I know for certain that you will find mixed reviews on this one. I researched it before I decided what to get anything and decided to go with Bodylastics because we move too much (hubby in the military). It's not wise for us to get a bunch of weights and max or go over on our shipment whenever we have to move. A gym is also not an option at this time and I can easily pack the bands in my luggage when we live out of bags. I'm still learning how to use them. Right now I use them mostly for pull-ups/chin-ups with the door anchor as I still haven't maxed out the weights I have now.

It really comes down to preference. Part of me wishes I had the patience to learn the bands because they are cheaper in the long run, and travel well with you everywhere, but I just love the feel of the weights in my hands. I love knowing what weight I'm lifting. With bands you don't really know what the weight is....I think you just keep adjusting to keep making it harder each time and you have a basic idea by which 'color' of band you are using, but not exact weight. They will work your muscles though; they are very effective. :happy:

@CharliesAngel - you don't have to start with bands with CLX, it's just designed so that you can use either bands or weights.

My budget is limited too. I can't recommend this site enough:

www.nerdfitness.com

It's about using the world around you as your gym. I love, LOVE this site. The Angry Birds workout is where I started and there are so many ways to add resistance down the road if it ever becomes too easy. It's a body weight workout and you can use gallon water jugs as weights if you'd like. There are instructions, how-to's, videos on You-Tube they link to, motivation...it's an entire community of people who, for the most part, never step foot in a gym. No equipment required!

I second that emotion!

YES ZWOW is the bomb! I also love BodyRock.tv. If I couldn't go to the gym I'd get a sandbag & door jam pull up bar. I've never used bands except for some physical therapy for my shoulders but it was very effective at the time. My trainer & sifu say that body weight is weight training & if you HIIT the workouts they can get very intense.

Thanks for the awesome information everyone! I've just googled all of those suggestinos and there are definitely some things to try

I'm particularly intrigued by the ZWOW workouts! I love that they're timed and that you can do them along with her. You're right - seriously intense! But that's what I'm after.

@momoto - hope you don't mind me asking - you look unbelievable in your pic - is that all without gym/weights? Because if so, I'm a believer!

Thanks so much! That pic was taken 2 1/2 months after starting bodyrock workouts (I started using MFP at the same time too)... I need to take a new one, I've definitely changed since then, I'm getting closer to a six pack, yay I do have a sandbag and an equalizer, but that's it. We were using a duffle bag filled with hand weights wrapped in towels, but after about a month it fell apart so we got a sandbag, and it was worth every penny. Anyhow, in 2 1/2 months I went from a size 6 american eagle jean to a size 0 american eagle jean.

We just incorporated the ZWOWs into our workouts a couple of weeks ago and they feel so.much.harder. than what we're used to, I'm sure you would see results in no time!! Tonight we did ZWOW #25 - just go for it and push yourself!

I think if you have the right guidance both options can work. Last year with my trainer we went off traditional weights for a period of time and did some band work and a lot of body weight work....i saw a big difference in the shape of my upper body at the time especially my shoulders. I personally think mixing things up works well.

Bump