Need to get fit - female

mood

Hi, I need to start exercising to get fit and tone up, possibly build some muscle. I don't need to loose weight. I'm going to start walking but would like to buy some hand weights to use at home. Has anyone any suggestion as to what I should buy and how I should use them and how much walking I need to do etc?

Lantus

A set of dumbells where you can alter and change the weight is typically the best all round solution. The iron plates are much smaller and compact which makes for easier storage. York do good sets from Argos but you can also get them fro Tesco and other non branded weights all fit the bars as they are all the same.

Look up full body routine using dumbells on the wonder web for some ideas.

WalterMitty

Walking wont build any muscle or tone up anything apart from your calves maybe. You can buy cheap dumbell sets in Argos . A workout at homes for 30 mins a few times a week with weights/exercise ball/step up platform will do much much more for your physique than walking for an hour a day.

Lantus

WalterMitty wrote: »

A workout at homes for 30 mins a few times a week with weights/exercise ball/step up platform will do much much more for your physique than walking for an hour a day.

Agreed, Body shape is achieved through resistance training. However, the most important muscle in the body is the heart. Some walking/cardio should always be encouraged, although if the OP has no need for weight loss then it can be 3 times a week for 30mins say. Or longer if she likes it!!!

mood

Lantus wrote: »

Agreed, Body shape is achieved through resistance training. However, the most important muscle in the body is the heart. Some walking/cardio should always be encouraged, although if the OP has no need for weight loss then it can be 3 times a week for 30mins say. Or longer if she likes it!!!

Exactly. I want to get fit so aerobic exercise is essential. I can't understand how most people think you don't need to exercise if you are not overweight!!!

Can anyone give me any idea what exercises using weights I should be doing?

SanoVitae

mood wrote: »

Can anyone give me any idea what exercises using weights I should be doing?

If you want an amazing cardio workout using weights, try this -> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hour-Power-Ultimate-Fitness-Class/dp/B003ZIZ2R0

Dotcomdolly

SanoVitae wrote: »

If you want an amazing cardio workout using weights, try this -> http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hour-Power-Ultimate-Fitness-Class/dp/B003ZIZ2R0

That looks great, might buy it myself.

This is one of my favs.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jillian-Michaels-Day-Shred-DVD/dp/B002RNOS2Y/ref=pd_cp_d_h__1

Uses weights too. She does circuits of cardio-weights-abs. It's intense as it's squeezed into a 20 minute workout but very effective. You don't have it do it on 30 consecutive days, I did it every 2nd day & did each level until I felt ready to move up to the next one.

Ouchette

I found the Couch to 5k running programme a really good way to start getting fit.

http://www.c25k.com/

Do c25k, you won't believe yourself in 8 weeks' time

mood

Ouchette wrote: »

I found the Couch to 5k running programme a really good way to start getting fit.

http://www.c25k.com/

I heard about this briefly on the Ray Darcy show and meant to look into it. Thanks

mood

Could anyone advise me on what runners to buy. I think I need new ones specifically designed for running. I am hoping to get a pair for about 50 quid. Are Asics and New Balance the best brands?

JellyBeans92

mood wrote: »

Could anyone advise me on what runners to buy. I think I need new ones specifically designed for running. I am hoping to get a pair for about 50 quid. Are Asics and New Balance the best brands?

Well from what I've heard they're both good brands, but it really depends on which ones are the most comfortable for you, maybe try your nearest sports shop and try a few different pairs of each and see which ones feel the best on your foot

Ouchette

If you can get yourself to a proper running shop rather than a general sports shop, you should be able to get some advice, try on a decent selection, run around a bit in them and ideally get a gait analysis there. I don't know where you are but Amphibian King in Bray keeps on getting recommended.

Probably a good idea to make sure you avoid runners made specifically for heavy overpronators or underpronators (people whose feet roll too much or not enough as they're running) unless you actually need them. I expect that would cause problems. Anyway, you'll probably find a load of threads about this over on the Athletics forum.

mood

Ouchette wrote: »

If you can get yourself to a proper running shop rather than a general sports shop, you should be able to get some advice, try on a decent selection, run around a bit in them and ideally get a gait analysis there. I don't know where you are but Amphibian King in Bray keeps on getting recommended.

Probably a good idea to make sure you avoid runners made specifically for heavy overpronators or underpronators (people whose feet roll too much or not enough as they're running) unless you actually need them. I expect that would cause problems. Anyway, you'll probably find a load of threads about this over on the Athletics forum.

Only regular sport stores near me unfortunately!