Strength Training and weights

I would do push ups but I can't handle them with my current weight...but I want to keep from losing muscle as much as possible.

I'm not sure what I want but I really don't have the money for a weight bench with tons of weight..I think something like dumb bells those small ones would be something to start on but I'm not sure how much weight I should get 10 lb each? or 20? or ...

thank

How about milk jugs filled with water or sand or rocks? cheap and easy

Strength training is very important and should part of your regular routine.  Using items around the house (milk jugs, cans, etc) can be a good way to go initially.  Hand weights come in a variety of weight increments and can be found at Wal-Mart fairly inexpensively.  I would start with 5lbs, doing 3 sets of 10-15 reps each.  If you can't do that many to start, do 5-10 reps until you build up stamina.  The key to strength training is not using the most weight you can, but doing the movements properly by extending your muscles and focusing on the movement. 

I would say if you want to do push ups, do push ups, even if you can only do one per day.  It's better than none and after a few days you'll be able to do two, three and more.  Strength training is an ever growing process that requires time and consistency.

Original Post by bethystan:

I would say if you want to do push ups, do push ups, even if you can only do one per day.  after a few days you'll be able to do two, three and more. 

 Totally! Do them on your knees! Do them on your knees and elbows! Just do them!

you can lean up against the wall too, thats how i started out. but must get back to them, been lazy on the push up front.

I just wanted to stick my two cents in here because I'm pretty new  and I am usually a quitter and a big baby! Strength training shows great progress pretty quickly! It made me proud of myself that one week I could barely make it through a push up and three weeks later I could do several. Stick with it because it pays off! I don't know if you want any suggestions but there is a great show on FITTV- Total body sculpt with Gilad... I started out with him 1/2 hour a week and now not only do I see a huge difference in my muscle tone but you realize how quickly you can become...well...sculpted! Hope this gives you some motivation!

I meant 1/2 hour a day..oops!

thanks for the encouragement

on the weight thing I think I'll start out with 2 10 lb dumb bells 5 just sounds so small...I know it'll work me out plenty regardless but I think I can handle the 10.

How about resistance bands? They come in different thicknesses (the thicker the band the more difficult).  They are super cheap. They are totally portable AND they are really effective because they create tension on the muscle during both the eccentric and concentric  phase of the exercise.  Most of them also come w/ a list of exercises that you can do.  You can pretty much work your entire body with them.  Add a stability ball and you can do just about anything!!!  Good luck to you :)