strength training Questions

I use resistance bands and my wii to do strength training..i do not have a gym anywhere close and let me tell you resistance bands work like weights except they work the muscles in every possible way..even if you have no wii the resistance bands come with a sheet in them of workouts to do also you can find more workouts on line..hope this helps..

Weights will yield the fastest results but are not needed. You can use bands and/or body weight exercises to get an effective workout. I would suggest you check out Bodyrock TV (youtube channel) they post daily workouts and do 30 day challenges, using minimal equipment and usually have alternate ways to do the exercises that require equipment. Once you get into it you can decide if you want to look into a "real" strength training routine, but this will give an effective workout.

I agree chrisb75, about those routines, or even New Rules of Lifting for Women. These routines focus on compound movements using barbells and weight plates to do correctly.

Think of push ups (reg, at an angle, one arm, etc), planks, squats, lunges, crunches, dips, etc. Search google on how to do different variations of each to add a challenge as you progress. The website http://hundredpushups.com/ have good plans as well (and there are links to dips, squats, crunches...)

CHALEAN EXTREME!!!!!

It's a strength training/cardio program. IT IS AWESOME. It has changed my body!!!! You can download it for free at http://www.thepiratebay.org and all you need is a set of resistance bands or free weights that go up to 25 lbs each (like select-tech or the generic version)

Weights will yield the fastest results but are not needed. You can use bands and/or body weight exercises to get an effective workout. I would suggest you check out Bodyrock TV (youtube channel) they post daily workouts and do 30 day challenges, using minimal equipment and usually have alternate ways to do the exercises that require equipment. Once you get into it you can decide if you want to look into a "real" strength training routine, but this will give an effective workout.

I agree chrisb75, about those routines, or even New Rules of Lifting for Women. These routines focus on compound movements using barbells and weight plates to do correctly.

^this. bodyrock is pretty good, and I just started New Rules myself and like it so far (you will need a gym membership though) the book is great for beginners and explains everything for you so you can understand what strength training is and such.

I am 30 days in and have been doing 30-45 min cardio workouts 5-6 days a week. Nothing crazy. From my reading, strength training is the next step. However I have no gym nor do I really understand what all is included in strength training. Do I need weights? Or are there certain types of excercises without weights that are considered strength training? I am not looking to get really cut or anything just trying to help with the flab. So I am not sure that some of the stuff regarding body building applies... Thanks for the help. Any websites you trust are welcome.

First of all congratulations on the weight you have already lost! You are right, incorporating strength training is the next step and essential in meeting your goals. Just about anything you've read regarding body building in terms of exercise will be helpful, everyone can benefit from the same basic exercises, it's the volume and weight that will make all the difference (and diet of course). Check out Jamie Eason's Live Fit trainer http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html. Also BodyRock TV which was previously mentioned is also pretty good. Here's just a few things you can easily incorporate that will be a great start:

Squat: you can start with body weight, and use dumbbells or barbell later. There are many variations of the squat you can look up, but focus on having good form. Because this is a powerlift I suggest looking at videos of powerlifters executing this lift for examples of good form.

Push-ups
Planks
Lunges

Best of Luck!