Need ideas for upper body work at home.

[funkybutt]

I've been running for the last couple of months but I'd like to work out my upper body a bit. I dont' want to buy any bulky or expensive workout equipment. I'm willing to purchase small stuff like dumbells and some of those stretchy tubes.

Do y'all know of any guides for getting the most out of such an at home work out?

[vikegirl]

1. Hmm....

I could recommend a couple videos/DVDs if you're inclined to use them. What are your goals--strength building, endurance, overall toning? And how much time do you have to workout?

[funkybutt]

2. my goals

I think "overall toning" would be what I'd like to concentrate on. I would be willing to do about 30 minutes 3-4 times a week...maybe more on days that I dont' run.

[vikegirl]

4. Here are a few vid/DVD suggestions:

Secrets of a Great Upper Body
http://www.collagevideo.com/in-stock-videos/2206.htm
(VHS only, but I hear it's going to be released on DVD sometime soon) This is probably the best one as it caters to all fitness levels. Two sets of dumbbells are suggested. Toning is 28 minutes, abs are 6 minutes.

Lift Weights to Lose Weights 2
http://www.collagevideo.com/in-stock-videos/5225.htm
(VHS & DVD) There's about 20 minutes of upper body work and 20 minutes lower body toning, plus 7 minutes of abs. The DVD comes with a bonus stability ball workout. Three sets of dumbbells are suggested

Cardio Step Attack plus Strength Training
http://www.ciavideo.com/videodetail.asp?vidid=2K06VHS
(VHS only) I don't know if you have a step; if you don't, it's still worth it for the toning section. It uses a bodybar, weights and tubing, but you could use just dumbbells. The instructor is really affable, and this tape one of the tougher videos mentioned here. The toning portion is around 36 minutes.

Step, Low and Tone
http://www.ciavideo.com/videodetail.asp?vidid=9901VHS
(VHS only) This video uses just tubing. The cardio workouts, both step and low impact floor, are really fun also. Again, a very pleasant and friendly instructor. Toning is around 25 minutes.

Tamilee Webb's I Want Those Arms
http://www.collagevideo.com/in-stock-videos/4570.htm
(VHS & DVD) Two 15-minute upper body workouts, focusing primarily on the arms, with just a little back and chest thrown in. You will need 2 to 5 pound dumbbells.

Karen Voight's Firm Arms and Abs
http://www.collagevideo.com/in-stock-videos/1507.htm
(VHS & DVD) This is a good solid upper body workout for intermediates. A step or weight bench is suggested but not necessarily required. It does require 2 to 5 lb. dumbbells. About 40 minutes including the warm-up and stretch.

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(No, I do not work for a video fitness company :-))

I think almost all of these are adjustable to whatever fitness level you are at (I forgot to ask that). Right now I have only the Step Attack one; if you'd like, I can loan it to you to try out. PM if you're interested.

[funkybutt]

6. I ordered Tamilee Webb's I Want Those Arms!

Thanks for the input! I'll post how it's going once I start using it.

[MissMillie]

3. resistance cord

and chances are you can find a good video/dvd that will show you some good ways to use it to strengthen your upper body.

[emulatorloo]

5. I was thinking about buying a set of these -- TNT Powercable

I'm headed out on vacation later this month to a gymless area. So I was looking for something to take with on the plane.

I saw some really good reviews of these on the net.

Here's a link to product page, there is an online manual too. Click on "View Product Instructions" for the PDF.

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?categoryid=2&productid=6

[midnight armadillo]

7. Here are several suggestions

Go to "http://dragondoor.com" and check out the Naked Warrior book, which is all on body-weight exercises. Examples include handstand pushups.

From there, you can also check out the Russian kettlebells, which can be used in a variety of ways and there are books and videos for both a general audience and women in particular ("From Russian with Tough Love").

Get a chinup/pullup bar. For more variety, get a setup that allows you to do dips as well - this would be a pretty complete workout, along with a few dumbbells.

Go to www.ironmind.com if you're interested in a cable set, they have a very high quality one available along with an excellent book on cable training. They're also very friendly if you call them with questions.

Get several large rocks. Throw and carry them around the backyard. Press them overhead. Super cheap, and no, I'm not kidding. Repeat with large bags of sand. Also check out the ironmind.com book on sandbag training.

[argyl]

8. Get a chinning bar. Really great for endurance and toning.

If you're slender you should be able to work your way up to a decent number of reps fairly quickly. If you're heavier then I wouldn't recommend it for starting out.

I use one for endurance;I'm not into the bodybuilding aspect of working out. I don't have the discipline for six moderate meals evenly spaced theoughout the day.

Pushups are an excellent upper body exercise as well but use the chinning bar as well if you're able to.It works your forearms and wrists in a way that pushups can't.

Chinups, pullups and pushups. Simple but effective regimen for upper body strength.