How to make strength training fun?

[Gotpiles]

I'm in my mind 40s and keep hearing about how I need to strength training for my long term health. So if this is something I will need to do 2-3 x per week for the rest of my life, how can I make it fun? There is absolutely no way I will do it if it's not really fun as it just looks so boring to me.
I'm looking for tips from people who have been in this position and actually managed to find it fun and stick to it.

Where are you doing it? At home or at the gym?

If at home, if you’ve got dumbbells just look up some exercises to do - YouTube is good for this, do it a bit in front of the mirror to check you’ve got it right. Note them down, and do it in the living room in front of the tv, or put on a podcast/audiobook. Whatever you’re interested in.

If at the gym, I prefer classes. Might not be your sort of thing, but I find it better than doing it on my own.

I also stopped trying to make exercise really fun. I don’t hate it, I don’t love it, I do it because it’s good for me. I view it like a chore, but that’s what makes me do it. I do lots of chores - I don’t try to make cleaning the bathroom really fun, I just do it. I kept giving up when I tried to make it into something where I was thinking “ooh can’t wait to exercise!!” So I just tried to make it into something I didn’t mind. Although going to classes with a friend helped it be more enjoyable.

Well there are many types of weight training - which ones have you considered? It’s not all about solo sessions in the gym. Look into classes where you may find there’s an element of teamwork or competition. What do you find fun?

I am a PT and I would suggest finding a good trainer who can teach you proper technique and select appropriate exercises based on your goals, ability, biomechanics and preferences. A good trainer will push you harder than you would worm yourself. Put it this way - if you’re training well (I.e. with challenging load and working close to failure), you certainly won’t be bored!

I'm sure some people find it fun, I don't, I just do it, like washing my hair, doing the cleaning or other slightly tedious things.

I go to a weights class that has roughly the same people in it 3 times a week so it's fairly social when we are there. There are other classes that are more competitive but I don't do those. And I just do it.

I suppose you could listen to music you like if you aren't in a class.

Take photos and measurements so you have a benchmark. Its fun when you reach a target or compare then and now photos to see how you've improved.

Training with someone also helps.

I use an app called Strong to log my workouts. You get a sense of achievement when you’re getting stronger and smashing a previous PB.

I don’t fine exercise fun at all. However I find weights the most tolerable because it’s not as monotonous as running or body pump. I put my headphones in and get on with it. I have a noisy mind and actually the concentration on number of reps and form along with the physical act of lifting/pushing/pulling really quiets my mind.
I’ve had to think of it as something that isn’t negotiable like laundry.

When I started strength training I got results quickly - visual changes, feeling strong, and seeing the numbers go up - I found that surprisingly addictive. I listen to my favourite podcast so I enjoy the uninteresting time. I recommend starting with a trainer or some group classes if you can, as the social aspect can help too.

Listen to music. I read my book in between sets.

I just love being and feeling strong. I'd deadlift everyday if it wouldn't give me injuries!

That's fun enough.

But I go to a really buzzy gym with lots of very strong people.

Do you have a gym that offers group strength training? That is a lot of fun.

I can only do classes. If I'm in the class, I'll do what I'm told so it gets done. Plus we often have a bit of a laugh along the way

Find a class with small numbers
I don’t have the discipline to strength train , so I attend classes four times a week
Love it

Some good tips. I will mostly be doing this at home unless I can find a class near me that works for my schedule. Are there any instructors to follow on YouTube (free) who are really engaging, not annoying, do not take themselves too seriously, and play great music. I think those qualities could help!

Weight training in a class or with a bunch of people is quite fun, you should try it with a company.

Does bodyp count as a weight training class it are there other classes that are better, and what are they called?

Body pump is mostly aerobic. But it's fun! It's not lifting weights, but it will help you move and feel better.

My gym does small group strength training classes - limited to 12 or so, and we work on the class compound lifts - squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press - plus accessories such as lunges, RDLs, dumbbell complexes like thrusters or devil's press.

With numbers limited to 12, the coach can actually correct & coach. Our trainers are all excellent in doing that.

Are there any instructors to follow on YouTube (free) who are really engaging, not annoying, do not take themselves too seriously, and play great music.

Have a look at Rachel Henley - HenleyFitness on Instagram. She does tutorial type YouTubes, and then runs a lifting app. There's a free version & a paid for version, plus an option for 1 to 1 coaching. She's hilarious - and swears a LOT, but she knows her stuff and she specialises in peope who are just starting out & have no idea ...

I do my strength training in small group sessions at my local gym. Honestly even if I’m knackered or hungover or sore or just not arsed it is always fun! The coaches have such great energy, I’ve made real friends there, I always have a laugh and leave smiling no matter how brutal the session is. I’ve been going there for almost seven years and completely transformed my body and my fitness and there’s no way I could have done that if I didn’t love it.

Sounds like my gym @HarryPotterandtheClimateofFear - the trainers are all really knowledgeable and so encouraging. And the other gym members are very friendly and we all support each other.

I also go to small group sessions. 6.15 am - unsurprisingly it’s mostly 40/50 something women. It’s very social. It’s been nearly 3 years now.

Music and podcasts, especially ones that tell you how good resistance training is for you!

After a while the motivation comes from basically feeling better.