[quagmire8]

today i bought a pilates bodyband work out kit with video. I LOVED IT!!! it added resistance to normal pilates poses/moves. my question is: does this count as strength training as lifting weights would? my arms feel as they do when i lift weights (which isnt often... ) i hope it does, this was a lot more fun than weight training!

[etali]

If you just want to tone up slightly and build a little strength, then any form of resistance training is good. You won't 'get big', but you will get some strength benefits. I'm a big fan of resistance training - I hate it when I see people doing just cardio because they're scared that if they lift something heavy they'll turn into the incredible hulk.

Anything that helps you increase strength is a great addition to your workout in my opinion. If you don't like doing weights, and have found something that you enjoy, even better!

Have you tried those arm / leg bands with weights in them while doing cardio? I tried a set of those while I was recovering from a serious leg injury - they are a good way to make an existing workout a bit more intense, and they offer more freedom of movement than the bodyband.

[quagmire8]

wow, thanks for that info!!!

[ForEverEnchanted]

I wanted to buy some of those arm weights so I can wear them while doing cardio. I find myself doing cardio then lifting weights for 20 mins maybe more. I like lifting weights because I find I lose weight faster by doing some form of weight training. I definetly have to purchase some arm weights now. Get double the workout.

[KerrJem]

Hello everyone!

Here,I am planning to start weight training soon to improve strength and muscle tone, but was wondering if anyone knows other accessories apart from weights to supplement this? Stuff to help with toning the abs and core strength?


Protein supplements

[etali]

If you're trying to flatten your tummy or get abs, then weights are less important than a good diet. You do need to strengthen your core - maybe try doing some weighted exercises using a balance ball instead of a bench or chair? That will force you to use your core to keep yourself stable / balanced, and help you to build up muscle.

Your abs won't show through until you have very low bodyfat though. I'm very slender, and mine are only just poking through, and vanish if I've drank alcohol / eaten a lot of salty snacks and got bloated.

[Magic_Mikki]

I don't know if anyone is interested in this kind of thing, but my family (sister in law, my husband's parents, and the hubby and I) recently signed up to Melaluca (a super health and Earth concious company) and there are these bars that you can get through Melaluca called Access Bars. They are totally natural, and a hundred times better for you than like, the Special K bars, or Slim Fast bars or whatever. But they aren't meal replacements. You eat one about 15-20 minutes before you workout and your body is able to burn fat/build muscle a TON easier! My sister in law started using them and she is noticing a huge difference! Anyway, I was just about to post a thread about Melaluca in maybe the Health section, but I read this and thought of these bars.