I need to add some weights/resistance work to my exercise

[MarathonFan]

Primarily I'm a runner. I run about 25-30 miles a week.

I also do one Yoga and one Pilates session a week and a spin class.

I think to improve my running I need to do more core work and some weights (or similar). My mum suffers from osteoporosis so I'd like to protect myself from that as much as possible too.

But, I hate the gym, with a passion. I am bored within 2 minutes. I've tried doing weights routines at home (with or without a DVD) and I hate those too.

I quite enjoyed Body Pump but there isn't a class locally at a time I can manage. What other ways are there to get some strength/resistance training in?

Do you have a British Military Fitness class near you? It's circuit style training but incorporates a lot of bodyweight resistance work and is great for people starting out towards weights.

I tend to find that if I don't enjoy something I won't do it (which is why my running is shocking). I've heard that running is great to prevent osteoporosis as the impact encourages bone cell activity, so I'm not sure you need to add in resistance work to prevent it. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge advocate of women lifting weights - and heavy ones at that - but if you don't like it, and you don't need to do it, why beat yourself up about it?

I'm not beating myself up - I think I do better than most exercise wise but I do want to be a faster runner and all the "experts" say strength training is necessary. ATM I'm coming 3-4 in my age group at local races, I go up an age-group next year and I'd love a trophy!! Would be my first one ever.

Fair enough - taking on strength training properly took 17 minutes off my half marathon time with no specific run training so you do make a very valid point about strength training helping you become a faster runner.

Is working with a trainer a possibility? They may be able to motivate you enough to keep you going?

Look into getting a TRX strap set - it's a brilliant way of doing resistance/body weight training and you can work every single part of your body with it.

I have to say I used to absolutely loathe the gym but since getting a decent weight programme I love it.

My first love is pole fitness though, it's an amazing way to work the core and gain strength. Maybe look into classes near you. It's great fun too :)

Seconded about pole fit.
have a look
You don't have to wear heels; these women are doing it to make a point.

Since restarting pole at 42 I have turned into an athlete.
I can destroy quite a few men in TRX classes.
And I love flying.

I am a runner also, same sort of mileage as you. I added a weekly weights /gym session to my routine over a year ago and I have to say it has not improved my running. My trainer says it has kept me injury free but then he would be biased as I'm paying him! It has made me stronger but I think more noticeable upper body
Unless you particularly want to do weights I would say yoga & Pilates are ideal for strengthening and stretching for a runner. They both work on core strength too.

I should add, do you do speed work ? If you haven't , track sessions will do the trick if you are new to them.
Also, we are all different, if you could have some personal training sessions (with someone who knows what runners need to do ) for 6-8 weeks it may be worth a try ?

I find circuits effective, most weeks have weights or kettlebells. It works the whole body.