How can I get the effects of lifting weights without a gym?

Question

I'm trying to get in shape for the summer and have been running 4 miles every night. Now I'm hearing that I should also be lifting weights in an effort to "sculpt" while I tone. Problem is: I have no access to weight machines. Anybody know some excercises that can give me the same benefits as lifting weights? Please don't tell me to pick my husband up above my head fifteen times in sets of three... thanks in advance...

Answer 1

My favorite is dumbbells. You can buy them almost anywhere that sells sporting goods (including Wal-Mart). Also get a swiss ball to use in place of a bench. It works great. And best of all, they can all fit in a closet.

Answer 2

well I started lifting weight bearly this month and believe me im toned.The question is how did I do it? let me tell you, I lift weights every other day,never ,never do them daily,or you will wear out your muscles and wont see any progress.I didnt need a personal trainer or a gym to tone myself up,all i did was read fitness books and borrowed some exercise videos from the library. i first stated with a 5 pound dumbell and did about 50 for each hand,and that was when i was a begginer,i think like two weeks ago,then i i stepped it up to 10 pounds and did more reps every week ,know i do like 100 for each arm, i work out the bicepts and tricepts,do 25 without stopping then stretch for 30 sec and go for another 25, and dont swing your arms to lift them ,you have to use your muscle and lift them up slowly. The video where i learned all these things was called strenght training for dummies,i guarantee you 100% it works,also you dont have to buy it,just go the a public library and barrow it untill you have learned it all. Drink plenty of water and atleast eat 6oz of chicken or fish,for proteins,if you dont your muscles will not increase and hard to tone,just make sur they are steamed or grilled with olive oil and mix in some veggies.good luck and if i did not make myself clear ,you can ask me anything else.i would be glad to help

Answer 3

One of the ways are push ups. Since u r a women i dont exactly if u can try this. But u will see wonders in a short span of time. Push ups helps not only for biceps but also shoulders and chest. Even abs look great. To get good strength in muscles rotate both ur hands as in bowling action. rotate on u r waist. do as many sit ups u can to tone u r thighs. try skipping. It has very good results. It doesnt require a rope. Just jump and do the action as if u r skipping with the rope. Try yoga if u can. Else keep on practicising what ever mentioned above.

Answer 4

How about if you run 2 miles with a back pack 2 lbs 1 mile front, 1 mile back & run your maximum (600 meters or less) 2min before you get home, if you hyperventilate house your mouth with your hands. drink a ltr of water no gatorade because the potassium wil make your stomach lumpy, no milk or grease at night because your muscles & skin won't contract. No power shakes, red bull or slimslow because it has fennalin. But what exactly do you want to tone ?

Answer 5

try lifting canned food. If you do repititions you will build muscle properly. Use bigger cans as you go to get more weight. Weighted sacks are good too for curls.

I know you can buy handheld weights from sporting goods stores and department stores too, but if you're short on money this is an great way to have hand weights.

Answer 6

you can buy weights at places like WalMart. you could also use things around the house to lift. I saw one book that recommended filling a jug with water to the desired weight and using it to work out with. start out with a little water, then add more as the weight becomes easier to lift. also, doing exercises that make you use the weight of your own body, like pushups, can help a lot.

Answer 7

Try some pilates or yoga, the body tension its excellent to tone your muscles

Answer 8

Make your own weights :D Use 2 full bleach bottles.