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- one, two or three pounds. Next, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to start a new exercise program. On-line resources that show photographs or video are the best way to see proper form for performing these exercises, and to find information on recommended repetitions.

These exercises (performed while holding dumbbells) will work some of your larger muscles that, because they're easier to see, show results fast. You may feel a change in as little as a week, and begin to see results in about three weeks.

* For your arms:
Curls for your biceps
Triceps extensions and triceps presses for the back of your arms

* For your shoulders and back:
Overhead press
Lateral raises
Front raises
Reverse fly raises

* For your rear end, upper and lower legs:
Squats (a must!)
Lunges
Toe raises

* Finally, To round out your routine, set down the dumbbells and do some crunches for your abs.

Now that you're on your way, a couple more pieces of inexpensive equipment, like a balance ball, a medicine ball, and an elastic band will have you completely outfitted for an at-home strength training program. A good strength training and weight lifting routine will include a variety of exercises that work each of your major muscle groups - arms, back, abs and legs -adequately.

Learn more about this author, Ysabel J. Doran.
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