[Dinahgirl]

Aphil, I really appreciate that information. However, I find the strength training difficult in that I don't know what I'm doing. Do you think that Leslie's tapes that combine cardio and weights are sufficient? Or is it necessary to go into a full blown weight program every other day? Can you suggest a beginner's strength training DVD? Thanks!

Dinah

[aphil]

Beginning strength training does not have to be difficult at all. If you prefer to exercise at home with videos, then you just need to start with a beginner level video that "explains" the movements and proper form to you, so that you can learn how it is done.
Some good beginner full body routines:

~Firm Up Fast Walk-Leslie Sansone

~Walk The Walk Firm-Leslie Sansone (Christian one FYI)

~Denise Austin Totally Firm (older, can find on Ebay or Amazon.com)

~Getting In Shape With Weights For Dummies-Tracy York

~Walk Your Way! The Strength Walk-Leslie Sansone
(this has 2 workouts, a 1 1/2 mile walk, and a strength training segment-you can get it on the Jenny Craig website)

~Shrink Your Female Fat Zones-Denise Austin
(this is a 2 part workout, one part with hand weights, one part with a stability ball, available at about any store that sells exercise stuff.)

Any of these would be great for a beginner to learn strength training basic moves with, for most you can start out with light hand weights, and the stability ball for the one workout, and you are all set. Just remember that when the exercises get easier, that you need to up your weights to the next size for more progress.

[WaterRat]

Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight is good too. She has both a book and video (DVD too).

[Dinahgirl]

Thank you!