Some old guy saw me "fast walking" with a couple of small dumbbells im my hands once and gave me a lecture about the damage he did to his joints (primarily elbows) while doing the same thing. I've heard similar stuff from other people, but I think certain weights as you describe would add an element of resistance to your everyday activity which would eventually increase muscular strength if done the right way. What that right way would be I'm not sure but you see stuff like ankle weights in department stores all the time. Certainly worth revisiting the subject with a little research.
BTW - I saw some sci-fi movie once where this skinny little guy is hired to beat the livin' daylights outta this guy who was much bigger and stronger-looking. The little guy lived and trained in a planet with a stronger gravitational force, so the additional resistance made him much stronger than he appeared. We have the same concept in practicce nowadays with high-altitude training for increased cardio and I often go running on the beach in knee-deep water for additional resistance, which puts a noticeable challenge on my quads and cardio.
__________________ Le Bear Extraordinaire! Mike Brewer's 2008 Athleticon Challenge!!! Pushups Completed: 5 1/2 Situps Completed: Does using my hands count?  |