I HATE strength training.....any non-lifting suggestions?

capnlizard
capnlizard Posts: 73 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So, I completely understand the importance of strength-training, as this is needed to build muscle and to avoid simply becoming "skinny-fat," but I absolutely hate weight training (doesn't matter if it is free weights or machines...I get super bored and find myself thinking of all of the other things that I could/should be doing, and I tend to rush through these types of exercises). I enjoy yoga and try to incorporate that for resistance training, and I have also had success with fitness boot camps in the past. Does anyone have suggestions for how to work on building muscle/toning up that aren't dependent on weights? I am trying to keep it fresh and avoid getting bored....
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Replies

  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    Wat.

    Hates strength training...does not compute.

    I guess you could try crossfit or something. I've never tried it but I know a few people that like it. It's not as good as lifting, but it's something.
  • jaz050465
    jaz050465 Posts: 3,508 Member
    Have you tried Chalean Extreme. It makes it more interesting.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I love body weight exercises - squats, lunges, planks, pushups. Try Jillian Michaels yoga meltdown, it's a killer work out as well as Bob Harper's warrior yoga....lot's of body weight exercises incorporated in these DVD's, very challenging!!
  • auddii
    auddii Posts: 15,357 Member
    What about body weight exercises? Pushups, pullups, etc. There are all sorts of routines on youtube and online.

    Here's one that I've personally done:
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2009/12/09/beginner-body-weight-workout-burn-fat-build-muscle/
  • angmarie28
    angmarie28 Posts: 2,885 Member
    I do p90x strength training workouts and love it
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    I find it rather dull too so I do pilates. You can add ankle/wrist weights or weighted gloves to get more out of it or to move up and improve your strenght.
  • LaLouve_RK
    LaLouve_RK Posts: 899 Member
    Same here.. HATE weight training bad... so... hate gyms... boring!
  • FluffyDogsRule
    FluffyDogsRule Posts: 366 Member
    do you know that you don't have to do it for a long time??? if you do stronglifts, you honestly only lift for 30 minutes...maybe even less at the beginning b/c the weights aren't so heavy that you need much rest time in between. i do strong lifts in the morning 3xs a week...done in 30 minutes, which is LESS time than cardio takes. look up stronglifts if you haven't. i PROMISE it's not boring. you'll be done and be like "wait...i'm already done???? sweet!!!".
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    Battle Ropes
    Kettle Bells
    Boxing
    HIll Running
    Biking up hill
    HIking with a pack

    All will do some level of strength training, its not the same as lifting weights, but it helps
  • sandobr1
    sandobr1 Posts: 319 Member
    I have been doing 3x a week a deep water exercise, I think it provides both cardio and resistance training. We use a waist belt for part of the class to provide buoyancy, and use things like noodles to do push ups and squats, it is mixed up a lot and works the entire body. I have really enjoyed it and definately feel like I am getting a lot of it.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    What kind of strength training are you doing? Are you just aimlessly picking up weights and lifting or are you following a program? Do you set goals for yourself...i.e. last week I was lifting this much...this week I"m going to add 5 Lbs to that exercise, etc.

    Also, you don't actually have to spend a ton of time in the weight room...lift heavy, full body compound lifts. My routine basically consists of 3 exercises done 3x weekly, 3x5 times (with warmup on squats and a set or two warm up on OH press and bench. I'll add more later on, but as a beginner this is great for me and I'm in and out in about 30 minutes.

    I've found that really pushing myself, following a program, and making progressive goals has really helped me learn to love weight lifting. I'm also starting to feel and see some results, so gravy.
  • Montanarush
    Montanarush Posts: 76
    kick-boxing, isometrics, calesthenics, resistance band, etc.
  • KenosFeoh
    KenosFeoh Posts: 1,837 Member
    Power yoga.
    Heavy house work and yard work.
    Rearrange the furniture on a regular basis.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    do you know that you don't have to do it for a long time??? if you do stronglifts, you honestly only lift for 30 minutes...maybe even less at the beginning b/c the weights aren't so heavy that you need much rest time in between. i do strong lifts in the morning 3xs a week...done in 30 minutes, which is LESS time than cardio takes. look up stronglifts if you haven't. i PROMISE it's not boring. you'll be done and be like "wait...i'm already done???? sweet!!!".

    You are officially awesome! I love it when I hear about women doing SL or Starting Strength.
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  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    boxing.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    Have you tried Chalean Extreme. It makes it more interesting.

    I find this program engaging for strength training for the basic novice. . .which is what I consider myself. And, the workouts aren't ridiculously long. And, well, Chalene is perky. . .almost annoyingly so. But she is motivating.
  • shinkalork
    shinkalork Posts: 815 Member
    well strength and core don't require weights...you can do pull ups,chin ups,push ups, crunches, sit ups, leg raise, squats etc...this will give you core,abs ,arms,chest,back and legs muscles without using weights
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    Strength training also helps preserve muscle strength as you age and helps prevent osteoporosis.

    I agree that if you find a good program with heavy weights and low reps, it really doesn't take that long.
  • missstephanielynn
    missstephanielynn Posts: 20 Member
    I am attrociously lazy and hate strength training too. That being said, I just do squats/push-ups/sit ups/lunges during commercial breaks when I'm watching TV. Even a little bit makes a difference!
  • waskier
    waskier Posts: 254 Member
    So, I completely understand the importance of strength-training, as this is needed to build muscle and to avoid simply becoming "skinny-fat," but I absolutely hate weight training (doesn't matter if it is free weights or machines...I get super bored and find myself thinking of all of the other things that I could/should be doing, and I tend to rush through these types of exercises). I enjoy yoga and try to incorporate that for resistance training, and I have also had success with fitness boot camps in the past. Does anyone have suggestions for how to work on building muscle/toning up that aren't dependent on weights? I am trying to keep it fresh and avoid getting bored....

    I gotta be blunt on this one. I take it from your post that you are basically saying you want to gain muscle but you don't want to strength train and that the other forms of training you have tried do not accomplish what you want (to build muscle mass). That is a bit like saying I want to run a marathon but I don't want to run for long time periods because it is boring, right?

    My first recommendation is that you Google "how to build muscle mass". That should help you understand what it takes (how the body works) and will probably give you an appreciation for the dedication and perseverance of some of the folks on here who are muscular.

    My second recommendation is that you need to stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what you are willing to do. I can't tell you how many people have asked me what pill or powder or magic potion I took to lose my weight. Most are very disappointed when I tell them diet and exercise (including cardio and weights). Are you willing to swim, kick box, TRX, etc? If so, great. Understand you will tone up but not gain significant muscle mass. But if you want to put on muscle mass, you have to lift. Plain and simple. Nothing wrong with that. You just have to figure out what you are willing to do and understand where it will take you.
  • kellicci
    kellicci Posts: 409 Member
    I agree wiht he others that say Body weight exercises like push-up, pull-ups, squats, planks etc.

    I do a boot camp class 1-2 times a week I've been doing it along with my cardio for about 4 months and I can truthfully say my arms have never looked this good! Other muscle groyps as well ahve seen imporvement but the arms are what I noticed they used to jiggle all over and now when I look in the mirror to put my hair in a pony tail I can see my bicepts bulging instead of jiggling.

    You can doo bootcamp classes at almost any gym or at a Crossfit gym and once you do them for a while you can make up your own workouts and do them at home.

    ETA: Don't forget to up your protein...you need lots of protein to build muscle. =)
  • amberlykay1014
    amberlykay1014 Posts: 608 Member
    With rock climbing you will also use your own body weight as resistance. If done often, it's all the exercise you need: cardio/endurance, strengthening, mental challenge...

    The variation of routes both indoor and out continually challenge your muscles as you're always moving into new positions, unlike lifting, which can get repetitive.
  • bpotts44
    bpotts44 Posts: 1,066 Member
    You might want to try a home workout program like insanity or turbofire that will provide cardio and body weight all in one. You're not going to build muscle that way, but you will maintain. The yoga suggestions are good too. Unless you use weights your probably not going to build muscle, but even with just alittle bit of exercise you will help your weight loss.
  • Hadabetter
    Hadabetter Posts: 942 Member
    You don't build muscle unless you overload the muscle. (This is not the same as tiring the muscle.) It's quick and easy with weights. Less effective, and tricky to find an appropriate exercise w/o weights.
  • capnlizard
    capnlizard Posts: 73 Member
    Thanks all! Some really great suggestions on here; I was looking for alternatives to lifting weights that would help me focus my workouts more than simple cardio, and you guys provided a TON of variety for me to work through! Much appreciated and glad to see what everyone else is up to!

    :tongue:
  • capnlizard
    capnlizard Posts: 73 Member
    [/quote] I gotta be blunt on this one. I take it from your post that you are basically saying you want to gain muscle but you don't want to strength train and that the other forms of training you have tried do not accomplish what you want (to build muscle mass). That is a bit like saying I want to run a marathon but I don't want to run for long time periods because it is boring, right?

    My first recommendation is that you Google "how to build muscle mass". That should help you understand what it takes (how the body works) and will probably give you an appreciation for the dedication and perseverance of some of the folks on here who are muscular.

    My second recommendation is that you need to stop thinking about what you want and start thinking about what you are willing to do. I can't tell you how many people have asked me what pill or powder or magic potion I took to lose my weight. Most are very disappointed when I tell them diet and exercise (including cardio and weights). Are you willing to swim, kick box, TRX, etc? If so, great. Understand you will tone up but not gain significant muscle mass. But if you want to put on muscle mass, you have to lift. Plain and simple. Nothing wrong with that. You just have to figure out what you are willing to do and understand where it will take you.
    [/quote]

    Um, actually, if you READ my original post, I wasn't asking for a "magic pill or potion" or "how to build muscle without doing anything...." I was ACTUALLY looking for ways to strengthen muscle that are less dull to me than simply lifting weights. I DO appreciate your thinly veiled suggestion that I am a) lazy b) incompetent and c) simple-minded. Thanks for sucking!
  • capnlizard
    capnlizard Posts: 73 Member
    do you know that you don't have to do it for a long time??? if you do stronglifts, you honestly only lift for 30 minutes...maybe even less at the beginning b/c the weights aren't so heavy that you need much rest time in between. i do strong lifts in the morning 3xs a week...done in 30 minutes, which is LESS time than cardio takes. look up stronglifts if you haven't. i PROMISE it's not boring. you'll be done and be like "wait...i'm already done???? sweet!!!".

    hmmmm.....perhaps I will have to give this a try, as well. My problem tends to be that, regardless of how much I am lifting, I really find myself just not wanting to be there at all; I currently actually only do about thirty minutes of lifting at a time, and I spend almost every minute of it wanting to be somewhere else. I don't have the same problem with yoga, pilates, boot camp, etc, since I find it more engaging. But, I am open-minded and will certainly look into this one; maybe it will be a new approach for me!
  • capnlizard
    capnlizard Posts: 73 Member
    Battle Ropes
    Kettle Bells
    Boxing
    HIll Running
    Biking up hill
    HIking with a pack

    All will do some level of strength training, its not the same as lifting weights, but it helps

    THIS! All of this is definitely my speed....thanks!!!! :flowerforyou:
  • Andrew_peter
    Andrew_peter Posts: 94 Member
    Give music a try when working out maybe?? I used to think it was so lame how my old rommate used to pump his heavy metal during his workouts, but am discovering for myself it helps alot with staying focused and having some fun with it. Doesn't have to be metal, just something with energy!!

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