When you first start exercising, it’s really hard to get started, especially if you are out of shape. But if you’ve been exercising regularly for several weeks or months, it’s a good possibility that the same workout you’ve been doing for weeks and months is starting to get old and not working up quite as much of a workout as it did before.
Whenever you start to feel comfortable with your exercise routine and you feel like you are ready for an additional challenge, adding weights to your exercise routine may be a great way of making the workout seem more challenging and interesting again.
As with most things, I reccomend starting out small. Weights come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can start with small 2 lb wrist bands, or use 2 lb handheld weights. There are also belt weights you can use – adding 5, 10 or more pounds to your midsection to help you feel more resistance while exercising.
As you get comfortable with the 2 lb weights, you can then move on to 5 lb weights. After you work with 5 lb weights, then you can move on to 10lbs. and etc.
Be sure when working with weights that you take care to protect your back, neck, and joints. It is easy for someone to accidently sprain a wrist or hurt your back if you are too eager to use weights if your body is not ready for them! Be sure you do not rush while using the weights – accidently dropping one on your toe will not help you lose weight, but could leave you limping for a few weeks!
As long as you are careful and take caution and do not rush using weights, you’ll find they make an excellent compliment to your current work out plan and will begin seeing results within just a few weeks as your arms and other muscles begin forming more definition and tone.