I just feel like I'm lifting weights rather than actually strength training lol. How do you strength train w/o a professional because I'm too broke for a trainer

check out the internet...youtube, there are places all over the world wide web where people have posted about different strength training routines. Pick out one that will work for you

If you don't mind old school your local library should have books by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and other Olympians.

I've enjoyed a book and DVD set called "be your own gym." This will get you into elite fitness relatively quickly without having to buy any weight equipment. It is based on a 3 phase set of workout routines that progress from beginner to advanced. I have just completed the last advanced routine today and look forward to the body weight exercises to maintain strength going forward. Consider this approach, but be warned, it will challenge you. I really appreciated the workouts are short (20 minutes) and the trainer comes from a background of training over 1000 elite special forces with the same types of workouts. As it is progressive, you will get really strong in a manageable approach by spending about 3 weeks on each phase for a total of 9 weeks. I never get tired of listening to the trainer as he speaks very clearly and articulately. I also appreciate that he takes the exercises as a speed where form can be perfected.

Strength training is all about continually increasing resistance. In other words, you have to keep upping the workload on your muscles. Check out the book "Starting Strength." The author is a bit of a blowhard, but his principles on increasing strength are so simple yet incredibly effective. His workout plan is extremely simple, yet it will make you so much stronger.

A trainer is nice but not necessary. Most trainers are all about improved fitness or giving you those six pack abs anyway...not about increasing strength.

try different strength training classes at the gym if you're a member of any...it has helped me a great deal