I orderd the Power 90 program at the beginning of this week and judging from posts I've seen should have it by the end of the week. I did not order the resistance bands. I am going to use free weights or dumbells. I would like to know if anyone can recommend what sizes I should get, 2.5lb, 5lb, 10lb, 15lb, 20lb, or up?

I am optimistic about this program from the commercial and from what I've read on the forums and looking forward to starting Power 90. Thanks

PK

Hello PK~
The Power 90 Program Guide (book that comes with the video tapes) recommends two of each weight: 5 lb., 10lb., 15lb., 20lb., 25lb., and 30lb. In the workouts, one person uses the resistance cables and one person uses free weights.
Mike

I did get the bands and found that free weights work much better for me. i bought a set that starts with 2.5 weights and goes up to 10 lbs. I use the 2.5 on each side by the time the whole little dumbell is assembled it's about 8lbs. on each side.

(BeachBody admin note: everyone is different - men may want dumbell sets that go up to 30lbs each or even higher - most women prefer to use much less weight and to do more reps - that tones muscle without bulking up)

[This message was edited by Admin on 05-12-01 at 02:25 PM.]

Hi,
I've been using the resistance bands and I've just finished Week 3. Carmela, I'm curious about why you prefer the free weights? I'm happy with the progress I've seen, but I'm just wondering what you feel the advantages are.
Thanks!
Kelly G

I just feel I have a better range of motion and more control of resitance/wieght that I work with.
I also think the bands are a little akward at times, while I'm messing with the proper position of the band they have already moved on to the next exercise, it just got to be a pain in the glut. Also did you ever have one of those things slip out of your hand at full extention OUCH!

I am halfway through week1 and also fine the resistence bands a bit cumbersome. I found dumbells with removable plates that allow you to go from 5 pounds to 50+ pounds in stages as little as a pound or two. This is also much more economical than buying individual dumbells.

eamonm, the weights you found sound like what I'm looking for. Do you know the brand?

Bands vs. weights

Essentially, both create resistance which is what you need to cause resistance training. Weights probably feel more natural because the balance involved (engrams) are easier to figure out. Don't be dismayed if you need to use the bands. While they take longer to master they will work.

Bands have one big advantage and that is they are very portable. If you travel they make staying on the program very convenient.

Personally, I like to mix it up: weights most of the time and bands on the road or just once in a while to keep my routine from getting stale, which has physical as well as psychological benefits.

Catwoman,

I bought generic dumbells at MVP/Decathalon sports which is a chain in Massachusetts. I have seen similar sets in a number of places. If you can't find a set you like, you can also by a pair of dumbell bars, which are reasonably cheap, and buy plates to put on the bar. Plates sell for around $.50 per pound. I would recommend buying 2 1.25lb, 2 2.5lb and 2 5lb plates for each bar. You can always buy additional weights when you get stronger.

Unless you are fairly strong, you will probably get pretty arm weary in the early stages of the sculpting tapes. Doing the pushups together with the various reps at a good pace really works your arms.

Hope this helped.