I know that cardio needs to be paired with strength training to increase muscle/metabolism & to firm up. My question is what counts as strength training besides weights? I have two 5-pounds hand weights & resistance tubes. That's it. I don't go to the gym because I have a treadmill, eliptical, glider & stationary bike at home.

Does pilates count as strength training? Or just flexibility?

& Can anyone suggest exercises to do with the weights & resistance tubes? Will the resistance tubes even work?

I try to do crunches every night as well. Thanks a lot.

No one knows?

120,
Here are a few places to look to get some ideas for strength training with resistance tubes/bands. I've used all of these and they're great! HTH!

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercis...andworkout.htm

This next one is good if you have a balance ball too
http://exercise.about.com/library/blballresistance.htm

Here are a few tips to help
http://www.strengthcats.com/usingbandstipstosuccess.htm

Has a few exercises with pictures to show you how
http://www.exercisedb.com/exerciseda...e=Elastic+Band

And to further answer your question, yes resistance bands counts for strength training. There are many exercises for resistance band users that are comparable to the exercises used by weight lifters. For a novice strength trainer the resistance bands are a nice place to start in my opinion.

Also should you have any questions about strength training, stop by the Ladies who Lift forum and they will be able to give you some tips and advice Here is a link to the forum:
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=80

Pilates definitely counts as strength training, but many pilates mat routines only work the core area, so I've started supplementing with yoga.

I don't think pilates counts for strength training persay you do use your arms and legs for strength for certain exercises and the same with Yoga...

Here is another great site for weight training :

http://www.stumptuous.com/weights_index_revision.html

If you have the space for all that great cardio equipment maybe you have room for a bench press and a squat rack which would help a lot, along with extra dumbells in heavier weights.... I'm not sure if bands count as weight bearing, I'm sure they do to a certain extent...

Just my 2 cents...

The pilates studio I go to recommends doing strength training and cardio along with pilates to get the most out of it so I wouldn't consider it strength training, but nonetheless it is good for toning.