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?

Try a kettlebell then you can get a cardio and weights routine in one. You really need to watch your form too as it's heavy!

sled push/pull

The sled is a great one to do on your own, because it needs very little technique. You just develop a programme of progressive loading. And you jus have to push it 10 metres each way.

Last week I did 3 pushes of 20metres (10 metres up & back IYSWIM) at 300 kilos each push. The third time I thought I was going to throw up halfway back, but it was just fatigue. I am strong as fuck, bascially, and the sled has been a big element in getting that strength.

And yes to what @waterlego says - kudos for teaching BodyPump - I think it must be difficult to do the moves - even with v light weights, plus motivate the class, plus keep an eye on people's form (although I've seen some terrible form in Bodypump, but I guess the weights are so light they can't really do much damage).

When you're lifting really heavy, then a set of 3 to 5 reps, without stopping, can be a challenge. And the fatigue is real, so rest between heavy sets for at least 60 seconds.

I was doing deadlifts the other day - 5 sets of 3 reps at 90kg, and my PT does not allow me to reset my grip or stance in a set, so I have to lift, drop it to the floor and pick it up straightaway. 3 reps as quickly as possible, with good safe form, at that weight is hard. He was giving me 3 minutes rest gaps between sets, and he's a PT who generally taunts me with "Rest gap is over"

I think I like lifting because of the rest gaps ...

I enjoy BodyPump classes, and have developed more lean muscle since I started. You can up the weight if you want more weight, and that will have an effect, but agreed, it isn't 'weight training' as such.

I love weight training. it is my favourite part of fitness. I use freeweights and work out in the park at a bootcamp, not in a gym.

I love the feeling of getting stronger. I love how noticeable the difference is in everyday life - how lifting and carrying are easier, how climbing long flights of stairs feels effortless.

I love how quickly weight training tones your muscles. I love it when I'm getting dressed and feel ridges of muscle where there used to be spongey flab.

It makes me so happy. I'd way rather weight train than do cardio which triggers old injuries so easily.

I love how quickly weight training tones your muscles. I love it when I'm getting dressed and feel ridges of muscle where there used to be spongey flab

Ah a million times this man. I love how solid my thighs are and giving them a squeeze. Husband tells me to get a room definition in the middle area, firm arms, bingo wings begone.. What's not to like?

My quads & abs are steel. It's fab.

One of the things I've noticed on gym wear sites is you can tell the difference between skinny models and actual weight lifters.

Being strong is the best. I lift heavy boxes at work and even though my legs aren't skinny, I love that I can single leg press weights that most people couldn't with both legs,

@Stellaris22 said: ""

This is so true. I had no idea how true this was until I started weight lifting. you feel capable. And powerful. And, tbh, safer in the world. I do sometimes think, 'Mate I could toss you out of the way' when I see a man behaving badly. And I'm 5'4" and nearly 60! Weights have made me happier in myself than I have ever been. In my twenties I was a gym bunny and skinnybut weights make me feel strong.

Oh weird, the quote didn't show. @Stellaris22 said Being strong is the best.

I have a cross trainer at home and use YouTube for exercise videos. I like Jessica Smith, Joanna Soh and Popsugar and do a variety of exercises for cardio, strength, flexibility and balance.
However, strength training is my favourite. I have built up to heavier weights and I love the way it makes me feel. I'm in my 50s and weight training is really important for women.

I started doing Caroline Girvan videos a couple of months ago and I really like her videos. My weights are no where near as heavy as hers, but it doesn't matter.