Strength training

[Rollergirl1]

I've read a lot about this and think I want to give it a try. What would be the best way for me to start off? I am a regular exerciser and probably do about 4 sessions of Jillian Michaels DVD's a week, a mixture of NMTZ, BMBF and am just doing 3rd week of 6W6P. So mainly cardio, high-rep low weights and own body weight. At the moment I'm only using 2kilo weights so not used to much weight at all. I have also been known to run a fair bit but haven't been doing so much lately.

Ideally i'd like something that I could follow from home as I work from home and have 2 primary age school children so an hour in the gym is quite tricky for me to fit in. But would this mean having to store loads of heavy equipment at home? I realise that it's important to make sure you have correct form, etc so would deffo consider hiring a personal trainer for a couple of sessions.

What do people think, is strength training realistic to do at home or is it better doing in the gym? I don't even begin to know where to start!

It depends on what you want to do really. There is lots of strength training you can do at home with basic equipment such as as a selection of dumbells. A TRX is an excellent investment also, it essentially uses your body weight but depending on your position you can be a complete beginner or very strong athlete.

You will find as you get stronger lifting weights the traditional way though, that you will want a barbell and weights and a bench and at least a support for the barbell - for example I couldn't do a bench press without the support because I couldn't get the bar into position without injuring myself, it is too heavy for me to lift from floor, lie backwards and start the exercise IYSWIM. Also, for exercises like dead lifts, if you are lifting heavy, a barbell and weights will be required. So by then you are needing equipment and space to keep it....and as you get stronger you need yet more weight, so it goes on...

If you are a JM fan then maybe start with some heavier dumbells and try the Shred with those. If you are doing full push ups make them harder by elevating your feet on a chair or similar, same for tricep dips. Make planks harder by lifting one leg up. If the gym is totally impractical then look at getting a TRX - there are loads of exercises on YouTube to follow. But, ideally, get to a gym if you want to lift heavy, you won't need to do a full hour, 30 mins hard lifting is more than enough, give your body 2 days rest in between visits(do JM and cardio, just not heavy weights). Would that be practical?

The PT idea is a very good one by the way.