Meh...
Shadowmf023
Posts: 812 Member
Do I HAVE to do strength training?? Yes I have a few videos, but I LOATHE doing them. I hate it. Seriously. I much prefer walking over ANY other exercise and have kept up with walking for 3 years effortlessly.
There's no "Ugh. Gotta go walking again.
" It's more like a "It's raining?! Nooooooo! But I want to go walk!!!! 
"
I am weak in my upper body. But I can never keep up with strength for more than a few weeks because I HATE it. Lifting, bodyweight, aerobics, HIIT even. HATE HATE HATE!!!!
There's no "Ugh. Gotta go walking again.
" It's more like a "It's raining?! Nooooooo! But I want to go walk!!!! "I am weak in my upper body. But I can never keep up with strength for more than a few weeks because I HATE it. Lifting, bodyweight, aerobics, HIIT even. HATE HATE HATE!!!!
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If you can't stand doing something, forcing yourself to do it isn't exactly going to be helpful in the long run. That being said, my last 40 pounds lost (over the last eight months) did include a lot of lean mass loss, because I wasn't strength training in the process.1
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I'm aware I'll lose lean mass. And I don't have much to begin with. But I've tried so many times and I can't stick with it. Two weeks of bodyweight and then 2-3months not doing anything strength related isn't helping anything either.0
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I don't think that forcing anything you don't like is productive. Do what you enjoy, and leave the rest. I've tried lifting small weight (2 pound) hand weights, but haven't found a way to do it without pain. So, I don't. I'm at maintenance now, so, I made it here without it. I feel stronger than I ever have though!2
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Why do you hate it? Is it how it makes you feel? The pressure to look like the people in the videos? Something else?
Resistance training isn't just about losing weight, it's about maintaining quality of life, good health, mobility, and vitality. The muscle wasting that comes with age and being sedentary takes all that away. The science on this is very clear.
My father is 71 and backpacks with me in Colorado. My wife's and my friends' fathers are similar ages and can't do much more than get off the couch. The only difference is that my dad has been exercising vigorously and consistently, including strength training, for the last 16 years.
The good news is that it's been proven repeatedly that you're never too old to start strength training. Even the oldest people, male or female, can build muscle again. That said, you can do a lot of damage with a sedentary lifestyle in the intervening years, and you may or may not be able to reverse it if and when you decide you want to.
Here's an idea to get you started in a totally new way: start wearing a backpack when you walk, and gradually add weight to it. Those are called loaded carries, and are one of the healthiest moves you can do. We can add some complimentary activities when you're ready.6 -
I don't like strength training either. Doing it for a few weeks and then giving it up won't hurt you, and strength training will help you, especially with aging, so I would keep trying. You don't have to be a bodybuilder. Yoga can be a full body workout if you pick the right poses. There is an endless variety of body weight exercises.
I've seen what sarcopenia looks like in the elderly, and I'm going to be strength training for the rest of my life.4 -
I'm just the opposite. I love strength training! I HATE running. I have to trick myself into exercise:) my friends ask me "Want to go for a walk?" I'm like "meh". Same friends have found out if they word it like "Want to go to the nature park and see deer?" I'm like "let's go!" So tricking myself into it. The "thought" of exercise isn't fun yet. Hopefully I can change my mindset on this:) good luck!☘☘☘5
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I suppose it's just how it makes me feel. I hate the burning sensation. Or having to put effort into correct form. Keep everything tight, suck in that gut, squeeze that butt and don't hold your breath all while trying to do some weird pose.
It's bloody difficult for me to do that! I know it's supposed to be challenging. And I suppose that's why I hate it. Walking is so effortless, and although I struggled in the beginning, all I had to do was put on some music and I would automatically walk to the beat. And I get lost in my imagination while walking, and I can walk miles and miles. For hours straight.
I can't do that with strength, because there are so many damn other things to focus on that I don't even hear the music. Not to mention the struggling to finish a set because it burns.0 -
It all becomes muscle memory after about a month. I didn't even have to think when lifting after a while. It just becomes another completely natural set of movements.4
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »It all becomes muscle memory after about a month. I didn't even have to think when lifting after a while. It just becomes another completely natural set of movements.
The longest I've lifted was 2.5 months. And I still struggled with it. Even on the machines. I wasn't even free form and I still sucked at it.0 -
I don't know much about strength training but wonder if at least you could pick an activity that involves muscle work that's not official exercise? Idk, such as moving around boxes at a food pantry, building habitat houses, throwing pottery clay, gardening, etc.?4
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I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.6
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**yells** FOR SKYRIM!!!!!
**Runs away with dumbbell-sword in hand**7 -
Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work2 -
Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work
Then just go buy some sledgehammers of different sizes and weights. A couple of five and ten pound one handers, then a thirty to fifty two-hander. Every hardware store has them, and hammers are just as (if not more) badass than swords, but that's my paladin bias talking.
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Shadowmf023 wrote: »**yells** FOR SKYRIM!!!!!
**Runs away with dumbbell-sword in hand**
Omg....I love you...FUS RO DAAAH!
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work
Then just go buy some sledgehammers of different sizes and weights. A couple of five and ten pound one handers, then a thirty to fifty two-hander. Every hardware store has them, and hammers are just as (if not more) badass than swords, but that's my paladin bias talking.
Omg! SLEDGEHAMMERS!! Nothing like two handed blunt!! I'm glad I wandered in here!4 -
Have you ever tried yoga? It's my favorite
You get stronger and it's a great stress reliever! You do have to focus on things, but that helps quiet my brain that is usually yammering at me about all of the things. 
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I second yoga. It is surprising how much stronger you get with a little practice. Also, I like kayaking and rowing as well as biking outside. Look into activities and sports like tennis where you are engaging larger muscles and might even enjoy it. Try walking with wrist weights and pump those arms! Every little bit helps.1
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Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work
Then just go buy some sledgehammers of different sizes and weights. A couple of five and ten pound one handers, then a thirty to fifty two-hander. Every hardware store has them, and hammers are just as (if not more) badass than swords, but that's my paladin bias talking.
I prefer the daedric battleaxe of damnation myself... But I'm also an archer. I would also fancy a staff, but mages are more known for their magic than their strength...3 -
Lol I do yoga on Fridays as stretching. You'd all laugh your booties off at me. I fall all over the place.0
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Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work
Then just go buy some sledgehammers of different sizes and weights. A couple of five and ten pound one handers, then a thirty to fifty two-hander. Every hardware store has them, and hammers are just as (if not more) badass than swords, but that's my paladin bias talking.
I prefer the daedric battleaxe of damnation myself... But I'm also an archer. I would also fancy a staff, but mages are more known for their magic than their strength...
I'm mainly a sneaky *kitten* Archer, myself lol. Oh wait! An alchemy lab! Better whip up a few low carb potions! 0 -
SuperCarLori wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »Gallowmere1984 wrote: »Shadowmf023 wrote: »I'm now jacked up on epic fantasy music. (Skyrims music to be exact), so I'm gonna put that on full volume now, and do a workout. And try to pretend like I'm training to go fight a dragon. And hope my neighbours don't wonder wtf is happening next door.
Buy a legit iron longsword and swing that around for an hour every couple of days. All the epic feels, and you'll build all kinds of strength in the process.
Lol not a bad idea actually. But I doubt I'd be able to find one here. And plastic won't work
Then just go buy some sledgehammers of different sizes and weights. A couple of five and ten pound one handers, then a thirty to fifty two-hander. Every hardware store has them, and hammers are just as (if not more) badass than swords, but that's my paladin bias talking.
I prefer the daedric battleaxe of damnation myself... But I'm also an archer. I would also fancy a staff, but mages are more known for their magic than their strength...
I'm mainly a sneaky *kitten* Archer, myself lol. Oh wait! An alchemy lab! Better whip up a few low carb potions!
Everything in skyrim is low carb, except moon sugar and sweet rolls, which always gets stolen anyway...1 -
I would loan you my kitanas but my son is rather covetous of them - I would never hear the end of it!
You know, when I first started exercising I hated it. I got up at 6am and dragged myself over to the track in the cold, wind and rain, and I walked around it a couple of times, got winded and went home. But I went the next day, and the next, and I got faster and faster. Every day I pushed myself to go a little farther than last time, or a little faster than last time, and when walking lost its challenge I began to jog. Man did that suck! I got about a third of the way around the track and I thought I was going to die! But again, a little farther the next day, and the next, and before long I ran my first lap and I was so proud of myself!
For me, exercise is all about the little daily challenges I set for myself and the little victories when I achieve them. It's about the "look what I can do now!" feeling. I never thought I'd be able to do a pushup, I was so wimpy, but I started leaning on the wall, then the counter, then a stool, then a chair, and eventually I made it to the floor - victory! I have learned that ANYTHING I set my mind to, I can accomplish. I just have to decide I really want it!
I have not started out enjoying any of it, to be honest. But now I love it! It's all still hard, but its the challenge that I love and that's what keeps me going!2 -
I should look into taking up archery... Wouldn't that be a fun hobby. And it would sort of force me into it since you need a bit of upper body strength for a bow. Mm.3
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I prefer strength training myself. I wish I could lift heavier but I have RA and every time I increase weight past a certain point my joints suffer. I don't quit though because with RA it's very important to strengthen the muscles that surround a joint for extra support. I just often feel silly because certain joints only allow me to use "Barbie" weights. Of course I'm at home so no one can see me but it's hard to feel like a bad *kitten* with purple dumbells. hahaha. Another reason I keep persisting is that my mom has osteoporosis and I'm very short and small framed so also likely to be afflicted. Strength training can really help in that regard. However walking is a weight bearing exercise and could be helpful too so you are on a good track with frequent walks!
If you are really resistant to adding strength training then at least tack on a few sets of burpees to the end of your walk. They work most of the muscles in your body!3 -
@Shadowmf023 @SuperCarLori
http://kotaku.com/5858673/getting-fit-the-skyrim-way
Just at a quick google.
EDITED TO ADD:
https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/m7xo6/skyrim_fit_whos_with_me/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/361625045054341401/
And for my Wars nerds: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/01/09/the-star-wars-workout-jedi-training-101/
Anyone remember the Star Wars Yoga poses??? I might have to google some more.
I would totally do a Wars/Trek workout... LOL2 -
We have a bow...it most certainly takes upper body strength....I carry 5 gallon buckets filled with pond water up and down a hill to water my veggies...that's strength training. Carry a couple gallons of water around the house! There's an idea.2
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KnitOrMiss wrote: »@Shadowmf023 @SuperCarLori
http://kotaku.com/5858673/getting-fit-the-skyrim-way
Just at a quick google.
EDITED TO ADD:
https://www.reddit.com/r/gaming/comments/m7xo6/skyrim_fit_whos_with_me/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/361625045054341401/
And for my Wars nerds: https://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2014/01/09/the-star-wars-workout-jedi-training-101/
Anyone remember the Star Wars Yoga poses??? I might have to google some more.
I would totally do a Wars/Trek workout... LOL
O-M-G!!!!!!!2
or 
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