how to make weight training fun?

[Mothercooter]

I havent ever done weight training before but I know its just as important as cardio so I am going to start.

I have weights but never put them to use but a handful of times.

My question is: I have found a way to make the treadmill or outside running/walking run with music. I started out pushing myself by fast walking on the verses of upbeat songs and jogging running all the way through the chorus. Its the only way I could push myself to do it without a personal trainer cheering me on, the music was pushing me on.

With weights what do you guys do besides just stand/squat there and lift?

[Corrie09]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

just like when i use the treadmill or etc..
i play music..LOUD!
it pumps you up and keeps you going
or sometimes watching tv can help you not think about the pain you may be feeling
and once you get into lifting weights you will get to a point where u crave the feeling you get when u lift.
thats just personal experience but hopefully it kinda helped!

[geogirl]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

I love lifting weights!!! I don't know what kind of music you listen to but when I'm walking I walk to music that is uplifting and body moving type music.. when I lift weights, I want music that's kind of, angry against the world, kinda.. sometimes it's metal music, Til I collapse by Eminem is a good weights work out ( and I'm not a fan of his, but the song works great for lifting weights)... I walk to meditate, I lift weights to get out anger...

Something really really seriously positive about weights? if you lift weights for 10 minutes after cardio, your metabolism increases dramatically and lasts longer throughout the day.

[Mothercooter]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

AWESOME! Thanks guys!

[chinadoll]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

Plus, after you get going you can see how much stronger you are from week to week. As you up yourweights and start to see some definition that is a huge motivator too.

[Alexa]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

These are great ideas. I'd also say if you can try bodypump classes (weights to music in a class). Sounds mad but is great fun, a real test and you improve quickly.

[liv]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

Maybe we could have a weight lifting/ strenght training challenge? I find challenges help me stay motivated.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

I love strength training, I'd much rather do that than cardio. I've proven to the world that I will not stick to an exercise plan if it has anything to do with a treadmill or walks around the neighborhood. In February I got a membership to the YMCA and I workout 4-5 days a week in group exercise classes. I cannot recommend the Y enough. I guess it truly depends on your instructor, but my ST instructor is amazing...she even does exercises for hip flexors which is rare these days. If it weren't for the group exercises at the Y, I wouldn't stand a chance because I find regular exercise so boring.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: how to make weight training fun?

Sorry to post again, but I agree with Chinadoll and the other posters. You can really tell a difference week to week. When I first started I was hurting while lifting 5 pound dumbells. Now I use a set of 10's and could possibly go up. I also started out using a 9 pound body bar and I am now using a 22 pound body bar. Go me! My body has definitely changed, but building muscle is scary at first. I saw the scale go up, but my pants size go down. I'm definitely not bulky due to strength training, but more defined. I think you'll love it