I'm pretty new to this whole exercise scene and would love some advice from you more experienced people.

At the moment I'm doing a 35 min aerobic workout with 20 mins floor work after to a video at home 5 times a week, I'd like to add some kind of routine to tone, strengthen and increase muscle. Ideally I would join a gym and use all the great equipment there BUT my nearest is 35 miles away and the only way I can get there is on foot (which would kill me before I arrived!), I need something I can use at home which takes up minimal room (I live in a tiny ancient cottage). Do I need one of these 'home gym' systems that fold away or should I buy weights and use them without a bench? Once I have the right equipment what weight should I start off with - the lightest that comes?

Thanks for any advice

For no space workouts, look to barbells, swiss exercise balls and 'resistance' bands like these:

http://www.stottpilates.com/flexband_shape.html

You can often find the bands at medical supply shops, they're used in rehab. Or use the similar latex tubes available at your sporting goods store, ask for 'resistance bands' or 'Chest pullers'. I see these at Wal-mart, K-mart, etc...Incorporate dumbbells and the bands into your workout, you'll see results. No bench? Use a swiss exercise ball, you'll be surprised how many 'bench' exercises you can do with dumbbells, bands and a swiss ball. Plus, the ball can easily be used to enhance your mat workout. Get a few books on weight lifting and pilates from your library, work on developing good form. Shouldn't cost much $$$, should give good results. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice, I'll be out looking for those first thing tomorrow!

Thanks Raquel, I couldn't get the resistance bands locally so I'll probably order some on-line, ankle weights are a great idea - thanks!

Sounds as if you are doing pretty good Kelly.

Surf the net for other ideas on exercise, particularly resistence training. You could do isometric exercises which don't require any equipment. They will strengthen muscles rather than giving you a workout.

You could use bags of sugar, broom handles, etc as equipment. Think laterally.

In "SlowBurn," by Fred Hahn and the Drs. Eades (authors of "Protein Power"), the section on home workouts gives suggestions for making weights out of milk jugs and other items available around the house. Those should work for any system.