Strength

on December 21, 2009
in All Posts

Tonight, I was laying on my couch watching Law and Order, thinking about how I never do strength training anymore.  Marathon training has sucked away my desire to do push-ups for some reason – I think I’ve reach a natural point of “I don’t want to exercise anymore” than I already am (which is approximately 4 hours, 10 minutes a week of running over the last 18 weeks!).

 

The other night, I twittered:

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It would be kind of cool to be able to crush boys in weight lifting, although this tan freaks me out:

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Made you laugh! 🙂

 

Anyway, so instead of just thinking about how I need to do some strength moves (as opposed to straight cardio or yoga), I dropped to the floor and did a bunch of push-ups and sit-ups.

 

Wahoo!  It always feel so great to take ACTION instead of just laying on the couch thinking about doing it.

 

Afternoon snacks included an orange:

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Plus, afternoon ice cream:

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And dinner was simple because I was tired:

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Veggie soup, bread with buttah, and green beans.

 

I got a SIGNIFICANT amount of book work done today, but my night is not over!  Time to drop James into the tub and give him a scrub.

 

Do you use weight machines, free weights, or body weight to strength train?  Or are you a cardio goddess like me?  I need to lift some weights – it’s good for my bones!

{ 105 comments }

 

  • Michelle@Eatingjourney December 21, 2009, 8:27 pm

    I like to break runs up with a little bench action 🙂 Push-ups and situps, step-ups..you name it.

    Yoga kills me. chatarunga..dear lord those will get ya.

  • Cyclist Kate December 21, 2009, 8:30 pm

    I loooove pilates. I’ve been taking 3 reformer classes for the past year and I’ve never been this strong or felt this good in my whole sports-filled life. It’s expensive but it’s been totally worth it for me–I get in a solid hour of intense whole body strength training every week this way. Love it. It’s fun and easy to even just do DVD’s or exercises (I love the book “Pilates Body” by Brooke Siler for this) at home. I also love the Squeeze DVD’s (not pilates, but really good). What about adding this a couple of times per week to your schedule once marathon training is over?

  • Brittany December 21, 2009, 8:30 pm

    I do cardio most of the time- especially when training for a race, but I do a bit of everything – weight machines, body weight activities like yoga, free weights, and even ankle weights. I like em all!!

  • Julie @savvyeats December 21, 2009, 8:30 pm

    I definitely use body weight to strength train… can you say Power Yoga?

    I’m better at getting my yoga/strength workouts in than my cardio workouts, as I’ve discovered since starting Project Strength!

  • Cyclist Kate December 21, 2009, 8:31 pm

    Oh, I should add that this is in addition to about 3 cardio workouts per week. No running because I have tendonitis in my knees (boo), but I love to swim, cycle, and do the stepmill at the gym.

  • Sara December 21, 2009, 8:32 pm

    I know what you mean; it’s really easy to get into an “exercise funk”/routine because you consider one thing “easier” than another (even though it really isn’t, like in your case, for example, when you’re running mile after mile like a machine)! But the body seems to become accustomed to doing certain motions with certain muscles and so it gets lazy about others. I learned that when I tried switching from treadmill to bicycle after a long hiatus. I would love to “bulk up” (lol) but strength training makes me feel like weakling. Just got to keep at it!

    • Caitlin December 21, 2009, 8:33 pm

      yes! exactly. i can run 6 miles no sweat, but 100 sit ups hurts. LOL

  • Meghan@traveleatlove December 21, 2009, 8:33 pm

    I prefer using my own body weight, though I do like doing lower body machines at the gym. I feel like those workouts really help with the hills in long races.

  • ashleigh December 21, 2009, 8:37 pm

    i hate strength training. i usually only do like 10 minutes a week but yesterday i did a whole 40! i sometimes use weights at the gym but mainly use free weights and my body weight at my apt.

  • hemp jogger December 21, 2009, 8:39 pm

    wow, i’m how dare you take my photo and put your head on it?! you cant just flaunt my faux-penis-like-protrusion, wrinkly knees, and ridic mucsles as if you own them.

    😉 i kid, i kid. i do lift free weights 2-3X/week, to build muscle sure, but i think it makes me look cool. so dumb! i much prefer my cardio, and do a hella lot more of that.

    • Caitlin December 21, 2009, 8:42 pm

      HAHA.

  • hemp jogger December 21, 2009, 8:40 pm

    *no ‘i’m’ in that first sentence…shouldnt watch tv at the same time as thinking. oops!

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad December 21, 2009, 8:43 pm

    I just wrote a post about strength training!

    I much prefer cardio, but I like strength training too. I think the reason why I don’t do as much strength training as I should is because I feel overwhelmed by the many different muscles and exercises that I could be/should be working.

  • Yasmin December 21, 2009, 8:46 pm

    I start to “like” (interpreted as loosely as possible) strength training once I have done it for a while, when it becomes more like a habit. It’s just so much harder than running, because when I run I zone out, and when I lift I have to stay focused. I prefer the zoning out.

    Interestingly, my boyfriend who used to be a body builder/lifts more than quadruple my body weight, loves lifting because he says the intense focusing on the lifting helps him drown out every other thought. I sort of get it, but not really.

    That said, I prefer using my body’s weight for resistance, with maybe a few dumbbells. I hate gym machines.

  • Sonja @ ActiveFoodie December 21, 2009, 8:53 pm

    I do strength training once a week just because if I run more than 3 days a week my body starts to break 😉 (Bad knees and hamstrings) Plus, it makes me *feel* stronger!

  • Carolyn December 21, 2009, 8:53 pm

    I actually HATE cardio most of the time, though sometimes I crave running. I love that sore feeling after lifting weights. It makes me feel strong.

  • AM December 21, 2009, 8:54 pm

    I run about 50 mpw, but I make a priority to lift (free weights) three times per week for 30-60 minutes. I wish I could squeeze in yoga or some cross training, but that is definitely the first thing to go. (I work really long hours.)

  • VeggieGirl December 21, 2009, 8:56 pm

    You definitely DID just make me laugh out loud, hahaha 😀

  • Matt December 21, 2009, 9:00 pm

    I am more of a cardio god (not goddess hehe). I lift weights about twice a week, but they are pretty basic. I just go to the gym and do what I can.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 21, 2009, 9:01 pm

    I need to do more strength training! I do mostly yoga.. but when I don’t get to yoga I don’t do strength training… I need to fit that in.

  • Kristin December 21, 2009, 9:03 pm

    My favorite strength workouts are Jillian Michael’s DVDs, 30 Day Shred and No More Trouble Zones. I feel like I need someone guiding me with strength training or I just do a bunch of random moves that aren’t really effective.

  • Courtney December 21, 2009, 9:03 pm

    I really like your bikini wax in that pic LOL!!
    I love all kinds of strength training and almost always do a circuit which gets my heart rate up and my calorie burn on!
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Julie December 21, 2009, 9:04 pm

    AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH I’m dying! HILARIOUS. The tan freaks you out?! How bout the man legs and funny vaginal area?! How can that be a woman?! I see her boobs and all, but DAMN. DAMN!

    I am a cardio junkie, but 3x a week I’ll do free weights for upper body. I’m so bad with lower body stuff because my legs get too sore and then I wouldn’t be able to do cardio. I also do ab work but I don’t think that counts.

  • Melissa S. December 21, 2009, 9:04 pm

    i use a resistance band and use my body weight. i think you can always use your body for a great workout!

  • Britt (Runnerbelle) December 21, 2009, 9:06 pm

    I’m a running junkie, so my answer has been Kettlebell/Crossfit classes.
    -they aren’t boring
    -can be slightly competitive (in a good way, as its a class)
    -get me push my strength and endurance.

    The gym I go to is almost kind of like having a small group personal trainer. I could do the stuff on my own, but having the instructor and other class participants there gets me to push myself more. I see what others are able to do and it inspires me to do more!

  • Jennyh December 21, 2009, 9:07 pm

    I definitley enjoy running and cardio more than wt training but I suck it up and do it 2-3 times a week. I try and do nonrest circuits to keep my HR up and prevent bordom. And I can definitley increase my speed by doing squats and lunges ebb just once a week.

  • Erin December 21, 2009, 9:08 pm

    I need to get back in a good exercise regimen. I was so good until a few weeks ago when it got truly cold here — now, I’m just wimping out. Haven’t gained weight but don’t feel good about myself.

  • Karen December 21, 2009, 9:13 pm

    I used to be a cardio goddess but am slowly cutting back on that to add more strength training. I am typically doing cardio for 3 hrs a week (spin & running) and strength training for about 1 hr. I do exercises that use your own body weight (pushups, planks, squats, lunges, etc) for resistance, and then also do some work/moves with dumbells; mostly for my arms. I don’t like weight machines!

  • Anne P December 21, 2009, 9:14 pm

    Lol! I seriously don’t understand why any woman would want to be that buff. Gross!

  • Lisa December 21, 2009, 9:15 pm

    That might be the most delicious orange Ive ever seen.

    I am much of a strength training girl that a cardio gal. I do 3-4 weight lifting sessions a week…depending on whether its a full body routine or an upper lower split. Im not afraid to pick up the 30 lbs db’s either and get to work.

    Your endurance is SO inspirational though.

  • Niki (Running in Pink) December 21, 2009, 9:17 pm

    I like lifting weights, but I definitely don’t push myself as much as I know I should. I pretty much follow the same routine I did 3 years ago….yikes!

  • Erica December 21, 2009, 9:17 pm

    hahahahha I love the photo shop edit 🙂 Hilarious. I do strength train! I teach Body Pump and love love love it. Dinner looks delicious. Im thinking about veggie soup for dinner tomorrow

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) December 21, 2009, 9:17 pm

    I cannot for the life of my do strength training. I feel so unbalanced every time I leave the gym without doing a single lift or sit-up. Toned arms are so hot-flabby arms like mine… not so much. I feel like your yoga days take care of strength training for you. No?

  • Marianne December 21, 2009, 9:19 pm

    BodyPump 3 days a week and some free weights on the side. Love both cardio(running/spinning) and strength training but I definitely love seeing the results of strength training. I hit a circuit training class once a week to surprise my body.

    If you ever get the chance to take a BodyPump class I highly recommend it….been hooked on it for 5 years!!

  • tra December 21, 2009, 9:21 pm

    i lift. wayy/weigh too much! =D
    i don’t use weight machines at all. i use kettlebells, ez curl bars, sometimes dumbbells for t-getups, and i use olybars a LOT.

  • Lori (Finding Radiance) December 21, 2009, 9:25 pm

    I love lifting! I use free weights pretty much exclusively. I do it 3x a week with crosstraining of running and biking. Strength training makes me feel powerful and kick ass 😀

  • Evan Thomas December 21, 2009, 9:26 pm

    Cardio god, definitely. I used to do a full core workout every day, and after 6 months I gave it a try yesterday and could not have been more sore today! I’m in pain just thinking of doing it again tomorrow

  • Allie December 21, 2009, 9:31 pm

    that picture is hilarious. i’m still laughing.
    i am terrible about lifting weights. i feel like i am so weak, why bother. i like running so much more, why bother. it’s not as fun as running, why bother. but once i do it, i realize, i feel strong, why don’t i do this more. it just never has stuck as a habit. i literally leave my dumbells in the middle of the floor so i will trip over them to remind me to use them. i find that if i write down what i am going to do when i lift weights (sets and reps) i am much more likely to do it, and not just flounder around.

  • Susan December 21, 2009, 9:36 pm

    I go through phases, which are usually in line with the seasons. In the warm months, I’m a cardio queen, running and biking outdoors. But once it gets cold, I retreat to my gym’s weight room. I looooove how weight lifting makes me feel strong and confident. And lifting HEAVY. Well, okay, lifting what feels heavy to me 😛 I do a mix of machines and free weights. I’m taking it much more seriously now that I’m studying to be a personal trainer!! Gotta know my stuff AND have the bod to boot 😉

  • Courtney December 21, 2009, 9:37 pm

    I have to say I’m a little surprised at some of the comments basically insulting this womans physique. This is the result of a lot of hard work, just as much time and effort as training for a marathon. I personally love to see a woman with muscles although admitedly this is somewhat extreme. I don’t think the same type of insulting comments would be made about a picture of say a professional marathoner. As women why not support all the feminine ideals not just the mainstream ones! I think that is part of what Caitlin is trying to get across with Operation Beautiful.
    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

    • Caitlin December 21, 2009, 9:47 pm

      i agree! 🙂 i wouldn’t say she has an attractive body, but she clearly worked reeeeeeeeeally hard for it (and hopefully without illegal help!).

  • Joelle (The Pancake Girl) December 21, 2009, 9:41 pm

    Ahh, I’m a cardio queen too.. That’s why I love Bikram yoga. I feel like it makes me stronger without me even realizing I’m working at it!

  • Sarah W. December 21, 2009, 9:41 pm

    of course you can! http://www.veganbodybuilding.com !

    a fitness comp diet is horrid though – you eat when your not hungry – total opposite of intuitive eating – you let your tummy growl when its hungry because you’ve eaten all your food for the day, etc.

    I prefer to lift weights in the gym. Free weights. but in corporate SOME machine work like the row machines or the leg extension or the lying leg curl (interchangeable with deadlifts to work the hammies).

    I have a tough time fitting in the running into my weight lifting plan! I WANT to lift weights – its essential in my opinion for getting stronger and keeping things tight. I finally workedo ut a half marathon traiing plan which incorporates 3 lifting workouts per week (1 day is fullbody, 1 day is upper body only and 1 day is lower body only – so I hit both upper and lower twice per week)…I’ve also got hals half marathon intermediate training plan worked into the all the weight lifting as well. i disagree with his plans that only incorporate 2 days of strength. i think strenght is essential. and i’ve got 1 day of yoga scheduled for the day after my long run 🙂

  • Amanda December 21, 2009, 9:46 pm

    If I just did exercise without thinking about it, I would definitely just do cardio. Over the past year though I have incorporated both yoga and free weights into my routine. I love Jillian Michaels’ No More Trouble Zones dvd because I just use 5 lb weights and get a great work out. Also, yoga has done wonders for my arms!!

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 21, 2009, 9:48 pm

    Cardio goddess who needs to work back in some strength training. I really do lose inches when I use weights on a regular basis, but I just love the SWEAT of cardio so much!

  • Marisa (Loser for Life) December 21, 2009, 9:52 pm

    I’ve been trying to incorporate more strength training for the extra fat burn it gives you. I mostly use the weight machines at the gym, but do use free weights on occassion, too.

  • Jessie December 21, 2009, 9:55 pm

    Strength training! I usually do this atleast 3 or 4X per week & used to do cardio just as much, but have recently cut way back on cardio and kicked up the ST in order to gain weight. I lost waay too much and need to gain about 20 lbs, so ST is on the agenda for a while with barely any cardio, which is a dissapointment because after I go on the elliptical I love the way I feel, but it’s what needs to be done…

  • pen December 21, 2009, 10:01 pm

    nothing gives me the rush like cardio…i’m a runner’s high junkie. plus, it’s my meditation time…that said, i always have the intention to lift weights to improve my speed. however, that intention never gets acted on. 🙂

    and, i agree, the fitness competitor tan is a little freaky.

  • Danielle (Coffee Run) December 21, 2009, 10:04 pm

    I love both cardio & strength training except for ARMS. Arm exercises are the hardest thing in the world to me.

    Haha please don’t become a body builder- that woman has clearly got something in her swimsuit bottom.

  • Vann P December 21, 2009, 10:12 pm

    It’s funny you mention that… my sister is training to become a fitness competitor! She’s lost 40 lbs since May by clean eating, discipline, and a personal trainer. She also is a 2nd degree black belt in karate! Here is her blog if you are interested; she just stared it! http://www.myjourneytobecomingafigurecompetitor.blogspot.com/

    • caitlin December 21, 2009, 10:17 pm

      um, awesomeeeeeeeeeeeee

  • Lee December 21, 2009, 10:23 pm

    I’ve been doing some workouts from the book The New Rules of Lifting for Women. I recommend it.

  • Tiffany December 21, 2009, 10:24 pm

    A few points
    -Awesome picture of “Catlin the Buffest of Them All”
    -Your dinner was pretty much identical to mine, minus the bread
    -Usually a cardio queen as you are but winter is helping to encourage alternative fitness routines. I must admit I was rather bitter about it at first, but I am really enjoying it.

    • caitlin December 21, 2009, 10:35 pm

      sweet, i like that title!

  • Rachel December 21, 2009, 10:26 pm

    I’m just getting started with exercise again. I was a dancer for most of my pre-adult life so cardio comes naturally to me. I like strength training, but it’s tough to motivate myself to get into the gym because its 30 minutes away (where I go to grad. school=free membership!). I need some weights, too. Maybe that would stop the excuses. Maybe, haha.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is December 21, 2009, 10:30 pm

    LOL great picture!!

    I am a cardio queen – I LOVE cardio. It is a complete stress relief for me. It makes me feel wonderful. But I also adore strength training. It has totally transformed my body. I use mostly free weights, but love a combination of everything. I couldn’t do without it!

    If you seriously ever consider a competition, don’t listen to all the ‘hype’ of terrible diets and tons of cardio. I never did cardio more than 30-45 minutes a day, and I still ate everything I wanted – just tracked it a little more closely. I had some chocolate everyday, and you know that I hate veggies so I didn’t eat them either. There is alot of mis-information out there – if thats even a word…lol.

  • Alyson December 21, 2009, 10:32 pm

    haha, the tan doesn’t look as crazy under the stage lights. It would be hard to be a vegetarian fitness competitor but doable. Many people in training consume at least 200g of protein a day, that would be A LOT of tofu and beans, wowza!

  • Kristine December 21, 2009, 11:04 pm

    no i dont use weight machines but i really want to srart

  • Deva (Voracious Vorilee) December 21, 2009, 11:12 pm

    I do both cardio and free weights – I love how both make me feel, balancing each other out and making me feel capable of anything I put my mind to :-).

  • Deb (SmoothieGirlEatsToo) December 21, 2009, 11:13 pm

    I totally weight train- it changed my life. Seriously. I wrote a guest post for Lara at Thinspired about that exact topic if you are interested:

    http://www.thinspiredblog.com/2009/12/how-strength-training-changed-my-life/

    Deb

  • Hangry Pants December 21, 2009, 11:19 pm

    Going to have nightmares now. 😀

  • Kate December 21, 2009, 11:29 pm

    I have such a hard time getting weights in…I try to do weights before my cardio. This way I don’t have an excuse of being too tired to do anything after my cardio. I also try to stop by benches on my runs and do push-ups or step-ups on the bench to help squeeze the strength in. It’s also a great way to break up the run and make it a little more exciting.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 21, 2009, 11:38 pm

    I like to do cardio that incorporates strength training – like the treadmill on an insane incline, or arm movements while doing a walking/ jogging video.

  • Heather @ The Joyful Kitchen December 21, 2009, 11:39 pm

    Back in the day I did a lot of all of it, mostly running and machines weight. It’s so hard to do all of it now though, so I have to split it up and do weights/yoga in the AM and cardio on my lunch break. I suppose at least it’s getting done and I’m enjoying myself! 🙂

  • Hillary - Nutrition Nut on the Run December 21, 2009, 11:48 pm

    I have recently increased my strength training and am happy with the results. I like to switch it up and do it all: machines, free weights and body weight. Every time I go to the gym, I can’t leave with some sort of weight exercises =)

  • Liesl December 21, 2009, 11:59 pm

    I used to be a cardio goddess training for races all the time and I loved it..until I just couldn’t keep my weight in check, and my body started to hate me and rebel by becoming injured. Anyways, I started strength training, and not only has it made me a better runner, but I dropped 8 lbs. without even trying. People are constantly telling me that I’m losing weight, and I’m not, I’m at my happy healthy weight, but the strength training is making me look leaner, and I also feel SO much more healthy than I did when I was just running. I’ll NEVER go back to just cardio, NEVER!

    • morgan December 22, 2009, 12:13 am

      Where’s the like button for this comment?

      I’m the same-minus the injury part, but I will never only cardio train. I LOVE a good/super hard circuit training.

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness December 22, 2009, 1:03 am

    I need to up my cardio and strength training. Right now I am… stress training? I am not sure where my exercise qualifies! I do 2 hours of horseback riding (not including at least 40 minutes of horse grooming / tacking) per week, but know that adding cardio and strength training will make me healthier and a better rider.
    What would you qualify horseback riding as? It definitely burns serious calories (cardio?) while working my core and legs (strength?).

    • caitlin December 22, 2009, 6:40 am

      horseback riding sounds like running! i think its cardio.

  • Mama Pea December 22, 2009, 1:40 am

    I’ve recently started weight training a lot more in the last few weeks and I’m surprised at how much I love it. I love the cuts on my body, the muscular versus skinny fat look, and the workouts are just super enjoyable!

  • JAG December 22, 2009, 2:55 am

    I’m all about the weights. I do enjoy running but my weight training has always been more important to me as it is what radically changed my physique. I’m hoping to compete in amateur fitness competitions in the future.

  • Nelly December 22, 2009, 4:00 am

    BodyPump and Body weight resistence, lunges squats push ups, mt climbers, pilates, yoga. Not to into lifting weghts.

  • christie, honoring health December 22, 2009, 5:54 am

    Depending on the style of yoga, it is totally strength training. Yoga has done way more for strength and muscle tone than lifting weights ever did. My legs are brick houses and my arm are developing lovely lean muscle. Try Baron Baptiste or Dave Farmar.

  • Karin December 22, 2009, 5:58 am

    I’m such a cardio girl as well and count yoga and the occasional bodypump class as my strenght trainings. Lifting weights is just so boring!

  • Sammi December 22, 2009, 7:24 am

    It’s so hard for me to make myself do strength. I always sit there saying “I don’t waaaaanna” lol. Lately, I’ve been trying to make myself do extra strength training though by doing planks while blogging 🙂 I use the “up” time to read and the breaks to comment.

    I’m a cardio goddess! lol. But when I do strength train, I use body weight. I do want to buy some 5 lb weights or something though.

    I can’t believe your easy meal is something I would make when I want to put energy into making a meal! haha

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) December 22, 2009, 7:49 am

    Bahaha – that picture is priceless.
    I typically do two days of an hour of cardio, two days of a half hour of cardio + half hour of weights, and one-two days of just weights.
    Since I’ve been taking classes to become a personal trainer (and just passed the ACE exam – woot!!) I’ve become much more interested in learning anything and everything I can about different forms of strength training 🙂

  • Jason @ Cant-Coach-Desire December 22, 2009, 7:52 am

    5 days of running a week with 3 hard days. Sometimes I substitute a day of spinning or during the middle of training I’ll do a day where I run in the morning & spin in the afternoon. 5 days of weight lifting as well, with a different bodypart being the focus each day.

  • kilax December 22, 2009, 7:57 am

    There are actually a lot of vegetarian and vegan body builders! My husband reads up on it quite a bit.

    I use the machines and do some body resistance stuff a few times a week. I’ll admit – it took me awhile to get into it!

  • Jess (Mile High Jess) December 22, 2009, 8:33 am

    I do strength training at least 3 times a week in addition to my marathon training. Before my first one, I totally concentrated on my running and cardio but then the next day, when my entire body was sore, especially my abs and shoulders, I realized I needed to focus more on strength training. So that’s exactly what I’m doing.

  • Naomi (onefitfoodie) December 22, 2009, 8:46 am

    LOVE lifting weighst, as a personal trainer I try to emphasize the importance of strength training to my clients to compliment their cardio workouts. If you are a runner, leg exercises are VERY impt to strengtehn the tendons and joints around your knees. Same goes for teh calves. Running creates a lot of impact on your joints, and having strong calves are KEY to being a solid runner!

    Let me know if you want any specific exercises!!

  • Jami December 22, 2009, 9:07 am

    I lift weights 3xweek and do cardio [mostly run, but cross training is in there] 6xweek. I love lifting and I love being one of very few girls who venture to that area of the gym. I feel so much stronger inside and out.

    I went to a trainer and told him I wanted to lose bodyfat and gain lean muscle mass and he put me on a program. I remember starting out with 10lb dumbbells on the shoulder press just a few months back and now I’m doing 25s on an incline. I love making goals like that and then surpassing them.

    I have a new routine posted on my blog if you want to check it out, it’s pretty fun.

  • Jami December 22, 2009, 9:09 am

    Oh, and I don’t eat meat. I did start to eat fish but that’s because I wanted to suppliment my new protein needs with something other than shakes. I have a diet-like intake at the moment so I really have to watch what I eat.

    • caitlin December 22, 2009, 5:37 pm

      YAY for strong vegetarians!

  • Krista December 22, 2009, 9:19 am

    I used to only do cardio, mostly running, and had knee issues after running a half marathon. Starting lifting heavy weights consistently (hired online trainer since I was clueless back then) and it changed my physique and I no longer have knee issues! I can go run 10 miles no problem ) although I dont do that often because I get bored running after 6 miles or so). I now get compliments on my physique that I would not be getting had I kept with just the cardio.

  • Aynsley - WrenLife.com December 22, 2009, 9:29 am

    I do cardio 3-4 times a week at about 3-4 miles with one of those being a long run of at least 6 miles. I also try to do about 2-3 strength workouts as well.

    My subscription to Oxygen Magazine has some really great information about strength training and has a hint of a focus on female fitness competitors who eat clean and/or vegetarian.

  • Kelly December 22, 2009, 9:50 am

    I do heavy lifting (machines, free weights, body weight exercises) and I adore it. I daresay I adore it as much as running…and it doesn’t give me horrible pain like running does. haha
    If you’re interested in it, try The New Rules for Lifting for Women (http://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Lifting-Women-Goddess/dp/1583333398/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1261493388&sr=8-1)
    It’s a great program, and its written to accomodate anyone. 🙂

  • Tammy December 22, 2009, 9:58 am

    I would rather use free weights than “machines”, but it seems like the exercises that use my own body weight tend to give me the most definition…so much for the excuse that I can’t exercise without all that stuff!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion December 22, 2009, 10:18 am

    I run four days a week and weight train (BODY PUMP= AWESOME) two days a week. I like both but prefer running. I weight train because I feel like I should and I loooooove my toned arms! I love seeing the muscle tone from the strength training, so I keep it up.

  • Life's Too Short to Eat Fat Free Cheese December 22, 2009, 10:38 am

    I do mostly cardio (jogging/elliptical/swimming) most days and sometimes do weight machines and yoga when the mood strikes. I’m really bad about strength training definitely!

    In the New Year I’m thinking of having one of the fitness counselors at my work gym design an easy do-it-anywhere strength routine for me that I squeeze in before or after my usual cardio.

  • Lara December 22, 2009, 10:40 am

    I lift with free weights 3x/week. I find when I focus more on weights over cardio my body looks and feels the best.
    Sit ups and push ups are great but they are not really strength training. You need to use some weights!

    There are some vegetarian fitness competitors that have blogs and are able to balance the two by eating enough good quality veg protein sources. (BTW the picture you posted is a bodybuilder competitor NOT fitness/figure Big difference)

  • Terri December 22, 2009, 10:51 am

    I’ve not even thought about training for a marathon (maybe a half someday) so my cardio is no where near as intense as yours. I have, for the last several months, been really working at strength training (free weights and some machines) and have tried to keep up the cardio as well. I know that I weigh probably five pounds more than I did earlier this year when I was at the peak of my weight lost using diet and cardio, but I look thinner. I love strength training for this!

  • Bree December 22, 2009, 12:01 pm

    I heart strength training. I am all free weights save for a few exercises I do on cable machines. I love running too, but lifting it definitely a passion of mine. The book someone mentioned above New Rules of Lifting for Women is a GREAT book. I recommend it!

    p.s. You could compete in figure or fitness as a vegetarian, but the picture of you all ripped (lol) is probably a female body builder, which is different 🙂

    • Krista December 22, 2009, 1:08 pm

      Very true that is definitely a bodybuilder and not figure competitor!

      • caitlin December 22, 2009, 5:39 pm

        haha i know, it was just a joke. 🙂

  • Missy December 22, 2009, 12:18 pm

    Hi! I’ve been following for awhile but have never commented.

    Do you have any idea – can you replace traditional strength training with yoga? I am so tired of strength training right now I’m thinking of doing yoga 3-4x per week instead (on top of cardio 5 days a week)… Can you build muscle and receive the same benefits of strength training through yoga? Any clue?!?!!?

    • caitlin December 22, 2009, 5:38 pm

      well i havent been doing much real weight lifting but i do a lot of yoga (like yoga sculpt) and it’s pretty effective for toning! however, i dont think it can really replace it because the goal is to use weights against your bone strength to build them up (prevents osteoporosis and whatnot).

  • beth December 22, 2009, 12:36 pm

    I love doing cardio, but I go to the gym with a plan to do a minimum of two muscle groups. For instance, chest and some lateral pulldowns for my back. That way I feel like I still did something and don’t feel gulity.

    Also, the person who mentioned pilates…..well that changed my life in college. I was in the best shape of my life with the least amount of effort. A couple trail runs and pilates 3x a week and i was bangin’ hot 🙂

  • Ashley @ Vanityandsanity December 22, 2009, 12:44 pm

    I love weights and Ashtanga yoga. Cardio… not so much. I still do it, but it’s a bit of a battle sometimes. I will never be a runner, that’s for sure. I’ve always been scrawny, so weights have done the most for me on a superficial level.

    Even a day of full-body strength training would probably suffice. I bet you’d even find it helps your running!

  • Sarah December 22, 2009, 1:17 pm

    I like to use a combination of free weights and weight machines. However, when I trained for a half marathon over the summer I cut out strength training completely so I could focus on running (quite like yourself). But shortly after the race I started to notice how weak my arms had gotten so I got back into a routine at the gym. Now I run between 3 – 4 miles on the treadmill, followed by 30 minutes of various strength exercises, and end with 5 – 10 minutes of abs, which I do 3 days a week. I find that it’s a perfect routine for me and I’m starting to see the positive effects! I’m doing another half in March so I plan to keep up this routine during the week and then just add my long run on the weekend.
    Have an awesome trip to England btw! Can’t wait to see pictures.

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale December 22, 2009, 1:43 pm

    I love cardio, hate lifting weights. I pretty much just avoid it altogether. Although, I think it becomes more important as you get older, so I’m going to have to like it eventually!

    • Lara December 22, 2009, 2:05 pm

      actually weights are very important when you are younger because you are still building bone and have the ability to build muscle faster when you are younger (under 30). Muscle is use or lose and you lose some as you age so very importanat to start lifting when younger to help stave that off.

  • Heather December 22, 2009, 4:44 pm

    BODY PUMP! It’s full body strength train group fitness class. I’m an instructor. It’s awesome! And I get my cardio in everyday too!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) December 22, 2009, 11:44 pm

    I do the workout that my Trainer and some other exercises that my PT gave me. They mostly use free weights but some machines for complicated things.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat January 5, 2010, 4:11 pm

    I love lifting weights but I only use free weights. Machines don’t do it for me. Body weight works at home 🙂

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