i am sure that somewhere in all these threads somebody else has probably had the same question, i just didn't happen upon it in my search. i have started working out more (almost daily) and am walking 1-2 miles/day along with taking a pilates class 2 times a week and a cardio kickboxing class 2 times a week. i know i need to get in some strength training with free weights or machines or something, but i'm not sure what to do. i don't really like doing the machines, i would prefer free weights, but i don't know how to use them (i would prefer to use them at home not at the gym). are there any videos or books or anything that would help me do my strength training at home?

Have you read through the stickies at the top of the forum?

This one should cover the basics
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28891

There are tons of websites out there as well as quite a few good books. Body for Life is pretty good and the recent "New Rules of Lifting for Women" is pretty popular around here.

My generic advice for someone who has never used weights before is to get at least one session with a personal trainer. You can work on form yourself but it is helpful to have someone guide you who has been working with weights.

Along with New Rules of Lifting for Women, you can also check out the "Home Workout Bible" also by Lou Schuler.

As for videos, I listed some of my favorite exercise demo sites in this thread
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125253

And another one that I like that I found since that list:

http://www.coreperformance.com/eodAr...te&recStart=60