Lifting weights / resistance training - does anyone enjoy it? How?

@PurpleToeNail resting between sets is important so you don’t over exert yourself. The more you rest (between 1-3 mins) the heavier you can continue to lift. If you’re doing bench press for example you want to rest between sets, otherwise you’ll get tired and unable to complete a set. When I am with my PT and lifting really heavy she makes me rest for 2-3 mins.

I love it, it gives a massive buzz when you're able to go up a weight. I do classes with a PT though so we're told what to do. I do a fair bit of HIIT also. Once you're used to it and know what you're doing it's easier to get into.

Agree with all of this, not least that while it's not while I'm doing it, I do enjoy thinking about how banging I am going to look in a bikini this summer :D Weights have changed the way my body looks in a way cardio didn't.

Building muscle just feels so good.

I am loving strength training via Caroline Girvan. Many of her workouts have no repeats, so I just have to focus on the 40s ahead or whatever and there is generally some pumping music too. I also see a PT once a week to do some heavier lifting and make sure my technique is sound.

Plus when you start seeing muscle really build, when you can easily lift something you couldn't before, when you see how your body changes... it's such a kick. I'm addicted.

I absolutely love weights, there is no better feeling than being able to lift something heavier than the week before or realising you can do some extra reps / extra seconds in a body weight hold etc

i Find cardio utterly boring on the other hand!

I think the key to weights is to find a good programme with some structure so you can measure your progress

Can you explain why resting between sets is essential? Ta.

I would say the opposite(!)

Learn to use the power rack for the squat, bench for the bench press and learn how to deadlift. Form is important, so it helps to get some coaching from a strength training coach. Once you learn to left heavy weights you can feel pretty badass! That keeps me going.

I feel like that about cardio if I’m honest whereas with weights I’ve enjoyed that I can see the progress I make such as being able to do more or go heavier and it’s changed my body more than cardio. I think variety is the key; lots of different types rather than 20 of the same and some really good music helps me

I love strength training! Having a routine and set of workouts really helps, you don't want to be wandering around with no plan.

Find out what you want to achieve from your training and build workouts based on that. You also want consistency, so when you've built routines stick to them for 3-4 months. Keep a track of what you're doing so you can see progression.

When I start new routines I'll do high reps/low weights but build to low reps/high weights. Also remember rest breaks between sets, it does seem like a long time but resting between sets is essential.

You could try Caroline Girvan videos on YouTube? She is quite fun to follow.

when I’m struggling I just think how much good it is doing me long term to combat cancer, osteoporosis, dementia , and think of those inspirational elderly people who are still fit and active. I also think how good my legs are going to look in the summer.

start with the machines, not free weights.
start with a weight you can do 15 reps with, where 13,14,15 are an effort.
Only need to visit each machine once.
mix leg work in , say 2 ‘body’ machines then a leg machine.
sip on water as you go.