Any Ideas for enjoying strength training?

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Posts: 84
8/27/10 9:53 A

Have a goal/plan for EACH workout - and keep it challenging!

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Posts: 1
8/19/10 6:30 P

Hey MIDGIEDAWN2,

I hate strength training too! Lately I've just tried to keep rotating my Music as much as possible. I've been using this site: www.workoutmusic.com

This is my current favorite: http://www.workoutmusic.com/product.php?pr
oductid=17290

Hope this helps!!!

Posts: 1,536
8/4/10 12:23 P

As much as I love music ST can still be boring..

Find different exercises for the same muscle groups. .

i.e. biceps, triceps, back and shoulders.

You can use machines, free weights or bands. Mix it up.. who said you had to do the same thing over and over.

I am in the middle of doing this. I don't mind doing bicep and hammer curls one day - but the next time I do biceps I want to try something different.

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Posts: 305
8/4/10 12:24 A

listening 2 my ipod makes the time fly by!

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Posts: 3,093
8/3/10 8:04 P

I pick something fun or that brings back memories - like the seated dumbbell rows ("I must, I must, I must improve my bust" or rowing on the lake when I was younger. Many of the leg exercises - calf raises, seated knee/leg lifts, etc. can be done to music like ballerinas. Also, knowing that they will take about 5 minutes makes me kick them out quickly.

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Posts: 268
8/3/10 3:28 P

Lately I have been having trouble doing weight training of a hurt left arm. Instead I have been taking an easy aerobics class designed for seniors (who are in good shape). I still get some weight work that I can push as I need, but I can also drop the weights if it hurts. The seniors are more fun to work out with than the younger people. They're not competitive and want to have fun.

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8/3/10 8:44 A

I am enjoying how my arms look now! ST is hard but the results are so worth it. I look at myself in the mirror while lifting and I see those muscles building. I have gone up to 8 pounds now and look forward to going up, up, up.

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8/3/10 7:47 A

MELNAEGELI, I will try your idea and I'll bet I'll agree with you. Thanks!

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Posts: 1,995
8/3/10 7:44 A

Music, music, music.........

Posts: 5,377
8/3/10 7:12 A

For me:
I just like to lift with or without stimuli i.e. music, tv or whatnot

What motivates me to do better is the classic manly man working out in the gym. If I know folks are looking (I think that happens way more than we think), then I get motivated to do better and lift heavier.

Posts: 2,082
8/3/10 6:51 A

Take your measurements (chest, waist, navel, biceps, thighs and calves)

Figure out and stick to a weight training session for 1 month then take your measurements again. You will be so impressed with the changes that you won't want to stop.

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8/3/10 6:25 A

i look at myself in the mirror and the gift ST has given me, i am motivated completely

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Posts: 24
8/3/10 4:25 A

I avoided doing much strength training because I thought it was boring (and it was hard!!). Then.....I noticed that I'd grown wings where my triceps used to be. I vowed to work hard at it all summer and get rid of my wings. Although I don't absolutely love strength training, I have to say my body really is showing a difference. My wings are getting smaller and I'm able to wear short sleeves that I couldn't at the beginning of the summer. Stick with it for a few weeks and you'll notice a difference!!!! Crank up the tunes and just get it done!! It's worth it!

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8/2/10 9:57 P

Makes you feel great when you're done!

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Posts: 19
8/2/10 9:28 P

Good for you...from 3 exercises to 17 that is excellent! Keep on your journey to recovery!

Posts: 19
8/2/10 9:24 P

I read about Chalean Extreme on this message board, bought it and it is GREAT! I look so forward to the workouts--and they are not too time consuming, either.

Posts: 68
8/2/10 8:53 P

i LOVE strength training! I'd do it over cardio anyday, LOL. MUSIC! I've found Rock music is the BEST music to listen to during ST, at least for me. Makes you feel like a badass :) Try it! The sweet muscles don't hurt either! ;)

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Posts: 39
8/2/10 7:58 P

I use the opportunity to listen to music and breathe through each exercise. Some days it's harder than others and it's always hard the first set...keep going!

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8/2/10 7:07 P

I love how powerful I feel when I'm done with the weights for the day. Kinda like there's finally something I have power over.

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Posts: 299
8/2/10 5:39 P

I am repeating what has already been said--music, music, music...and...when you start to see results--and just feel stronger and fitter when you walk around--there is nothing like it!!! This may sound geeky--but when I strength train--I picture myself as looking like a body building competitor--course--that goes away when I get up and look in the mirror--but it is fun for a few minutes anyway!

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8/2/10 5:18 P

Find yourself a spark buddy to work out with! It's more fun when you have someone to compare notes with. Also, when you're feeling discouraged about being sore or tired they can help motivate you! I have a buddy that I work out with and I get a lot more done and give up less easily than without her. Plus it's just more fun to have a buddy!

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8/2/10 4:44 P

I really enjoy my strength training and the best way to go is with music with a good beat and lively rythm. I also count 1-4 for each rep, it keeps me on track and thinking of only what I am doing.

Edited by: STARTLIGHT at: 8/2/2010 (16:45)

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Posts: 31
8/2/10 1:42 P

I bought p90x. I don't do the full program, but their workouts are great! I love that it gives you everything...cardio and strength training all rolled up in one! You might get sore but you sure as heck won't get bored!

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8/2/10 1:15 P

I have started doing yoga. It will build strength especially vinyasa. I have found a ton of videos on Netflix.

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8/2/10 11:44 A

Try Curves! It only takes 30 minutes, I burn around 400 calories in that time and there is music, fun people, motivating coaches, and it's over before you know it! It's the only exercise routine I've ever been able to stick to and everyone can do it.

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8/2/10 10:35 A

I'm thinking about using resistance bands for strength training. I think it's also convenient to carry and use at the office if you can close the door for a little exercise break..........Oh! -And also convenient to use if you travel a lot.

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8/2/10 10:31 A

I definitely agree with the comment to do strength training to music, especially music you like.

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8/2/10 10:23 A

I just completed the 6 Day Slim Down. I was a little disappointed at first because my expectations were so high. They tell you that you are going to lose a great deal of weight over the 6 days (should I know better by now?!). But I must say that on the sixth day I did lose an extra pound than I normally would in a week. I also feel much better from eating the delicious food that is on the menu. The workouts themselves are challenging as well. I would say go for it because you will definitely sweat doing these DVD's.

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Posts: 33
8/2/10 10:17 A

has anyone tried hip hop abs videos they really have me thinking about getting them just wanted to know if anyone had luck with them

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Posts: 1,995
8/2/10 9:53 A

Do it to music.......

Posts: 5
8/2/10 9:10 A

I find I don't have sufficient time to break my strength training into upper vs. lower body as is traditional. I have developed an express workout that alternates between upper and lower body so that one part of the body is "resting" while the other works. Then I do the whole body in one day. I can do four sets of 10 reps of all the major muscle groups in under an hour, which I can find time for on the weekend and sometimes during the week. Then I can squeeze in the shorter cardio workouts on the off days.

I find that alternating sets of reps between upper and lower makes the time go by faster.

Posts: 5
8/2/10 9:10 A

I find I don't have sufficient time to break my strength training into upper vs. lower body as is traditional. I have developed an express workout that alternates between upper and lower body so that one part of the body is "resting" while the other works. Then I do the whole body in one day. I can do four sets of 10 reps of all the major muscle groups in under an hour, which I can find time for on the weekend and sometimes during the week. Then I can squeeze in the shorter cardio workouts on the off days.

I find that alternating sets of reps between upper and lower makes the time go by faster.

Posts: 5
8/2/10 9:09 A

I find I don't have sufficient time to break my strength training into upper vs. lower body as is traditional. I have developed an express workout that alternates between upper and lower body so that one part of the body is "resting" while the other works. Then I do the whole body in one day. I can do four sets of 10 reps of all the major muscle groups in under an hour, which I can find time for on the weekend and sometimes during the week. Then I can squeeze in the shorter cardio workouts on the off days.

I find that alternating sets of reps between upper and lower makes the time go by faster.

Posts: 21
8/2/10 8:59 A

The FIRM videos are good for strength + aerobics. I prefer the Transfirmer series over the latest set, The Wave.

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8/2/10 2:10 A

Music's the best I can offer....

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8/1/10 9:56 P

i like using my stability ball and resistence bands.. and it's more fun when you workout with someone :)

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8/1/10 9:19 P

If someone already mentioned this, sorry, but I didn't see it and I just had to share this.

I just bought one of the big stability/exercise balls today and tried a couple of the workout videos on here that use it. I actually had alot of fun and am excited to keep trying new workouts. It feels like you're playing like when you were a kid!

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8/1/10 7:37 P

I too love yoga...try to go twice a week & if i could afford it, i would rejoin my Hot Yoga class instead of the gym classes as it was not only great strength training, but a darn good sweat!

As far as strength training at the gym with free weights or nautilus machines, i find that going by myself, sticking my Ipod on w/good tunes, and really concentrating on the rhythmic breathing needed for weight training helps time fly by!

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8/1/10 7:05 P

I have found a love for yoga which is also a great strength work depending on the kind you do. I have found a wonderful hot yoga class in my area. The instructor uses power vinyasa moves so it is a great combination of cardio and strentgh!

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8/1/10 6:58 P

Do it to great music.......

Posts: 1
8/1/10 4:47 P

I agree with the previous post about the Les Mills body pump class. It covers every area and muscle of your body and is choreographed in a meticulous manner. The music is upbeat and it makes the class so much fun. It is inspiring! Even if you do it twice a week and then do your own on the other days, you will see results fast! The body pump class goes by fast and makes you feel good about yourself.
Les Mills also has body combat. my favorite and body step. They are very good cardio plus toning classes.

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8/1/10 4:13 P

I like making up challenges for myself....a few more reps....a little heavier weight....etc., I have even pretended that I am competing with the person next to me....I always win, hee,hee.

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8/1/10 2:56 P

I love my kettlebell not only is it great strength but great cardio as well

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8/1/10 2:23 P

I kayaked for the first time yesterday. It is an activity that is super easy to do, and the best part are the health benefits. Kayaking is a great upper body workout (arms, chest, and back)plus kayaking burns over 1,000 calories an hour. Because kayaking keeps you within your target heart range,you are burning fat and not muscle.

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8/1/10 2:00 P

Just tried wall pushups using the kitchen counter instead of the wall, much harder, worked new muscles, doing that one again !

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8/1/10 1:58 P

When you actually start to see arm and stomach muscles, it gets a lot better!

I need to keep it simple to do it though. Body weight stuff, dumbbells, medicine ball. Dumbbells are more fun and harder combined with a Swiss Ball.

Music helps too. Or music videos.

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8/1/10 1:32 P

Great music!!

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8/1/10 11:56 A

I do mine in the evenings before bed (I know they say not to) - I do crunches, push-ups, arm workouts, leg workouts, etc...whatever seems "fun" at the time. I can't say that this makes it any more enjoyable, but I'm more likely to do it because I find that I weigh less the next morning. ;) It must get my metabolism going right before bed, so I'm burning a bit more during the night. It works for me!!

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8/1/10 10:30 A

You could borrow various Pilates, Yoga, etc. from you local library and try them to see what you really like. I did Pilates (many videos have 3 levels per workout) and Yoga(there are different routines for strength, sweat, etc.) for a long time and really enjoyed them. I can't right now because we started to remodel and tore up my office (and 4 other rooms) then my hubby got cancer(twice) and we had to stop. I don't really have a place to do it now but I plan to get back to them. If you use your library they can get videos from other libraries in your area and you can keep trying until you find what you like, then get on eBay or Craigslist for less. If you do home videos, I would set an alarm on my cell to go off at work out time. It's a good accountability tool.

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8/1/10 9:41 A

I really hated strength training at first, but, I persisted through it and got stronger. The stronger I got, the more I enjoyed it and the more I wanted to do it. It was so gratifying to see my muscles getting more defined and to be able to do more reps. Good luck!

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8/1/10 1:07 A

I got hooked on a strength program from my PT. I can't stop now because sitting at the computer everyday causes my hip to give me grief, so I have to keep at the program. But he created a monster as I actually love it! I found a bunch of strength exercises on SparkPeople and I do them alot. I like the idea one person wrote about where she has a day for full body, a day for legs, a day for arms, etc. I'm going to try it as it seems much more organized to me.

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7/31/10 5:44 P

I do a weightlifting class at my local gym. Being around other people is really fun and motivating!

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7/31/10 4:26 P

I'm another one who does Wii Active 30 day challenge. It's fun and varied and the kids LOVE it, so the cheer me on the whole time. It cracks them up to see me inline skating and doing jumps and trying to beat people on the track. They've even created their own mii's for it and are doing it with me. It gives good feedback on form and really gets my muscles hurting. I did have to tighten the resistance band that came wiht the program to get enough resistance. LOVE this game/program!

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7/31/10 3:08 P

I have my Sparkpeople settings set up so that I have a full body day, an arms day, an core day and a leg day. It keeps me from getting bored/slacking off; the idea of doing the same routine 4x a week doesn't sound fun at all.

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