So I am sure there must be some fitness freaks on here. I have been doing running, with some long distance running, and working out for about 2 months now. Its going well. As well as the running I do some palates and use a local adult exercise play ground (free gym alternative). The long runs were suited to me pretty naturally, I am already able to do a good couple of miles a few times a week. My long term goal is the London marathon. But I have always been a scrawny guy. Not much muscle on me, and I have never been to good at heavy lifting (boxers, large live music gear). So I am working on getting a bit stronger all round. The stuff in the exercise playground has made me stronger already, but it has its limits. I am not in the slightest bit interested in becoming like Aerrnold Swarzaneiger, or even half of what he is. I dont really care for having big muscles. I just want to be a bit stronger and tone up a little bit. I was looking at dumbbells. Do you guys think this is a good way to go? and if yes, what kind of weight should I aim for to start with? Do you have any good advice that may help me out? Feel free to ask questions. Cheers
Wouldn't worry about dumb bells to start with. For strenth go for press ups and the different variations, chin ups and dips (different variations), squats and lunges. If you want to tone up then you need to look at fat burn. Look at circuit classes, metafit, interval training for this.
if you're not too bothered about getting big, dumbells should suit you fine. Its impossible to tell you what weight you should use, a lightish weight that allows you to do 12 - 15 reps without failure will tone you up. Weights that are heavy enough to cause failure after a lower number of reps will (along with the right diet) make you bigger
