AboutJoe Gunn Expertise Anything related to strength training, long distance running, speed development for all sports, and weight loss issues.
Experience Over 30 years as a personal trainer of athletes as well as average individuals.
Organizations Certified strength and Conditioning Specialist with the the National Strength and Conditiong Association. Certified Club coach with the United States Weightlifting Association. Certifed Level II long distance coach with the USA Track & Field.
Education/Credentials M.S with majors in exercise science and psychology
Question Hey I am looking at getting a chin up bar it can be used for sit ups too it fits across doors ways...I'd be using it for chin ups. Anyway I was wondering if that would be a good way to strenthen my arms(upper or lower?) I am 15/20 pounds over weight right now and am trying to build muscle mass and burn off some fat and would like my arms to be stronger I'd like to get a weight bench sometime too so strenchthing my arms and was wondering if I were to go that route what weight I should sta with?
could I just get a longer bar and a mat and do the lifting on the floor apposed to buying a bench?
How long and often should I do the chin ups or genral weight lifting to increse my arm strenth?
I am fairly strong now since I'm a hard working young woman but would like to burn calories and define the muscles in my arms. Thanks.
Oh and I can run short distances *Should I do this once aday as well(when I say short I mean after a block I slow down alot lol)? My family is used to eatting whatever whenever and its how I was raised snacks whenever eat wahtever junk you want ect ect no rules so its hard to change but I'm getting better at eatting better foods. I work all day walking around carrying a weedwacker or working a mower/backpack blower so am Not inactive by anymeans I also walk my dogs for ten mintues before work each morning.
Any advice or info would be apprecated.
Answer Hey Tara, chins are an excellent exercise primarily for the lats and shoulders but they also work the arms some. My suggestion is to get you a set of adjustable dumbells and you can work all the muscle groups without a bench. It also sounds like you expend a lot of calories in your work. My only sugestion is that you do some sort of aerobic exercise where you can get your heart rate up and keep it for 10-15 minutes and work up to about 30 minutes total. Remember consistency is the key and always check with your doc before starting an exercise program...Joe
