Bodybuilding,'weightraining and other heavy things

[GeekLove]

Since doing the 30'day Shred I realise I really like lifting weights and the idea of getting ste

Stupid IPhone didn't let me finish the post.
I really would like to give some aspects of bodybuilding angry andam wondering if anybody else has done so.
I could not do it seriously now - what with 2 under 3 and working full time but inwould love to here if any of you have been able to combine weight training/bodybuilding with family life. I know that a ripped physique like Jodi isn't feasible nOw but cutting body fat and getting stronger is.
As for exercises they would have to be suitable with resistance bands, light/med weights and bodyweightnas that's all I have.
Any ideas?

Hi there's a poster here called lostgirl who is into lifting some serious weights, although I'm not sure she'd describe herself as a bodybuilder. She has some great advice and links so you could pm her or do a search on her posts in s&e.

If you are just starting out then resistance training with Bodyweight exercises (squats, lunges, push ups, tricep dips) and light weights will be great but I think you will only get so far with this, to really build your muscles - and bear in mind that this is very difficult for women, to get to Jodie Marsh condition takes a hard-core dedication that doesn't really allow for much else in life you will need heavier weights, so you should probably consider investing in gym membership/heavier dumbells and maybe a barbell.

Wrt to reducing body fat, obviously diet should address this, alongside reducing fat intake and eating plenty of protein for your muscles, you also should build high intensity interval training (HIIT) into your workouts, to maximise fat loss. This could be running, swimming, rowing...pretty much any type of cardio.

www.stumptuous.com is a good place to read about strength training for women. This routine is designed for people without access to much equipment.

I've been strength training on and off for about 3 years, and it has completely changed my relationship with my body. I feel so much more positive about myself and really feel like my body is part of me, rather than a slightly uncooperative, lumpy, vessel I have to rely on to carry my brain around!

There is certainly a limit to how far you can go using bodyweight/low resistance only, but it's still worth starting.

Body building is a whole different (and, IMHO, much less positive) thing because it focuses on appearance rather than function and a big part of the benefit of weight training for me has been the focus on function.

Good luck!

Oooh yes, love lifting heavy things (and throwing them around)!

Try Crossfit - it's fully accessible and free with online workouts every day, or you can train at a crossfit gym. Great mix of short and sweet (and intense) cardio and weight training. Love it. Totally empowering.

Thanks for the link! Stumptuous is well worth bookmarking.