at home

fnkygrl
fnkygrl Posts: 46
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
I would like to start incorporating some weights into my exercise routine as I currently only do cardio and I would like to tone up. There is no gym here so can anyone tell me what I should invest in to start me off? I dont really want to get a home gym as they are quite large but I was thinking some dumbells maybe. But then what about working my legs? Ive tried just using general household items like bottles of water but I seem to lose interest so I think Ill have to get the real things lol!

Replies

  • dmpizza
    dmpizza Posts: 3,321 Member
    If you take light weights(5 pounds or less) and get on a treadmill and pump your arms up and down, the amount of energy used is huge. Its really hard.
    I have also heard that lunges are the best exercise to do at home.
    Good Luck.
  • MarieNevada
    MarieNevada Posts: 395 Member
    there is a great book called "You are Your Own Gym" that's all about strength training without any equipment, not even dumbells but just using your own body weight. It's an awesome book that i really recommend. and for legs, you cant go wrong with lunges and squats.
  • ruststar
    ruststar Posts: 489 Member
    You can do a good strength training workout completely wth body weight exercise. Pushups, squats, lunges, and dips will go a long way, and with a set of handweights (at a weight you can do ow and one that's a stretch) and an exercise ball you should be able to get a good routine going. Check out www.bodyrock.tv for ideas.
  • lov3vh
    lov3vh Posts: 70
    Some dumbells sound like a great idea to tone up the upper body. As far as the lower and mid regions.. there are alot of toning excersizes that dont involve anything but you body. (think squats and crunches) there are about a million variations of these things... www.shape.com has alot of different at home workouts to get you started :)
  • _Doreen_
    _Doreen_ Posts: 127 Member
    hi,
    you could also look at some exercise DVD's. some, like P90, incorporate cardio, strength training, wieghts (like dumbbells), and some yoga.

    I went out and got a decent yoga pad (I wanted a nice thick one that folds up), and 3 lb and 5 lb weights to start. I also have an excersize band (it looks like a rubbery jump rope but stretches, and would be used instead of the weights).

    good luck with everything!
    :wink:
  • Dwilliams306
    Dwilliams306 Posts: 8
    If you have Comcast cable, they have free workouts (10 minute abs, legs, pilates, yoga, etc.) under Exercise TV that you can do, I like those. I think Verizon does too. i recently bought the Pilates Power gym and I'm loving it and after 3 weeks have been getting great results already. It has resistance cords and a video comes with it and you work your upper, abs, and legs. I also ordered a small exercise bike to alternate. Adding ankle weights to a video routine or maybe getting some excercise videos that interest you, you can always change when you get tired of the same old routine. Hope this helps!
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    core work requires no equipment. when you get further along...a few dumbbells and stretch cords are great!
  • Kelene616
    Kelene616 Posts: 166 Member
    I work out at home and outside so I know a few things about this.. Get a few sets of free weights of varying strengths that way you can both max out and do more reps with lighter weight(to tone). These work with all upper body strength moves and can be held at your sides for squats and lunges.. Body bars are also great.. And for crunches get maybe a couple of the circular weights (the kind you would put on for bench presses at the gym) and hold it with your arms crossed in front of your chest for crunches. A stepper will work for cardiovascular and for any press strength moves. And a body ball is great for core work. Hope this helps :-) and their if you have any questions or want to chat pm me :-)
  • Kelene616
    Kelene616 Posts: 166 Member
    Oh and resistance bands :-)
  • LAWIII
    LAWIII Posts: 50
    I would like to start incorporating some weights into my exercise routine as I currently only do cardio and I would like to tone up. There is no gym here so can anyone tell me what I should invest in to start me off? I dont really want to get a home gym as they are quite large but I was thinking some dumbells maybe. But then what about working my legs? Ive tried just using general household items like bottles of water but I seem to lose interest so I think Ill have to get the real things lol!
    I would recommend a p90X style pull up bar. With that one piece of equipment you have back, chest, shoulders, abs, biceps, triceps, and glutes covered.
  • wildeone4
    wildeone4 Posts: 204 Member
    I have been doing the program ChaLEAN extreme and LOVE it! I first bought Gold's gym weights for $100 from walmart. My hubby wanted the bowflex selectech, so we have those! I love them! Squats and lunges are great fort he legs. Hold the weights in your hands for extra resistance!
  • catwrangler
    catwrangler Posts: 918 Member
    kettlebell! check out youtubes on it.
  • fnkygrl
    fnkygrl Posts: 46
    Thanks to everyone for their ideas! I cant wait to start!
  • love4fitnesslove4food_wechange
    love4fitnesslove4food_wechange Posts: 6,897 Member
    I love Jillian Michaels's Banish the Fat Boost the Metabolism --no equipment required and its circuit training so it's all inclusive. It is an awesome workout! :)

    You could also buy resistance bands, dumbbells, and resistance tubes...google workout using them! good luck.
  • trelm249
    trelm249 Posts: 777 Member
    Honestly, you can do a lot with just your body weight.

    Over at www.nerdfitness.com in the how to video section, steve demonstrates a lot of body weight strength exercises that you can build a routine around to increase your strength and promote lean tissue development.
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/
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