Looking for good strength training dvd recommendations

2»

Replies

  • dixiech1ck
    dixiech1ck Posts: 769 Member
    Thanks to everyone for their insight and recommendations, even the ones with the snarky comments. You know there has to be one (or several) in every group.

    I do have 5, 10 and 20 lb dumbbells/weights. I've done the Biggest Loser Power Sculpt, which uses all weights, targets larger muscle groups, etc. It has worked but I'm looking for something a little more difficult.

    Thanks again.
  • Jeff92se
    Jeff92se Posts: 3,369 Member
    I'm probably mistaken but isn't your zumba class at a gym? I can't be a dvd since the teacher talked to you.

    Nope, it's not. It's at a community center. You pay for a monthly pass, which is cheaper than gyms in my region for three months.

    I'll assume there's no weights in there. I used to work out from a community center and that one actually had a free weight/machine room. With the weights you have, I think you're going to have to just review different exercises and figure out what you can do with what you have. 20lb dumbells doesn't seem like alot with a squat. But when you do a power clean to a squat to an overhead press, those 20lb dumbells suddenly are signficant.
  • stacybee14
    stacybee14 Posts: 38 Member
    True strength training isn't really a DVD sort of thing.

    Seriously? I'm confused. If Cathe STS DVDs aren't strength training what are they?

    Not all DVDs are 2 pound pink dumbbells.

    Do those DVD's demonstrate proper form, then tell you to click pause and do some weight lifting? If so then it's potentially on the right track.

    When I think workout DVD I think of aerobics.

    Strength training is more something you learn and then apply yourself, at your own pace. A strength training DVD seems almost as weird to me as a "diet dvd", that shows a person on the screen sitting before a plate of chicken and brocolli.. and they say, "now take out that trusty knife and fork! ok stick the fork in the chicken! good! and breathe! now slice the chicken with the knife! if you can't do this properly yet, just try your best, you'll eventually get it! don't forget to breathe! ok, now lift up the fork and bring towards the mouth! alright! and chew! and chew! and chew!"


    Seriously, Cathe's STS is exactly what you described. She explains proper form, tells you to lift at your own pace, changes the weights on her barbell right along w/you, lifts slowly and precisely w/you, tells you to pause and get water, stretch, etc...
    I've lifted heavier to her DVDs than I ever did @ the gym....And I lift HEAVY. If you have the *right* equipment at home, DVDs are just plain cheaper...

    BUT, on that note, I will agree that most of the DVDs out there (even the ones that use dumbbells) are more aerobic than anything...but then again, many women are still scared to lift heavy enough, so it caters to the needs of its customers.


    To the OP: depending on what you mean by "strength training" (like you just want cardio work w/dumbells? or you want to get stronger? add size to your muscles?) you can't really go wrong w/Cathe's vid's she has quite a variety that has any of those options.

    Another shout-out for Cathe Friedrich's STS series here. I'm doing it right now and it's simply awesome. You'll need more equipment than you currently have, but you can often find free weights, barbells, etc. at thrift stores or on Craigslist. If you don't want to commit to the STS series (it's a 36-DVD set), Cathe has some other fantastic strength training DVDs. I started with her Pyramid Upper & Lower Body DVD and really loved it as well, and I haven't done it but I know a lot of people like her STS Total Body DVD. Check out her website (www.cathe.com) - you can preview clips of all her videos there. She has a ton of them!

    As for non-Cathe options, I've also done Gin Miller's Seriously Strong and Barbell Blast, both of which were decent. Good luck to you! Strength training is definitely an important part of any fitness routine! :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories