What weights to use for begining strength training?

Question:

I'm 50, trying to tone and lose 15 lbs. Used to be a gym rat in college, free access to gym. Has been over 15 yrs since I was toned. I'm wanting to get back into shape by working out at home. I do cardio via a Gazelle Freestyle but read that I should add strength training to build muscle and increase metabolism. I was given free weights but only up to 5lbs ea (have never used them). Are these enough? If I wear wrist and ankle weights while doing cardio will that help build muscle? I also have one 10lb dumbbell weight. Read that laying that on my stomach while doing leg lifts would accelerate results (trying to tone lower tummy pouch). Is this true?

Answers:
The weight should be heavy enough that your last rep is difficult and you couldn't do anymore in proper form. So, try with the 5 pound weight and see if it's too heavy or too light and go from there.

Skip the wrist and ankle weight for cardio. They can throw you off balance and cause injury. The small amount of extra calorie burn isn't worth the risk. If you really want extra weight, you should use a weighted vest because it's more balanced.

I don't understand your leg lift question. When I do leg lifts (for the abs), I lay on my back.

Other Answers:
5 lbs is plenty to start with. You may even want to start with a bit less weight than that.

The goal is not to bulk, just tone, so lifting heavy weights is not what you want to do.

I joined a gym and the trainer there says whatever you can handle as long as you don't hurt yourself. Normally they recommend 10 - 15 lbs.

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What weights to use for begining strength training?

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