Building strength without weights

Vince S. · #1 10-23-2008, 10:53 AM

I've searched a few of the gym/workout threads here, and it seems that lifting weights is the most effective way of building strength and muscle.

I work part-time as an EMT, and I've found it difficult to lift heavier patients. I'm pretty thin at 125 pounds/5'10". I'd like to build some more strength and endurance. However, because of school and work, I don't have the time that I'd like to hit the gym, although I can sneak in there every once in a while.

Any ways to gain more strength without hitting a gym? I don't particularly care about looking jacked, I just want to be stronger in core strength overall.

L-A · #2 10-23-2008, 10:56 AM

Body weight exercises. There is enough documentation available on the web to make a balanced routine that will fit your needs.

scottic2 · #3 10-23-2008, 11:06 AM

I also do not have time for the gym, but wanted to build some strength. I purchased the Perfect Pullup (about $90), and also have the Perfect Pushup. You use these every other day, and youtotal workout time is about 30 minutes. Every other day. If you are consistent with them, they really do work. The Pushup works the chest, shoulders and triceps, and the pullup works the Biceps, back and shoulders. You can also purchase the Ab Straps for the perfect pullup which should give you a good abdominal workout as well, which is also really important. You also get a workout plan with each of these that keep you motivated and focused and gives you a routine to follow.
I highly recommend these, even though they may be a little pricey, but when you consider what a gym membership costs, and the fact that you are doing something for your health, then they are well worth the money.

()smoke() · #4 10-23-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L-A

Body weight exercises. There is enough documentation available on the web to make a balanced routine that will fit your needs.

+1

also search plyometrics and if you can spare $10, you can buy a resistance band to perform a lot of exercises

scorpionldr · #5 10-23-2008, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince S.

I've searched a few of the gym/workout threads here, and it seems that lifting weights is the most effective way of building strength and muscle.

I work part-time as an EMT, and I've found it difficult to lift heavier patients. I'm pretty thin at 125 pounds/5'10". I'd like to build some more strength and endurance. However, because of school and work, I don't have the time that I'd like to hit the gym, although I can sneak in there every once in a while.

Any ways to gain more strength without hitting a gym? I don't particularly care about looking jacked, I just want to be stronger in core strength overall.

Punch a random guy that looks like one you can take on. This'll start a fight. Enough fights, you'll be building the muscle of a killer. now. what if you underestimated the guy? well, you'll be holding a roll of quarters in your pocket. find yourself in a rough situation, tightly wrap your fist around that and punch anywhere. it'll give a little more oommph to get you out of tight spots. hope this helped.

Syeknom · #6 10-23-2008, 11:14 AM

I've taken up swimming once or twice a week and found a noticable difference to my upper body strength and muscles from doing it. Really good way to build endurance too.

bassteban · #7 10-23-2008, 11:27 AM

I took my 36 lb 3-yr-old daughter hiking Monday & Wednesday(plan it Fri); she does about half on her own feet then wants 'up your head(on my scrawny shoulders)'. We do a good-sized hill that takes about an hour & KICKS me hard. Tuesday I was sore; not so much today. I'll let you know how I feel Saturday.
I'm also restoring an old single-speed MTB; I think tooling up a few hills a week on that might help.

NJL · #8 10-23-2008, 11:28 AM

go to rossboxing.com and look for his book called Totally Gymless or something like that.. great stuff..

CapnSev · #9 10-23-2008, 11:31 AM

Pushup bar + Pullup bar + Swiss Ball + Jump rope + Heavy bag = everything you need.

Asa Samuel · #10 10-23-2008, 11:37 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Mens-Health-Be...4783304&sr=1-1

This book is brilliant, i was using it before i started weights, its got everything in it you could need, its really easy to follow and even though it has set workouts it gives tips on how to build your own as well.
Its got tips on nutrition as well as a few set diets you can try.
I would really recommend getting it if you want to try weight-free things.

You don't need to buy anything to do the workouts either.

NJL · #11 10-23-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapnSev

Pushup bar + Pullup bar + Swiss Ball + Jump rope + Heavy bag = everything you need.

yeah man, the jump rope is totally underrated!!

lemur821 · #12 10-23-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vince S.

I work part-time as an EMT, and I've found it difficult to lift heavier patients. I'm pretty thin at 125 pounds/5'10". I'd like to build some more strength and endurance. However, because of school and work, I don't have the time that I'd like to hit the gym, although I can sneak in there every once in a while.

Considering your goals, I don't see how you could possibly beat doing dead lifts. The technique practice alone would probably be great for you. Doesn't your school have a gym that you could sneak to for a half-hour before leaving for the day/when you get to campus/between classes, whichever works for you?