Bored with lifting?

knitbytes · June 2013

So I know most of you are going to just respond with "who cares, push through, make yourself do it, the results are worth it" but hear me out. I'm not unmotivated, I don't want to skip working out, I don't find myself making excuses to avoid going to the gym.

I'm just bored with weight lifting.

I've been lifting for about five months now, maybe a bit more- only the last 2 months of that has been free weights. At first, I LOVED it. I looked forward to it all day on lifting days, I yearned to go lift on rest days (but did not, so my muscles would recover properly, of course). But over the last week or so, my enjoyment has flagged, and flagged more, and is just about gone now.

I don't look forward to it anymore. I dread it. I get to the gym, and I look at the weights, and just think ... UGH. It's not that I'm lifting too much and it hurts. It's just... BORING. I would rather be doing yoga, or trying a new class, or dancing, or ANYthing really. I find myself rushing through it, not resting enough between sets, and just not getting that much out of it.

I love my new baby muscles. I love feeling strong and capable. I love DOMS. I WANT to love lifting again. But I can't seem to get that back, and it's making me sad! I feel like it's really contributing to my self-dissatisfaction that has been ramping up lately.

I feel like maybe it's because I don't feel like I have direction, like maybe if I had a program (I've looked and nothing I've found really appeals to me- I thought I would like Stronglifts 5x5 but I'm not sure I can even lift enough to start it yet) or if I could work with a trainer (had my free session, can't afford more) then I would feel more excited to lift. Or maybe it's just because I feel so huge and pathetic compared to everyone else in the weights section, I don't know.

So I guess I have two questions, if you've managed to read this far into my ramblings... 1. have any of you had this happen? 2. how do I get my mojo back?! and bonus 3. do you have a plan you like besides NROLFW (which I can't afford to buy at the moment and isn't in at my library) or Stronglifts (which as I said I can't really do yet since I can't squat the bar 5x5 times yet)?

KatLifter · June 2013

Bodybuilding.com has a lot of good and free programs. Something like LiveFit might be good for you to start with, http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html.

Also 6 week shred changes every week and plays with rest times etc. so it might be a different type of challenge for you, http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/six-week-shred-torch-fat-with-hiit-100s.html. Downside is that, especially at the beginning, the workouts are long.

Good luck!

ItsCasey · June 2013

I'm just bored with weight lifting.

NovemberJune · June 2013

http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/deconstructing-the-de-load/

If you’re not sure whether to de-load or not, below are common indicators that it’s probably time for a de-load:
...
3. Experiencing a lack of motivation to lift/train.

And I think having a program to follow is a great idea. Tracking progress keeps me motivated. I started with SL 5x5.

cleotherio · June 2013

You can start stronglifts with whatever weight you can lift. If the 45 lb bar is too heavy, start with a lighter bar or dumbells. There are a lot of ladies at all levels of stronglifts on this board - http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/4618-stronglifts-5x5-for-women.

I've lifted on and off for 20 years. This is the first time outside of being coached on a team in college that I've actually followed a plan for lifting. I've been doing SL for about 4 months, and I'm looking into moving on to a 5/3/1 plan. I find it so much easier to stick with it if someone else is telling me what lifts at what weight comes next.

UpEarly · June 2013

Take a break and do something else! I tend to lift weights more often when the weather is cold and dark. When it's pretty out, I like to load up my backpack and climb the mountains near where I live. I really like the way my body looks and responds to a variety of workouts. I don't feel bad when I blow strength training off for a while.

usmcmp · June 2013

Take a break then jump on a good program.

I loved Lee Labrada's 12 week lean body trainer, free on bodybuilding.com

Calliope610 · June 2013

So I guess I have two questions, if you've managed to read this far into my ramblings... 1. have any of you had this happen? 2. how do I get my mojo back?! and bonus 3. do you have a plan you like besides NROLFW (which I can't afford to buy at the moment and isn't in at my library) or Stronglifts (which as I said I can't really do yet since I can't squat the bar 5x5 times yet)?

What kind of lifting are you doing? Barbells, dumbbells or the machines?

If your motivation is to do better today than you did yesterday, lifting will not be boring. Competing against yourself is awesome.

ShannonMpls · June 2013

So I guess I have two questions, if you've managed to read this far into my ramblings... 1. have any of you had this happen? 2. how do I get my mojo back?! and bonus 3. do you have a plan you like besides NROLFW (which I can't afford to buy at the moment and isn't in at my library) or Stronglifts (which as I said I can't really do yet since I can't squat the bar 5x5 times yet)?

1. YES. It's happened to me several times, and it means it's time to change my program. I will de-load and do endurance lifting for awhile, circuit training style. Or I'll switch to 5x5. Right now I've just switched from three days a week of full body to 4 days of upper lower splits and it's got me practically giddy about weight lifting again (I literally dreamed about it the other night like a totally awesome loser).

Take a week off and use it to find a new routine. Then jump back in.

2. You will find loads of programs online. Right now a friend is using Jamie Eason's LiveFit and having tremendous results: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-livefit-trainer.html

Also, there's no reason you can't modify stronglifts. Use one of those balance bars, or dumbbel/goblet squats instead until you can 5x5 the bar.

katy_trail · June 2013

find a program that you like and works with your schedule, while still allowing some room for changing the accessory exercises
every couple of weeks.

Also, I used to think free weights were very boring, but with more challenging weight, it isn't.
So maybe you're not lifting heavy enough.
Have you done your 1 rep max testing recently? Thinking about progress has to be inspiring if you're into lifting at all.

UsedToBeHusky · June 2013

Research some new exercises. Create your own workout. You don't have to do a structured routine so long as you are working every major muscle group.

n3ver3nder · June 2013

You NEED a program. Having projected numbers to work towards is excellent motivation.

caseythirteen · June 2013

I've definitely gotten bored over the months. I love lifting but it can get monotonous. When I start to feel that way I know it's time to change things up. In the past I've changed to do splits instead of full body, or I've added new moves to mix it up and more recently I've switched to an A/B style routine. As for the actual routine, I do my own thing. Following a pre-defined program is not for me. I like to be able to make my own adjustments for how I feel and mix it up whenever I want to. If you still love it I would definitely recommend changing some up to renew your interest.

myofibril · June 2013

What are your goals - so specifically what do you want to achieve by using weights?

If the primary purpose is to retain lean body mass, look generally sexy naked and have enough strength for day to day lift you don't have to go down the barbell / free weights route unless you really want to do that.

What you need to do is work with sufficient resistance to stimulate progressive overload.

That leaves you with a myriad of options. Find one you do like: body weight exercise, kettle bells, circuits, Body Pump etc etc

Once you find it strive to improve consistently.

Alternatively just grit your teeth and grind out the weight sessions...

myofibril · June 2013

DP

knitbytes · June 2013

What kind of lifting are you doing? Barbells, dumbbells or the machines?

If your motivation is to do better today than you did yesterday, lifting will not be boring. Competing against yourself is awesome.

Dumbbells mostly, though I do a couple of barbell exercises- bench press and shoulder press.

ZoeLifts · June 2013

find a program that you like and works with your schedule, while still allowing some room for changing the accessory exercises
every couple of weeks.

Also, I used to think free weights were very boring, but with more challenging weight, it isn't.
So maybe you're not lifting heavy enough.
Have you done your 1 rep max testing recently? Thinking about progress has to be inspiring if you're into lifting at all.

^This is what I was thinking, too.

When I look back at the times I considered lifting boring, it was because I was lifting the same weight every single day, 12 reps. Using a structured program like Stronglifts or Starting Strength means you are challenging yourself to a new weight each time you work out. You say you cannot squat the bar yet? How are you challenging yourself to get to that point? Each day I step into the weight room means another day to increase weight on something, or to finally hit that sweet spot where I have improved my form. Besides upping weights now, I am also working toward doing chin-ups unassisted. I realize the reason I hate doing chin-ups of any kind is because I can't do them, so I work on them and now I am beginning to actually look forward to it.

knitbytes · June 2013

Thank you, everyone-- there's some really great advice here.

I think I'll first try a few group classes, like body works and boot camp, and see if just taking a break and doing that helps at all. I've been wanting to do more bodyweight exercises too so maybe I'll spend a couple of weeks doing that. I mean, hell, I certainly weigh enough for it to be difficult! :laugh:

I have been increasing my weights and going until near-failure. I think part of my issue though is I didn't have clearly defined goals, like "be able to squat the barbell" or "get to 10 reps at x weight with x exercise". So I'll spend these next couple of weeks working out what I really want with this and finding ways to get there.

Lupercalia · June 2013

http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/deconstructing-the-de-load/

If you’re not sure whether to de-load or not, below are common indicators that it’s probably time for a de-load:
...
3. Experiencing a lack of motivation to lift/train.

And I think having a program to follow is a great idea. Tracking progress keeps me motivated. I started with SL 5x5.

Yeah, I think you need a deload week, too. Why not take a week to deload and regroup--get a new plan together to follow. Girls Gone Strong is a great resource, if you're not already aware of that site.

You can start with Stronglifts--no reason you must squat with the oly bar to start. If you need something lighter, use lighter weights. I don't know what you're currently using, but if your gym has fixed weight barbells in lighter weights, use those to work your way up to the oly bar. You don't have to start with Stronglifts, of course...but it's all online and free of charge. Bodybuilding.com has a bunch of free workouts as well (sorry I can't tell you much about those--surely others can chime in if you're interested).

Tracking and progressively increasing my lifts is what keeps me motivated. I really look forward to my lifting sessions. I lift three days per week, and one of those days is my "whatever" day. I do "whatever" on that day--usually variations on my usual compound lifts (front squat instead of back, rack pulls instead of dead lifts, etc.) or I might do something like a dumbbell or barbell complex.

I use Fitocracy to track everything online, as well as a notebook I keep with me at the gym. It's cool to look back at where I started and see where I'm at today.