Looking for a different way to strength train
Khovde07
Posts: 508 Member
Hi everyone!
I've been on my weight loss "journey" for about a year now and I'm seeing pretty good success. I'm enjoying my time at the gym more than I did when I started. But now I'm looking to add some variety to my workout. Typically, I do class-based workout (Zumba, Cize, Body Barre) which are mostly cardio. I want to start adding more strength training but I have one teeny-tiny problem. I absolutely hate lifting weights and using machines. I usually just get so bored that I can't stay motivated. I've tried listening to music, watching tv, talking with friends, etc. but I still get bored. Another issue I have is that I'm unsure of what exercises I should be doing. I'm aware of what exercises strengthen which part of the body, but I have trouble coming up with a routine and consistent workouts.
What's a good way to strength train without lifting weights/using machines and getting bored? I love my Zumba and Cize classes because they're so much fun!
I don't just want to be thinner. I want to be stronger. Help?
I've been on my weight loss "journey" for about a year now and I'm seeing pretty good success. I'm enjoying my time at the gym more than I did when I started. But now I'm looking to add some variety to my workout. Typically, I do class-based workout (Zumba, Cize, Body Barre) which are mostly cardio. I want to start adding more strength training but I have one teeny-tiny problem. I absolutely hate lifting weights and using machines. I usually just get so bored that I can't stay motivated. I've tried listening to music, watching tv, talking with friends, etc. but I still get bored. Another issue I have is that I'm unsure of what exercises I should be doing. I'm aware of what exercises strengthen which part of the body, but I have trouble coming up with a routine and consistent workouts.
What's a good way to strength train without lifting weights/using machines and getting bored? I love my Zumba and Cize classes because they're so much fun!
I don't just want to be thinner. I want to be stronger. Help?
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Replies
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I can't speak to the boredom part as that is a personal issue. However, you may look into bodyweight training, which I think of as "gym class from back when I was a kid." Pushups, pullups, etc. A few programs:
* You Are Your Own Gym
* Convict Conditioning
* StartBodyweight.com basic routine0 -
Al Kavadlo has a lot of good bodyweight and calesthenics programs. http://dragondoor.com/b69/?apid=4e8cb1ea167b0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh_xtaQKXNU 0 -
Maybe learn what to do, when to do it, and how to do it and you won't be so bored all the time.0
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I'm the same way when it comes to lifting weights. I find it super boring. I like bodyweight exercises better. There are a number of good programs available, and YouTube has videos showing proper form for just about everything. I like to find little routines from Pinterest or FB or Google that have a one day workout, then do that until I get bored with it. Then I find another.
I also really enjoy exercises that combine cardio and strength. Hiking up a mountain, climbing a tree. walking up stairs, burpees, walking lunges, etc.0 -
I wonder if you are bored because lifting weights doesn't take enough of your focus. This indicates to me that you may not be using free weights or lifting heavily enough. Maybe take a few sessions with a trainer and let them know that you want to lift heavy.
Back when I did many reps with light weights, I struggled with boredom as well.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I wonder if you are bored because lifting weights doesn't take enough of your focus. This indicates to me that you may not be using free weights or lifting heavily enough. Maybe take a few sessions with a trainer and let them know that you want to lift heavy.
Back when I did many reps with light weights, I struggled with boredom as well.
That is a good point.
Also, you don't have to strictly sit there and rest between sets. You can superset exercises, meaning do Exercise A, then Exercise B, then Exercise A again, B again, etc. You may need to take a short rest after B but doing that keeps your workout moving some.0 -
Hi everyone!
I've been on my weight loss "journey" for about a year now and I'm seeing pretty good success. I'm enjoying my time at the gym more than I did when I started. But now I'm looking to add some variety to my workout. Typically, I do class-based workout (Zumba, Cize, Body Barre) which are mostly cardio. I want to start adding more strength training but I have one teeny-tiny problem. I absolutely hate lifting weights and using machines. I usually just get so bored that I can't stay motivated. I've tried listening to music, watching tv, talking with friends, etc. but I still get bored. Another issue I have is that I'm unsure of what exercises I should be doing. I'm aware of what exercises strengthen which part of the body, but I have trouble coming up with a routine and consistent workouts.
What's a good way to strength train without lifting weights/using machines and getting bored? I love my Zumba and Cize classes because they're so much fun!
I don't just want to be thinner. I want to be stronger. Help?
I'd wager that part of the issue here is that you're just sort of willy nilly going in and doing stuff without any real structure or plan...this doesn't really net much in the way of results and it can be boring as you don't really know what you're working towards...just kind of going from thing to thing and lifting it up and putting it down, etc...
Other than lifting weight, you'd be looking at body weight exercises as jemhh noted...to "strength train" requires resistance exercises...either body weight or weights...there's no getting around that.
Before you write off weight training, I'd recommend you try doing an actual structured program. Something like New Rules of Lifting for Women would be a great place to start as the read itself will help explain the ins and outs of what you're doing and why you're doing it. It will provide you with a structured program that will tell you what lifts to do on what day, how many reps and sets, etc. It's a pretty solid general fitness resistance program though it does get a bit convoluted in the last phase...this is where my wife switched over to Strong Curves.
Following a structured program provides a completely different element than just going in and winging it...it's also going to provide more efficient results so you're not just spinning your wheels (which is where I think a lot of people get "bored"). Lifting becomes fun when you start seeing results...both in terms of physique as well as being able to add more weight, etc. It's really fun when you're out in life doing something and you realize, "hey...I never used to be able to do this because I wasn't strong enough"...building functional strength is awesome.0 -
kshama2001 wrote: »I wonder if you are bored because lifting weights doesn't take enough of your focus. This indicates to me that you may not be using free weights or lifting heavily enough. Maybe take a few sessions with a trainer and let them know that you want to lift heavy.
Back when I did many reps with light weights, I struggled with boredom as well.
That is very likely and a very good point. Unfortunately I'm stuck with light weights for awhile when my arms are involved. I've had a couple shoulder surgeries from multiple dislocations and my right arm isn't as strong as it was (another reason why I want to strength train). My surgeon advised me against lifting things that are too heavy because if I dislocate my shoulder again, there's really nothing more we can do.
I want to be able to have fun while strength training.0 -
Try body weight exercises. If you have no idea how to start and you enjoy classes, maybe start with a trx class, or pilates or some other class involving bodyweight exercises. Just make sure to find a class that focuses on strenght and not on stretching or cardio.0
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cwolfman13 wrote: »Hi everyone!
I've been on my weight loss "journey" for about a year now and I'm seeing pretty good success. I'm enjoying my time at the gym more than I did when I started. But now I'm looking to add some variety to my workout. Typically, I do class-based workout (Zumba, Cize, Body Barre) which are mostly cardio. I want to start adding more strength training but I have one teeny-tiny problem. I absolutely hate lifting weights and using machines. I usually just get so bored that I can't stay motivated. I've tried listening to music, watching tv, talking with friends, etc. but I still get bored. Another issue I have is that I'm unsure of what exercises I should be doing. I'm aware of what exercises strengthen which part of the body, but I have trouble coming up with a routine and consistent workouts.
What's a good way to strength train without lifting weights/using machines and getting bored? I love my Zumba and Cize classes because they're so much fun!
I don't just want to be thinner. I want to be stronger. Help?
I'd wager that part of the issue here is that you're just sort of willy nilly going in and doing stuff without any real structure or plan...this doesn't really net much in the way of results and it can be boring as you don't really know what you're working towards...just kind of going from thing to thing and lifting it up and putting it down, etc...
Other than lifting weight, you'd be looking at body weight exercises as jemhh noted...to "strength train" requires resistance exercises...either body weight or weights...there's no getting around that.
Before you write off weight training, I'd recommend you try doing an actual structured program. Something like New Rules of Lifting for Women would be a great place to start as the read itself will help explain the ins and outs of what you're doing and why you're doing it. It will provide you with a structured program that will tell you what lifts to do on what day, how many reps and sets, etc. It's a pretty solid general fitness resistance program though it does get a bit convoluted in the last phase...this is where my wife switched over to Strong Curves.
Following a structured program provides a completely different element than just going in and winging it...it's also going to provide more efficient results so you're not just spinning your wheels (which is where I think a lot of people get "bored"). Lifting becomes fun when you start seeing results...both in terms of physique as well as being able to add more weight, etc. It's really fun when you're out in life doing something and you realize, "hey...I never used to be able to do this because I wasn't strong enough"...building functional strength is awesome.
Thank you! I've never been able to find a good structure when it comes to any of this. And I never know where to start. When I was in sports in school we had tailored workout routines created for each sport and we stuck to that. Now I'm just kind of guessing at it.0 -
I bought the body beast DVDs as a way to get started at home. I went to the website and downloaded the workout sheets to record my weights. It's a 3 month program and mostly uses dumb bells and body weight exercises. I do cardio on a bike as this is a weight DVD.0
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I've been hearing that I should consider trying Body Pump which is one of the classes offered at my gym. Has anyone here tried it and how comparable is it to lifting weights? Do you see similar results?0
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I've been hearing that I should consider trying Body Pump which is one of the classes offered at my gym. Has anyone here tried it and how comparable is it to lifting weights? Do you see similar results?
It's a cardio-based lifting program, so you would be doing lighter weight for more reps. I would be cautious of it because of your shoulder issues. When your surgeon said not to lift stuff that was too heavy, did he mean not to lift stuff that was heavy, period, for the rest of your life or don't try to overdo it? Have you worked with a physical therapist?0 -
I've been hearing that I should consider trying Body Pump which is one of the classes offered at my gym. Has anyone here tried it and how comparable is it to lifting weights? Do you see similar results?
BP is endurance lifting (high reps, relatively low weights). If you're completely untrained, it will make you stronger, but you'll top out pretty quickly -- the pace and number of reps make it very difficult to do with a significant amount of weight. I did BP for a while as my cardio workout (in addition to my heavy lifting days), but after pulling muscles a couple of times trying to keep up with the pace while maintaining form I gave it up. As with everything, YMMV.
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kshama2001 wrote: »I wonder if you are bored because lifting weights doesn't take enough of your focus. This indicates to me that you may not be using free weights or lifting heavily enough. Maybe take a few sessions with a trainer and let them know that you want to lift heavy.
Back when I did many reps with light weights, I struggled with boredom as well.
That is very likely and a very good point. Unfortunately I'm stuck with light weights for awhile when my arms are involved. I've had a couple shoulder surgeries from multiple dislocations and my right arm isn't as strong as it was (another reason why I want to strength train). My surgeon advised me against lifting things that are too heavy because if I dislocate my shoulder again, there's really nothing more we can do.
I want to be able to have fun while strength training.
Have you considered using a physical therapist? With injuries like yours, I'd want targeted exercises to specifically strengthen those areas so I didn't injure myself again. I'd also want someone with a clue to tell me if there are movements I should be avoiding and why.
ETA: Once you have that, then you've got a solid goal to work towards - at least for upper body.0 -
Right now my overall goal is to lose weight and strengthen. I don't have anything super specific. When I get closer to my goal weight I want to set more specific goals (defined abs, lean legs, stronger shoulders, etc.)0 -
I've been hearing that I should consider trying Body Pump which is one of the classes offered at my gym. Has anyone here tried it and how comparable is it to lifting weights? Do you see similar results?
It's a cardio-based lifting program, so you would be doing lighter weight for more reps. I would be cautious of it because of your shoulder issues. When your surgeon said not to lift stuff that was too heavy, did he mean not to lift stuff that was heavy, period, for the rest of your life or don't try to overdo it? Have you worked with a physical therapist?
He was trying to caution me more on my line of work. I work part time with an ambulance service and lifting heavy patients is an everyday thing. My surgeon didn't like the idea of me lifting 75 pounds unassisted, which is the minimum requirement for EMS. My range of motion is my biggest concern. I did physical therapy for 6 months but my range of motion in my right arm will never be the same as it was. A few years after I had my first surgery, my shoulder was violently dislocated when I was run over by one of our horses. My second surgery really tightened everything down and my surgeon said I would be limited. I can rotate my arm in a big circle if I go very slowly.0 -
You could always try lying down on the floor and getting back up without using your arms. Do that several times. I would definitely get some physical therapy so you could use your arms to maintain or gain upper body strength.0
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Would you be able to do a Turkish Get-Up?0
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TRX suspension training. No boredom there and it's got to be as effective as wrights, if not more so, until you're lifting crazy amounts, maybe even then. It's highly adaptable for various ability levels.0
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I was going to suggest looking into finding a place that does kettlebell workouts until you mentioned your shoulder. I am not sure if it would be good for you in that case. I would second TRX workouts and/or bodyweight workouts. I would also repeat the comment that whatever you do, you need a structured program put together by someone who knows what they are doing. I would say that something like New Rules for Lifting for Women would be a good place to start. Buy the book and follow the program.0
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I did body pump many years ago along with Body Jam (kind of like zumba) and Body Combat. I found that doing body pump got me the best toning results very quickly and your strength improves out of sight. It's fun cause your in a class environment with other people. There is music. You can adjust things or swap some exercises for others if you have injuries. The trainers always ask about injuries before you start and will give you alternate options.
Give it a try, but word of warning, start with really light weights. You will feel it easy at the start but if you haven't done anything like this before your muscles will start to burn after a few minutes even with light weights and your muscles will scream at you for a few days after. It doesn't take to long before you can start increasing the weights and your lifting that same as the majority of the class but take your time and increase the weight slowly.0 -
Does your gym offer a circuit training class or a Women on Weights class. They are both a little more social than lifting on your own.
A lot of people enjoy the circuit class's and it would introduce you to a reasonable routine.
I did a Women On Weights class that was interesting. Small group intro to weights. It was a little too focused on machines initially, but once I explained I was more interested in free weights and the bar she moved in that direction. It is a good class because you get quite a bit of individual atterntion, guidance on form, and help in building a programme, without having to pay the cost of a personal trainer.
Body weight is good as long as you don't over work your shoulder.
I like Nerdfitness.
http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
Cheers, h.0 -
TRX suspension training. No boredom there and it's got to be as effective as wrights, if not more so, until you're lifting crazy amounts, maybe even then. It's highly adaptable for various ability levels.
This. And resistance bands. I like resistance bands and have good success with them in the past. There are about a dozen great vids on youtube for resistance band work. (I do my routines while watching tv- I don't get to watch tv unless I'm working the bands, working the handweights, or hula hooping.)0
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