BORED with strength training!

marbit

So I have come to realise of late that I really hate strength training. I totally get how good it is for you, and have been awed at the before/after pictures of MFP users who obtained spectacular results just from lifting. I use them as inspiration to keep me going. But this morning, I was on the elliptical, feeling a bit tired of the grind after 40 minutes, but still enjoying myself and I realised that I wouldnt mind staying on there for another 20 minutes and doing nothing but cardio every day for ever rather than do strength training of any kind. I've used machines and free weights but still, the dread I feel over having to work out my muscles is ghastly.

I was hoping perhaps theres some kind of xbox kinect or wii thing that makes lifting "fun" that I could use. Does anyone else suffer from this aversion? What did you do to motivate yourself?

piccolarj

Oh I am totally opposite!! I love lifting and the feeling of strength and power I get from it. I love watching my body change, my muscles pump up and I really love when I progress to a heavier weight. I would much rather lift weights than do cardio any day but I know I need both! Maybe if there is a Group Power or Body Pump class at your gym you could try those. That way you get a little of both weights and cardio.

gemiwing

What type of strength training are you currently doing? I get bored easily and honestly- my eyes glazed over at the thought of 40 minutes on an elliptical lol What about strength training do you hate? Is it the exercises, the pace, the way you feel- what is it specifically?

I love strength training but I do HIIT so I'm never bored.

Sl1ghtly

Maybe its time for a small break, and a new routine?

taso42

Lift heavier weights. Challenge yourself. You're not going to find any meaningful strength program on wii or xbox.

bcattoes

If you find a way to make it fun, please let me know!! I find it incredibly boring and unpleasant. Picking or pushing up heavy things until your muscles can't handle anymore, then doing the same to another muscle. Oh joy, what fun!!

The_Saint

Strength training = More/Stronger muscle = better metabolism = more calories burned = potential to get leaner

Therefore

Strength training = potential to get leaner

fakeplastictree

Yep, take a break and then find a routine you think is fun. If anything don't do just straight cardio. Try the metabolic training where you do cardio stuff with weights. That way you'll at least maintain muscle and not lose it all doing hours of cardio.

JustMichelleB

I can't "just lift". I have to be in a class or using a video. I've done P90X and current doing Chalean Extreme (which I prefer, using heavier weights, shorter workout, getting results). If I had to just lift weights at the gym, I don't think I would stick with it.

engineman312

I can't "just lift". I have to be in a class or using a video. I've done P90X and current doing Chalean Extreme (which I prefer, using heavier weights, shorter workout, getting results). If I had to just lift weights at the gym, I don't think I would stick with it.

while i'm not a huge fan of classes or videos, i get what michelle is saying. you need to change it up, find new routines and new exercises.

when i signed up for mud runs like spartan race and rugged maniac, it had the added benefit of being on their emailing list for workout of the days. sometime i do them, sometimes i don't.

for instance the one from sunday was a long distance run, but every mile or fifteen minutes stop and do 10-30 burpees. it was pretty amazing.

grapenutSF

Everyone's different, I think I nodded off just reading the word elliptical in your post (woah! there I go again).

I'm not a fan of doing exercise you really dislike-- it's not sustainable-- so some ideas to find a way to like strength training:

-Find a lifting buddy.
-Listen to more motivating music to feel even more badass
-Work with a trainer who will keep you focused (everyone can improve their form, and mine calls me by my last name or "Nugget", which keeps me entertained)
-Do Nike Training Club. Not as heavy as I find ideal, but not Barbie weights either. And it keeps things moving.
-Flex more. Nothing more fun than that. (Almost true.)

thepetiterunner

Maybe its time for a small break, and a new routine?

Change it up, go with bigger weights or try new moves. There's an infinite amount of variations you can do. Get a personal trainer, they will for SURE not make it boring. Try a Body Pump Class.

Just change it up.

brett1117

Bored with training?? purchase P90x or P90x2!!!! FANTASTIC

cgrout78

I get bored with cardio now that I started doing strength training. My zumba class is still fun, but more than 20 minutes on the treadmill or elliptical and i want to slit my wrists.

maybe a PT session is in order? Learn some new stuff? work things a little differently?

marbit

Thanks everyone. I loved some of the suggestions. I loved the Nike training club idea. I am gonna look into that!!

chellekoren

Interesting, I am completely opposite. I would rather do calisthenics, boot camp type stuff or weight lifting over cardio, most anyday.

Maybe try some martial arts....that has such a variety of movement there is NOOOO getting bored there.