What is the Biggest problem when Exerciseing without weights?

1. 57

   Wheatgrass powderposted 14 years ago

   I was just wondering what everyone thought about exercising without weights. Does anyone workout at home, do you find it challenging and do you struggle to get the results your looking for?
   
   Thank you

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   1. 61

      TomsFitnessGuideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      For the last two years I exercise at home. I used to lift weights but I really don't want to get back to it. In my opinion training with body-weight exercises is more beneficial. Though in terms of practical strength and overall fitness you will achieve the best results by combining body-weight exercises with lifting excessive weights. Google in the term "crossfit".
      
      But you can definitely achieve great results by training with body-weight exercises only. To achieve the results you want you have to increase the workout intensity and always reach for harder exercise variations. That's the only way to progress.

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   2. 84

      rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I like exercising using only my own body, no weights, unless light ones for the arms and shoulders. I think the body itself is amazing at what it can do when we challenge it. I don't like gyms or working out with a group.

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   3. 0

      cosetteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      i use three pound weights and sometimes five pound ones, but when i do dancing i don't use any. but i think you need some weights to create resistance or something. all i know is they work and i like using them.

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   4. 40

      MMA46posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      YOU REALLY DON'T NEED WEIGHTS JUST USE JUMP ROPE,RESISTANCE BANDS,YOGA ,AND DO plyometrics

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   5. 50

      DaveRposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      There is plenty of body weight exercise that are extremely challenging.  one arm push-ups, pull-ups, pistols, single leg squats and there are many more.

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   6. 71

      LeslieAdrienneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Use the bands, they are easier and more efficient.....

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2. 96

   Sue Adamsposted 14 years ago

   I agree with Tom. Always challenge your limits. But developing muscle strength is not the one and only factor to consider for a healthy fitness programme. A body builder who looks like a condom filled with walnuts is not a fit, healthy person. There is so much more to work on like:
   
   Posture
   Flexibility
   Balance
   Coordination
   Timing
   Spacial Awareness
   Endurance (lung power)
   
   And, most important of all, a well developped daily natural
   movement vocabulary (being a good mover).  All of which can be practiced in the comfort of your own home (and garden, for fresh air).
   Ankle and wrist weights is as far as I will go for extra weight and even then, used with caution, as described in http://hubpages.com/hub/ankle-and-wrist-weights

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   1. 68

      torimariposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I will never look at my gym's body builders the same...not sure though, if I'll imagine the walnut-filled condom metaphor.
      
      Being that I've struggled with self image and chub for years, for me, cardio alone wasn't enough. I'd do 30 minutes, 6 days a week, lose some weight here and there but not look better.
      
      I also am just not a cardio person. However, doing weight work has not only made me visually and physically more in shape quicker, I also feel better.
      
      Plus, it motivates me to do an hour of cardio along with the weights every other day now.
      
      I like the pain of weight-training because it feels as if I am working, and for me, I can tolerate it more. It kicks my butt and gets me in gear.
      
      So, why avoid it? xD Do both!

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3. 60

   bojanglesk8posted 14 years ago

   I find I can get enough muscle stimulation from just doing body weight exercises like push ups, pull ups and crunches.

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   1. 96

      Sue Adamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Of course you can. Perhaps begin and end the session with yoga and leave the hard work in between. Begin with yoga for warm up and stretch, end with yoga for relaxation and recovery as in greetings to the sun. Work outdoors if you can.

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4. 57

   splinky27posted 14 years ago

   Instead of using weights, try doing some isometric exercises with a simple piece of equipment like the Bullworker. It is much derided by the fitness industry, but it really does work.

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5. 60

   hometrainerposted 14 years ago

   The biggest challenge I find is finding enough exercises to keep updating the program over time for the muscles of the back.
   
   To balance the muscles of the shoulder you need to counteract any pushing movements like pushups which are commonly overused in home workouts without balancing with pulling movements for the shoulder joint.
   
   Chin ups are great if you have something at home to use and can do them but where do we go from here, this is where I like to use a set of dumbbells I have at home so I can provide enough force to get my back muscles as strong as push ups makes my chest.
   
   In my opinion many home workouts create a shoulder joint balance problem because back exercises are often left out and push ups used all the time.

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6. 62

   Mishaposted 14 years ago

   Spam is the biggest problem in this area

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7. 60

   qwarkposted 14 years ago

   Wheatgrass:
   What results are ya trying to achieve?
   I am a power lifter with about 40 yrs of experience as a "trainer."
   No one can answer your question seriously until they know what you are trying to get out of an exercise program.

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8. 53

   ocbillposted 14 years ago

   lifting weights are great for burning fat. 
   You don't need to be a hulk or look like the Governator just toned.
   By combining weightlifting and aerobic exercises in the am session studies have shown the person who does both to consistently have more energy overall. although each person has an idea of the body they want such as a marathoners or an MMA

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9. 61

   Ann Nonymousposted 14 years ago

   The weighting line is empty? (sorry I couldn't resist!)
   
   Actually I do half hour to hr treadmill, half hour to hr elliptical and then a circuit of several different weight training equipment pieces and finish it up with dumbbells and sit-ups! Sometimes exhausting but worth it!
   
   And Once in awhile I do Pilates! Now that's tough!
   
   Phew, I need to hit the gym!!!!!

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10. 0

    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    your bum gets sore

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    1. 61

       Ann Nonymousposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I started seeing stars! And I was the youngest in the class. Everyone could have been my grandmother-SERIOUSLY- and they were liteyears  ahead of me in every way pilates counts!!!! LOL

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