Home weights for women

Butterface

Hi guys,

I'm going abroad to study after Xmas, so didn't want to buy a gym membership for this semester since I'm really trying to save money at every turn.

I'm female, in trim shape, stick to a high protein diet, and I maintain through jogging and cycling. However I'd really like some advice on weights. I've never been into weightlifting in the gym, and it's only now since I no longer have a gym membership that I've started to consider building my upper body strength and toning my arms.

I'm about 55kg, and I'm wondering what weights would be suitable for beginners, for home use. Bear in mind, I can barely afford to buy weights, so cost is a factor.

Thanks!:)

siochain

Check out local web sites selling second hand stuff, you should be able to get stuff at a reasonable price. Barbell and dumbbell set with a mix of weight sizes upto 50kg would get you started.

Kettle bells can also be a practical way of getting a good workout on a limited budget.

meijin

Butterface wrote: »

I'm about 55kg, and I'm wondering what weights would be suitable for beginners, for home use. Bear in mind, I can barely afford to buy weights, so cost is a factor.

Start with bodyweight exercises; this is a well structured program: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056185716

Chancer3001

kettlebells are your friend.

maybe 6kg one depending on how strong you are obviously

JJayoo

Resistance bands are great.

Cheat Meal Master

You can get the best workout with just your bodyweight.

Have you any experience with bodyweight training?

Lantus

its hard to say what you'd need exactly. What I would say is that different muscles need different weights. So buying a 3kg set for example just wont cut it. Your legs (especially if you cycle and run) will be a lot stronger than your arms. Certain arm movemets like side raises are much harder than a standard shoulder press. Its the same for all movements and muscle groups as they vary in size and strength.

So, flexibility in whatever you buy. Interchangable weights are best.

A couple of kettlebells could be good.

Body weight exercises are always cheap and easy.

Butterface

meijin wrote: »

Start with bodyweight exercises; this is a well structured program: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056185716

Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't even think of these bodyweight exercises, just immediately thought of buying a set of weights.

Scuba Ste

Resistance bands, rings and bodyweight exercises should cover most bases for the moment. You could buy a door frame pull up bar too.

No point buying loads of equipment until you need/want to.