[suzie76]

Hi,

I am new to strength training. I have been reading several books on the subject. Some exercises require a weight bench. I really don't want to invest in one just yet. Does anyone have any alternative ideas? I was thinking of maybe buying a long aerobic step. Do you think that would work, is it a stupid idea? Or can I just do the exercises on the floor?

Any ideas/opinions are welcome.

Thanks again!
Sherry

[Meg]

Hi Sherry! Welcome to LWL and come on and visit us on the main thread -- as my buddy Ilene always says: "we luvs newbies!"
(don't worry --she doesn't eat them for breakfast )

You are going to love strength training, both in how it makes you feel and how it makes you look. And it really helps with the weight loss, too!

About a bench -- I think the step idea is pretty nifty. I take a class at my gym called Powerflex -- weights set to music -- and we use steps for exactly the same purpose. We lie on it to do chest and triceps exercises -- you are off the floor enough to give you the proper range of motion for your arms and shoulders. And, of course, there's lots of fun leg exercises that use a step.

Let us know how it goes, OK?

Meg

[3fcuser1058250]

Yeppers, we luvs newbies!!!

[RavenToy]

Not sure how much an aerobic step costs, but I got my rack bench at Play it Again Sports. They have standard benches too, and usually they are under $50. As a matter of fact, that's something high on my wish list right now. The rack keeps getting in the way of my flyes! Bah.

Good luck whichever method you use!

[MrsJim]

You could also try a Swiss Ball...you know, those big inflatable exercise balls - until you get a bench. I've done flyes, presses, squats, crunches, etc. using them in the past. INCREDIBLY versatile...

[RavenToy]

Mrs Jim that is a GREAT idea!! I'd been planning on getting one anyway, and it hadn't ocurred to me that I could use it like that! Thank you!

[suzie76]

Thanks for everyone's ideas! I haven't bought anything yet, but hope to soon. I appreciate your input.

Thanks again,
sherry