weight training

 Hello,
I am new to OH and have  found the main forum board not only unwelcoming, but little to no help. I am looking to increase my activity level and my Dr. recommended I start to do strenght training of some kind. Does anyone have any idea's on where to start? I dont have access to a local gym so home video or dvd's of free weights would work best maybe? I also want to mention I have found all the post on this forum not only VERY informative, but also friendly. A welcomed change from the other forum's.

You could try resistance bands to start out with, or check out your local library for both books and DVDs on weight training. I was told that free weights are best for your upper body.

Craigslist is a great place to pick up equipment.

 Thanks for the idea. I never thought of just looking at the library so that I could check then out before spending the money on purchasing them! 

there are a number of people on this board who specialize in strength training, hopefully they will chime in here.  for home exercise, you could go as simple as putting together a routine with little to no equipment that includes exercises like pushups, situps, dips etc.  and with just a couple of dumbells your options increase greatly.  if you want to go all out, something like P90X or cross-fit can be (mostly) performed at home, but these are much more intense.  there are some websites that can help you put together a routine and youtube has a ton of instructional videos as well.  best of luck!

 My husband and I have thought about getting the P90X but I thought it would be way to intense of a work out for a beginner! Would love to get to where I could do it though. Thanks for the info. 

A beginner that is in good overall health CAN do P90X.  When I started it, I was 44 years old, had arthritis in my knees and never really worked out and I was scared to death!  However, Tony tells you "do your best and forget the rest" and your best might just be to ATTEMPT some of the moves or to do 1 or 2 reps only.  The first time I did a one arm push up I cried I was so excited!

After 2 years I can do all the workouts and all the reps.  At first, I cried like a girl and for the first few weeks I had to crawl up the basement stairs when I was done.  Today I am extremely fit and I have lady "guns"! 

I am THE healthiest I've ever been and now I'm hoping Santa will bring me P90X2!!!

Have fun!

 Sounds like it is worth getting then! I new it would be a great workout if I were able to do it. My husband said th same thing about just doing the best that we can until we work our way up from there. I'm sure I will not only look like a fool at first, but also be moving very slow until I adjust to it. But I'm very much looking forward to some day having lady 'guns'. Thank you so much for your personal experience and opinion.