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Original poster

Weight training…it works, but I’m finding it frightfully dull

51 replies

FourForYouGlenCoco1 · 10/12/2024 15:03

I started a training program back in August with an online coach, which consists of mostly weight training (3-4 sessions per week) with the aim of progressive overload. The results are great: I’m getting stronger and I’m dropping inches.

However, I find the repetition utterly dull (Bulgarian split squats in particular 😩). The thought that this is probably the best I can do for my body and health and that it has to be done FOR THE REST OF MY DAYS makes me shudder!

Has anyone grown to love it?? Any advice, or do I just need to get over it?!

OP posts:
ImTheOnlyUpsyOne · 10/12/2024 15:08

How about Les Mills Bodypump? That has a bit more pizzaz

GetItInYerBag · 10/12/2024 15:09

Please tell me your 'coach' has changed up your programme since August?!

Gnomegarden32 · 10/12/2024 15:11

Following because I could've written this! I find strength training tedious. Cardio however really boosts my mood

Original poster
FourForYouGlenCoco1 · 10/12/2024 15:18

@ImTheOnlyUpsyOne can you use heavy weights in those sessions? I mean, I’m definitely not the strongest, but I know the key to success is increasing the weight. I have really enjoyed classes in the past, but with limited success.

@GetItInYerBag yes, I’ve had one program change in that time, but annoyingly I’m a bit limited in what I can do as I have a home gym set up (squat rack, bench, free weights), so no fancy machines or anything.

OP posts:
FeelinTwentySixPointTwo · 10/12/2024 15:18

It's great that you're seeing results, I guess, but not if you're bored! I would be expecting your PT to have been shifting your programme since August and providing some variety, to keep the interest. Is that not the case?

That said, I too find cardio much more engaging than weights and love running. I see weights very much as supplementary to my running rather than the main exercise I do. I think if it was all I did, 5+ days a week, I might find it boring too.

As for the pp who suggested bodypump; that's not weight training, that's cardio, so not the same thing...

Pencilsieve · 10/12/2024 15:21

Definitely try another coach or programme, your set up sounds so good, someone could make that way more interesting! I only have dumbells but have been using the Fiit app since 2021 and there's lots of variety. Are you doing very long sessions?

GetItInYerBag · 10/12/2024 15:24

FourForYouGlenCoco1 · 10/12/2024 15:18

@ImTheOnlyUpsyOne can you use heavy weights in those sessions? I mean, I’m definitely not the strongest, but I know the key to success is increasing the weight. I have really enjoyed classes in the past, but with limited success.

@GetItInYerBag yes, I’ve had one program change in that time, but annoyingly I’m a bit limited in what I can do as I have a home gym set up (squat rack, bench, free weights), so no fancy machines or anything.

I'd have expected your plan to be changed more frequently than that (I am a qualified PT, I'm not just guessing). You need to tell your coach you're bored and see what they say - if they change your plan up and offer you some more variety then great. If they tell you to stick with it then they're lazy and unprofessional and probably copy and pasting the same plan to everyone who's paying them! Online 'coaches' aren't always entirely honest. You'd be better off spending the money on in-person PT sessions or a mix of PT sessions and classes.

ClicketyClickPlusOne · 10/12/2024 15:26

You can work with as much weight as you like in a Les Mills Body Pump session.

Original poster
FourForYouGlenCoco1 · 10/12/2024 15:27

@Pencilsieve thank you for the recommendation, I’ll take a look at that. The sessions vary in length, but minimum is about 45 minutes.

OP posts:
Spanielsaremad · 10/12/2024 15:27

ClicketyClickPlusOne · 10/12/2024 15:26

You can work with as much weight as you like in a Les Mills Body Pump session.

You can't use properly heavy weights in bodypump. It's high rep low weights so more cardio than weight training.

MiddleAgedDread · 10/12/2024 15:27

I find the body pump even more boring than lifting weights in the gym, it's so repetitive and probably not aimed at the type of training you've been doing. The tracks are so long I think it's really hard to increase your weights and improve over time.

BigDahliaFan · 10/12/2024 15:30

I know what you mean. Which is why I signed up for weights classes at a gym, it changes a lot, there's different equipment.

But I think it is just a bit dull to be honest, kind of one of those things you have to do. Like hoovering, it's not fun, but you just do it. And then feel better afterwards.

Goldpanther · 10/12/2024 15:41

I totally agree weightlifting is dull, boring and repetitive. A good program should last 8-12 weeks and then be updated to work on any weaknesses/provide novelty with different movement variations, e.g. not just back squats, add in front squats, zombie squats, lifts with tempo, pauses, different reps.

I personally like the monotonous side of it, I know what I'm doing, I can see progress and it's not too mentally challenging.

museumum · 10/12/2024 15:48

I go to an in-person PT and we change the exercise we do for each set of muscles almost every week so one week I'll be deadlifting normally, next week romanians, next week one legged, next week with kettle bells instead of the bar, or with dumbells etc. same for every exercise. loads of variety.

DreadPirateRobots · 10/12/2024 16:07

Are you literally just doing the same workout day after day, week after week, 3 to 4 times a week? That would bore anyone. You could consider picking up one of many free online programmes to switch it up a bit and just do your PT's workout once a week? I love weights, but it's one day legs, one day back and biceps, one day core, etc.

ImTheOnlyUpsyOne · 10/12/2024 16:09

FeelinTwentySixPointTwo · 10/12/2024 15:18

It's great that you're seeing results, I guess, but not if you're bored! I would be expecting your PT to have been shifting your programme since August and providing some variety, to keep the interest. Is that not the case?

That said, I too find cardio much more engaging than weights and love running. I see weights very much as supplementary to my running rather than the main exercise I do. I think if it was all I did, 5+ days a week, I might find it boring too.

As for the pp who suggested bodypump; that's not weight training, that's cardio, so not the same thing...

Fair enough...

ThePure · 10/12/2024 16:18

I feel just the opposite. I hate cardio (at least steady state cardio anyway) and I love weights

I love learning a new skill, perfecting the technique, eg getting better mobility to go deeper on squats

I love having goals and making progress. I find it very motivating to track my sets, reps and weights and see them going up

I also love the effect on my body and being able to do things more easily in real life like lifting furniture, shopping bags or kids.

I go to a gym and have a shared small group PT and I have a change of programme every 6 weeks and there are so many ways to switch it up. We have strength blocks, endurance blocks and sometimes a focus on flexibility or power for a block. I also enjoy mixing in some strongman stuff occasionally

I think you need a new trainer.

DownThePubWithStevieNicks · 10/12/2024 16:20

Are you listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks while you do your sessions? Something to distract you might help!

nomorezoflora · 10/12/2024 16:54

Very much with DownThePub, and even watching TV is feasible when you're doing a well-rehearsed exercise set. I actually find it easier to be on a familiar workout so I can concentrate on the media - usually podcasts for me - and not the effort.

secretsandsins · 10/12/2024 17:19

This is really interesting. I'm quite a Bodypump fan but never really clocked that it was cardio.

I did a free trial PT session at my gym and I could really feel the benefit but cost is prohibitive at the moment.

I know with a program left to my own devices I would flake out and become lazy.

Hmm.

ThePure · 10/12/2024 17:24

Body pump is high reps with relatively lower weights isn't it? I would see it as being sort of a Met Con work out (which I do enjoy) but it wouldn't really build muscle as you need lower reps, higher weights and progressive overload to do that.

secretsandsins · 10/12/2024 17:29

ThePure · 10/12/2024 17:24

Body pump is high reps with relatively lower weights isn't it? I would see it as being sort of a Met Con work out (which I do enjoy) but it wouldn't really build muscle as you need lower reps, higher weights and progressive overload to do that.

Yes when you say it like that it makes sense Smile

Appalonia · 10/12/2024 17:34

I'd add things like swimming and Zumba to your exercise routine, mix it up a bit and make it more fun!

MagpiePi · 10/12/2024 17:36

Nobody loves Bulgarian split squats!

I've started Olympic lifting and actually look forward to going to the gym as it is very technical and you have to really concentrate on every lift. I downloaded a free programme that is 6 different workouts done over a 2 week cycle. It still includes some standard front/back squats, DLs, bench etc plus a bit of plyometrics.

Preferedseating · 10/12/2024 18:11

I love Bodypump but yes irritating that you have to go lighter to get the bar above your head than the deadlift, row etc