Trouble getting into weight lifting... cardio bunny in training ):

sydneyaw
sydneyaw Posts: 93 Member
edited November 28 in Health and Weight Loss
I need some advice on how I can kill my cardio bunny routine at the gym. I’m not sure if I just hate weights or if it’s also a little bit of embarrassment cause I have no idea what I’m doing. I’d really like to gain some muscle along with all the fat I’m losing. Any tips on how to get more into it? I have zero interest in it at the moment and when I try to use the machines at the gym I get bored within minutes and have no motivation to keep going :/

Replies

  • bunnyaa
    bunnyaa Posts: 18 Member
    Try changing it up as much as possible so you don't get bored. If you have a friend who knows about weights they can show you the basics. Or at the gym you go to maybe you can ask for some pointers from someone who works there or sign up for a couple of personal training sessions. Once you get the basics down you can probably google schedules and routines so you have an outline or goal for daily workouts. I've heard it's recommended to do weights before cardio so you have energy to lift. Also free weights can be fun and they have a greater range of motion than machines and can be more diverse.
  • amyepdx
    amyepdx Posts: 750 Member
    Try Orangetheory- that way you get your cardio fix with some weight training thrown in. Although the weights portion isn’t the same as a true progressive lifting plan, it’s a good start to see if you would like to start lifting.
  • powerplaymsu
    powerplaymsu Posts: 131 Member
    edited September 2018
    Two thoughts: 1. I paid the gym owner for two or three sessions to work me out and get me going. He taught me proper technique and gave me a set work out to follow. From there I've watched form videos on bodybuilding.com and YouTube. 2. I met a partner that worked out at the same time I always was. He also taught me to keep track of reps and weights so I could track(challenge myself) where I've been and where I'm going. Now we've worked out together on and off for three years.

    Good luck. I hope you find a way to enjoy it.

  • collectingblues
    collectingblues Posts: 2,541 Member
    There's nothing wrong with doing both. I train for half marathons and I lift. I just alternate -- one day is a run day, the other is a lift and barre day (barre doesn't really have much strength training, and it's not really true cardio, so I pair it with lifting for a good workout). And sometimes I throw in a spin or a swim day (which I figure gives cardio + resistance).

    I see the running and straight cardio/swimming as something that *directly* helps me accomplish my goals, and the lifting as something that makes my body more efficient.
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    You could try circuit style training which gives you more of a cardio workout while strength training.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    edited September 2018
    What about something more bodyweight focused like pilates, more strength focused yoga classes, a boot camp class? Pole dance lessons? Lol. You don't have to lift weights or use weight machines necessarily.
  • New_Heavens_Earth
    New_Heavens_Earth Posts: 610 Member
    edited September 2018
    Try lifting classes like Body Pump, DVDs, or YouTube videos. They're a good start. There's also a weight training app called Jefit.

    Also recommend working with a trainer.
  • Heidijens123
    Heidijens123 Posts: 289 Member
    The gym I go to has a weight lifting circuit. Each machine tells you what to do and then you can choose the weight and how many reps. I really like it because if you do the whole circuit you work all your muscles, you know you are doing it right, it doesn't and take long. I don't get bored because I'm changing what I'm doing instead of just one thing for a long time.
  • saragd012
    saragd012 Posts: 693 Member
    If you can afford a trainer, I'd go that route. I was so intimidated by heavy lifting, I put it off for years. I finally decided I needed proper training to make sure I didn't hurt myself learning the movements and found my coach who offered three hour long intro weightlifting classes for $100. I fell so in love with it that I ended up joining that gym for the long haul. Mine is a crossfit gym, but those beginning classes were just about lifting, so if you're not into crossfit you could easily take what you learn elsewhere. I've had friends who have done something similar at smaller local gyms, they found package deals for training sessions, learned movements and then took that knowledge to their (cheaper) gyms following programs like Stronglifts 5X5.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    You could try circuit style training which gives you more of a cardio workout while strength training.

    I started with something similar around 6 years ago then moved onto barbells.

    I personally really like Bret Contreras’ Strong Curves program.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited September 2018
    Another vote for a trainer. But tell them you want to "lift like a man" - see "The New Rules of Lifting for Women: Lift Like a Man, Look Like a Goddess" which was available in my library system so perhaps yours as well.

    I've belonged to a few gyms that had small group prices for really cheap or free, and others that run specials on training. But even if you have to pay full price, it is well worth it to have someone help you with form and a routine.
  • hikinggal11
    hikinggal11 Posts: 59 Member
    I am a runner and still lift 2-3 x a week. Just on my days I don't run, or on my long easy run days. I really don't like lifting but what got me interested was before after picts of women who lifted. Amazing motivation! Good luck.
  • GOT_Obsessed
    GOT_Obsessed Posts: 817 Member
    I was the same until I started lifting the barbell. It made me feel tough. Lol

    I found the machines and dumbells so boring. Learn properly and hopefully you will like it too. Weights are so good for the body. Best of luck.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    If you genuinely dislike it, then try something else. I usually try to listen to something entertaining (music doesn't do it) while I'm lifting, it helps quite a bit.
  • JoAnna4731
    JoAnna4731 Posts: 115 Member
    Nobody has mentioned home workouts. I started by using videos with dumbells and resistance bands at home with instructors who give very specific instructions on form and a full length mirror - I love Cathe Friedrich and Jessica Smith. Bought new dumbbells as I progressed. I loathe weight lifting and don’t see myself as a “lifter” but I really needed strength in order it work through some injuries.
  • globalhiker
    globalhiker Posts: 1,726 Member
    Group fitness classes like Bodypump are great for beginners as you control the weight. And the workouts are changed up all the time. Doing it 10+ years. Just find the right instructors/gym, makes a world of difference. I do it fasted in the morning then eat protein (6 real egg whites with salsa) soon as I get home. MAJOR difference when I started timing eating protein after workouts, starting dropping body fat fast (I'm over 50 too). Then it's greek yogurt in the afternoon. I had tried trainers and machines and at home stuff, didn't work for me - either too $$ to keep up or boring. By the way, many of the people in the class are older than me and they look amazing.
  • babysaffy
    babysaffy Posts: 232 Member
    Also a body pump fan. I did it in the gym on and off for years then when I cancelled my gym membership in the spring I bought my own barbell and weights set and pay monthly for Les Mills on Demand and do body pump classes at home 3 to 4 times a week.

    The music and variety of workouts keeps it interesting and my body shape has improved with great muscle tone. I was never interested in weight machines at the gym but fell in love with body pump when I first tried it 11 years ago and back then also it was the game changer in my weight loss and body shape goals after months of cardio only wasn't cutting it.

    I'm so glad I decided to get into it again and plan to continue for life and increase the weights I use significantly by the end of the year. I feel so much more confident and strong lifting and even though it may seem to slow down weight loss, you definitely lose inches. Oh and back pain has significantly reduced.
  • New_Heavens_Earth
    New_Heavens_Earth Posts: 610 Member
    JoAnna4731 wrote: »
    Nobody has mentioned home workouts. I started by using videos with dumbells and resistance bands at home with instructors who give very specific instructions on form and a full length mirror - I love Cathe Friedrich and Jessica Smith. Bought new dumbbells as I progressed. I loathe weight lifting and don’t see myself as a “lifter” but I really needed strength in order it work through some injuries.

    I credit most of the improvements in my shape to Cathe Friedrich. She's amazing! I do Jessica Smith videos on "easy" days.
  • BNY721
    BNY721 Posts: 125 Member
    JoAnna4731 wrote: »
    Nobody has mentioned home workouts. I started by using videos with dumbells and resistance bands at home with instructors who give very specific instructions on form and a full length mirror - I love Cathe Friedrich and Jessica Smith. Bought new dumbbells as I progressed. I loathe weight lifting and don’t see myself as a “lifter” but I really needed strength in order it work through some injuries.

    I also started at home with fitness blender...I built up a small home gym and joined a gym and have run programs since...it was all small steps to get to where I am now.

    Picking a program takes the guess work out of it and also allows your goals to be attainable and laid out. Full body is usually recommended when starting (what I did as well)...either way best of luck..lifting is my therapy.

  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited September 2018
    JoAnna4731 wrote: »
    Nobody has mentioned home workouts. I started by using videos with dumbells and resistance bands at home with instructors who give very specific instructions on form and a full length mirror - I love Cathe Friedrich and Jessica Smith. Bought new dumbbells as I progressed. I loathe weight lifting and don’t see myself as a “lifter” but I really needed strength in order it work through some injuries.

    Well, the OP has a gym membership, so that's why I focused on that. But speaking of home workouts, I'm currently doing "The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong . . . and You Can Too!" at home. Can also be done at the gym.

    When I started, I already had some dumb bells and straps, and got more from my neighbor and freecycle.org. So my initial investment was just $10.32 for the book (which is a few dollars more now.)

    I recently got two more sets of heavier dumb bells and a slant bench from Walmart.
  • chuckb24c
    chuckb24c Posts: 30 Member
    I hear you and like you I don't like lifting but I am paying a price for it. After years of neglect and getting older I have discovered that I am not strong for my age, gender or size. I am playing catch up just so I can offset some of the issues associated with aging.. The good news is I started going to Orangetheory and I love it. I totally agree with AMYPEDX ! It is making a difference in my strength and energy levels. You'll get cardio and strength and I promise you won't get bored. Most of the ladies there (majority of participants are women) have become very toned, strong and are in excellent shape.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    Apps and programs are great, but they don’t correct bad form. To get the most out of weights and to help keep yourself injury free, please set up a couple sessions with a qualified trainer to get off to a good start.

    Once you know what to look for in the mirror (it’s not just to see them gainz) and know how the correct movement feels, the sky’s the limit!
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