Resistance/Strength Training - anything fun?
hmltwin
Posts: 116 Member
At this point, I do almost entirely cardio exercises. Mostly, I walk. However, I'm getting into running and cycling. I'm also looking into getting into yoga (I have no idea what what kind of exercise that is, actually).
I keep hearing about how it's important to incorporate strength or resistance training as well. My problem is... most of what I've seen (situps, pushups, squats, lunges, lifting weights) looks incredibly boring to me.
So, I'm looking for something that would be fun to add to my workout that would fall into the catagory of resistence or strength training. Suggestions? Thanks!
I keep hearing about how it's important to incorporate strength or resistance training as well. My problem is... most of what I've seen (situps, pushups, squats, lunges, lifting weights) looks incredibly boring to me.
So, I'm looking for something that would be fun to add to my workout that would fall into the catagory of resistence or strength training. Suggestions? Thanks!
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Replies
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Rock climbing? Indoor or outside.2
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yoga is body weight and flexiblity and can be cardio depending on the type
since you are getting into yoga, might i recommend aerial yoga. it's a lot of fun. and is a good work out with strength as a factor that you can continue to build1 -
I go to the gym and do circuit style training.
You can also do what I've see as "Playground Workouts". Different style workouts using slides, bars and what not at a local playground.1 -
My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.1
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4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
Walking with ankle weights is pretty dangerous also.6 -
I'd heard this as well. Would it be better to carry weights while I walk? Then, I could arm exercises at least and incorporate the strength training into my walks.Chef_Barbell wrote: »4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
Walking with ankle weights is pretty dangerous also.
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I go to the gym and do circuit style training.
You can also do what I've see as "Playground Workouts". Different style workouts using slides, bars and what not at a local playground.
I may have to look into this. That might be a good way for me to have fun and still get the strength training I should be getting.0 -
yoga is body weight and flexiblity and can be cardio depending on the type
since you are getting into yoga, might i recommend aerial yoga. it's a lot of fun. and is a good work out with strength as a factor that you can continue to build
Yay! I'll look into the different types of yoga and see what I can do with that. I find it so relaxing and fun at the same time.0 -
queenliz99 wrote: »Rock climbing? Indoor or outside.
There are some indoor places near me, so I'll check those out. Thank you!0 -
4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
That is terrible advice. If you want to put some stress on your joints then strap on some wrist and ankle weights before a walk.0 -
Resistance training is not fun. Boring and repetitive are built right into it. Also, it doesn't burn many calories. But you don't do it for calories or entertainment, and the good news is it can be over with a lot faster than a nice walk or bike ride.
I use a set of resistance bands, they were $15 or $20 on Amazon, and dedicate about 45 minutes every other day to doing an arm and chest workout. I'm a cyclist and hiker so I already have pretty strong legs.0 -
NorthCascades wrote: »Resistance training is not fun. Boring and repetitive are built right into it. Also, it doesn't burn many calories. But you don't do it for calories or entertainment, and the good news is it can be over with a lot faster than a nice walk or bike ride.
I use a set of resistance bands, they were $15 or $20 on Amazon, and dedicate about 45 minutes every other day to doing an arm and chest workout. I'm a cyclist and hiker so I already have pretty strong legs.
The problem is, at least for me, if it's not at least somehow stimulating to my mind... I just won't do it.0 -
Go work on a farm and volunteer to move the hat bales from one place to another?
Without an understanding of why you feel thatmost of what I've seen (situps, pushups, squats, lunges, lifting weights) looks incredibly boring to me.
and what sort of things you find fun...I'm looking for something that would be fun to add to my workout that would fall into the catagory of resistence or strength training.
It's almost impossible to suggest something.
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StealthHealth wrote: »Go work on a farm and volunteer to move the hat bales from one place to another?
Without an understanding of why you feel thatmost of what I've seen (situps, pushups, squats, lunges, lifting weights) looks incredibly boring to me.
and what sort of things you find fun...I'm looking for something that would be fun to add to my workout that would fall into the catagory of resistence or strength training.
It's almost impossible to suggest something.
I find walking, swimming, cycling, hiking and yoga fun. I like things that get me outside and moving. I like things that stimulate my mind.
Sit-ups, pushups, squats, lunges and lifting weights all seem to be about "Stand here and do this X number of times." I need something to distract myself from the conscious thought that I'm exercising. Otherwise, I decide it's boring and I just don't do it.
Like... jumping jacks are boring, jumping rope is fun, because you've made it into a game of some kind.0 -
That's a pretty odd thing for your trainer to say. As a professional in the business, I would question his expertise if he believes this.4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
Wearing ankle weights while walking changes your gait and puts more force on your ankle joints (as well as the ligaments and tendons) and increases force on the knee and hip joint as well. It also changes your balance and if done for a long enough time, can also cause a change in posture.
It's MUCH better to change terrain than to wear ankle weights when walking.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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NorthCascades wrote: »Resistance training is not fun. Boring and repetitive are built right into it. Also, it doesn't burn many calories. But you don't do it for calories or entertainment, and the good news is it can be over with a lot faster than a nice walk or bike ride.
I use a set of resistance bands, they were $15 or $20 on Amazon, and dedicate about 45 minutes every other day to doing an arm and chest workout. I'm a cyclist and hiker so I already have pretty strong legs.
The problem is, at least for me, if it's not at least somehow stimulating to my mind... I just won't do it.
Ever tried roofing? Tearing shingles off a roof is one of the best full body workouts you can get. I'm currently offering a half-day workshop for the incredibly low price of just $40 for the 4 hour session. For $75 you can workout all day! I provide the crowbars, roofing shovels and other implements of destruction. Snacks and water are available at reasonable prices.5 -
Not really since adding weight to your hands while you swing your arms walking (a natural motion) also can affect your joints in the wrist, elbow and shoulder.
I'd heard this as well. Would it be better to carry weights while I walk? Then, I could arm exercises at least and incorporate the strength training into my walks.Chef_Barbell wrote: »4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
Walking with ankle weights is pretty dangerous also.
There are weighted vests, but don't add too much weight because it will compress your spine. Also many people with back issues shouldn't use them.
Again, best thing you can do to make walking harder is change the terrain or incline (hill).
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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I find lifting weights to be...not "fun," necessarily, but interesting. Actually, I do find it fun - usually. More specifically, adding weight onto the bar and realizing that I am now lifting more than I did before keeps me engaged.
At least, that was me in the beginning. Since I enjoy training, and have advanced a bit beyond beginner status, I don't necessarily add weight every week - it depends on what, exactly, the goal of that particular session is.
Sure, I can see how it might seem boring. But try a good beginner's program. Each rep, concentrate on keeping good form and feeling the muscles do their thing - these things will keep your mind engaged. I think you'll probably find it's not as boring as you think it will be. In addition, realize that this session, you did more than you did last session; next session, you'll be doing more than you did this session; and so on. All those personal bests should also help keep you interested, as you'll be able to see yourself getting stronger. And, probably, will like the aesthetic effect you see from it.4 -
Then yoga may be what you want to do.NorthCascades wrote: »Resistance training is not fun. Boring and repetitive are built right into it. Also, it doesn't burn many calories. But you don't do it for calories or entertainment, and the good news is it can be over with a lot faster than a nice walk or bike ride.
I use a set of resistance bands, they were $15 or $20 on Amazon, and dedicate about 45 minutes every other day to doing an arm and chest workout. I'm a cyclist and hiker so I already have pretty strong legs.
The problem is, at least for me, if it's not at least somehow stimulating to my mind... I just won't do it.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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StealthHealth wrote: »Go work on a farm and volunteer to move the hat bales from one place to another?
Without an understanding of why you feel thatmost of what I've seen (situps, pushups, squats, lunges, lifting weights) looks incredibly boring to me.
and what sort of things you find fun...I'm looking for something that would be fun to add to my workout that would fall into the catagory of resistence or strength training.
It's almost impossible to suggest something.
I find walking, swimming, cycling, hiking and yoga fun.
Then this is what you should do. Whilst it would be hard to convincingly argue that these are primarily or even substantially "strength" work-out activities they will, to some degree, develop strength.
This..."Like... jumping jacks are boring, jumping rope is fun, because you've made it into a game of some kind.
Makes me thing that you sound like an ideal candidate for cross-fit... but don't tell anyone I said so.
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Personally I say go for what you know and like. There's nothing really fun about it strength training honestly, but I do like to do bodyweight excercises. If you want it to be fun you'll have to make a game out of it yourself, or get a partner....0
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I'd heard this as well. Would it be better to carry weights while I walk? Then, I could arm exercises at least and incorporate the strength training into my walks.Chef_Barbell wrote: »4thDegreeKnight wrote: »My trainer said it can be as simple as adding weights to your ankles when you walk and just doing those 20 sit ups one day before bed, or push ups the next day. I also was looking at rock climbing as an alternative to strength training but want to shed some weight first to take stress off my joints.
Walking with ankle weights is pretty dangerous also.
Not really. Swinging dumbbells heavy enough to be effective (while walking briskly) doesn't sound like a good idea.
A weighted vest would distribute weight evenly, that would be pretty safe but it's not an upper body workout....lower body maybe.
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OP: I added some CrossFit activities that I do in my backyard to make working out a bit more fun. Here's what I set up:
1) Got a 200# tractor tire for FREE at my local Les Schwab dealer. I flip it the 50 ft width of my backyard 6 to 12 times (depending how much energy I have) which works out to 1-2 lengths of a football field.
2) I take a 8 or 10# sledge hammer and strike the tractor tire 5 x50 (250) or 10 x50 (500) times.
3) I bought a cheap sled and currently load it w/90 # that I pull in a harness moving forward and pull on the lead strap going backwards from 6 (300 ft) to 12 times (600 ft) across my 50 ft yard.
4) Bought a 50 ft battle rope and attached it to a metal rod that I sledged into the ground. Use a variety of exercises that I found on the Net w/the battle rope -- mainly waves, lateral slams and snakes.
Have also been thinking about buying a used portable basketball hoop/stand and a 20# medicine ball to use for wall ball practice. Can either take the hoop off or just toss the medicine ball to either side of the hoop to do it.
Total cost of what I bought for the sled/harness, sledge and battle ropes was only $120 but I had to pay another $140 for 4 45# steel plates because bumper plates were too large for the sled post; could only get 90# of bumper plates on the post and wanted the option to put more weight on there later. Not really necessary if you already have bumpers and only want to use 90#.
Anyway, have been having a lot of fun doing these CrossFit activities as an alternative to straight lifting. Cheapest source for the battle rope and sled/harness that I found was Titan Fitness.
Good luck!0 -
Pole, silks, lyra, trapeze, anything aerial related is a fun strength workout that also incorporates cardio.0
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TRX suspension training is fun. It's still a workout, but it's more fun than body eight calesthentics and is very easy to modify for varying fitness levels.0
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Martial arts weapons forms (sword or staff or spear) - relatively low weight, potentially high reps. For my taste, rowing, preferably on water: Leg press/pull your body weight plus the boat weight horizontally through the water around 1200-1500 times/hour.
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I second the TRX love. It's my favorite class and I can see a lot of progress with it. There are ways to make it as hard or as easy as you want.0
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