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

[hamstersarse]

I do loads of cardio and know I need to do some weight/resistance training but I just can’t get enthused by it.

I find it so tedious.

Is there an enjoyable way to do it that isn’t just about 20x reps here, 40x reps there?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

@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.

Thank you all

I’m hearing I need a goal and to be consistent to see the results. I’m ‘cardio in shape’ so slim but not much muscle definition so in theory my gains should be pretty quick….if I stick to it?

im going to start on the Caroline Girvin workouts

'20 reps here, 40 reps there' sounds like you might not have a proper workout plan? Do you reach failure point each time? For me, the satisfaction comes from pushing the failure point further and further away as I get stronger. If you're reading a workout schedule and not factoring in reading your ability, it's very boring indeed. It feels like you don't know why you're bothering.

If you want to come at it from another angle, in the beginning of my strength training journey the single fastest thing for me in terms of transforming my body was actually BodyPump which is a Les Mills class where you lift relatively light weights to music, sort of aerobics-meets-weightlifting, doing one body part per track. Doing that twice per week plus cardio made a big difference but did plateau after a while.

Is there an enjoyable way to do it that isn’t just about 20x reps here, 40x reps there?

That isn't really weight training - it sounds like Bodypump, which will tone muscles, but isn't really calorie-burning resistance training. Real weight training (or at least what weight trainers call weight lifting!) is going pretty heavy and low reps.

And I love it!

I do 2 sessions a week with a PT - the first 30 minutes is strength training: either deadlifts, or squats, or sled push. It makes you really strong and also lean. I have steel abs, without really doing much targeted core work, because you're using your abs to brace in squats, for example, or doing pull ups or push ups.

I do Bodypump classes because they're fun, but they're fairy weights because there are so many reps. When I'm heading for, say a deadlifting personal best, I'm just thinking about 1 rep. But it's 97 kilos (I'm heading for 100 kg). I'm in my early 60s, and I'm the fittest & strongest I've ever been, and currently on a progressive overload - I've gone from just managing 90kilos deadlift before Christmas, to multiple reps at 95kilos. And so on.

Weightlifting also helps me run faster. But I'd much rather lift up heavy shit, than run!

I don't find it enjoyable doing it alone, but luckily my gym has started a new strength circuit class that I've been going to and I love it. It's only a small class of 7 so that the instructors can check your form/encourage you to up your weights etc, but so much more enjoyable having people to do it with (even if I am the weakest in the class!)

Another one who loves it. I go to a PT and am lifting heavier than I ever thought possible. I love feeling strong! Am aiming for good arms at the moment as I have a lovely but sleeveless dress for a summer wedding 😃

The rest intervals are so important, especially when lifting heavy weights, to allow for maximum benefit from the lifting.

I have nothing to say but bravo, you sound like a machine 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

I concur that you’re probably not lifting heavy enough weights if you can crack out 40 reps.
i have a PT that makes me lift weights I’d never have picked up if I was training by myself. If you can afford one, get a PT. If not, have a look at Strength Hut on Instagram. Emma has workouts programmes you can buy and her Instagram videos are a mix of tutorials and her working out. You can get an idea of correct form by watching what she does.
Id also recommend starting with the compound exercises that are going to work muscle groups rather than muscles in isolation eg deadlifts, weighted squats, pull ups, chest press, sled push/pull.

Yes to what @ExMachinaDeus said!

I teach Bodypump and I love it but it’s for muscular endurance rather than strength gains. So it’ll improve your ability to carry heavy shopping bags or walk up a steep hill but won’t necessarily give you much in the way of visible muscle (although many participants find they do notice some increase in muscular definition). Pump is also good for anyone who is brand new to weights work so that they can learn good form for a range of different movements.

Lifting very heavy in the gym, on the other hand, is really empowering, burns calories and helps create a strong and (IMO) attractive body shape. I’d be looking to do 3 sets of 8-10 reps of each exercise rather than 20-40 so you’ll need to go much heavier on the weights so that 6-8 reps feels really tough, with the last one or two being a real struggle.

Good luck!

Sorry, that last bit should have said 8-10 not 6-8.

watching tv whilst doing it is the only way.
it's just soooo boooooooooring otherwise.

plus using an exercise timer instead of counting repetitions.

I'm with @erinaceus - it's the badass feeling that gets me going! I like being strong.

I find cardio quite boring as it takes ages, whereas a strength workout can be quite short and still give great results. I'll be honest - I'm very vain and like the way I look with good muscle tone and less fat.

@ExMachinaDeus has it right!

Oh, and some really banging music in your earphones. That works for me anyway.