Get Yer Lift On

on June 7, 2011
in All Posts

It’s well-documented on this little bloggie that I hate strength training.  I have tried time and again to get into a strength training routine that I enjoy, but it’s really hard for me to stick with it (yet I can log six to ten hours a week in cardio if I have an exciting race to train for…).

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I think it’s a combination of 1) laziness and 2) lack of knowledge.  Strength training just isn’t my thing.

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Now you know what I look like first thing in the morning.  And what I look like when I’m making my “I hate strength training with the force of a unrelenting fire of doooooom” face.

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So yes – I know I SHOULD strength train!  It will prevent bone loss in the future, and keep me from getting injured in the short-term. 

 

Part of my strength training issue is I don’t really like gyms, but fortunately for me, the Charlotte Aquatic Center has a gym in addition to a pool – and you get free access!  So basically, I don’t have a reason to blow off strength training anymore.  

 

I did some arms, legs, and abs today.  I took Emily’s advice and picked up heavier weights instead of my usual 10 pounders.  Hopefully, it will give me a-maz-ing muscles and 1980s hair as shown in the diagram below:

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And then I swam 800 meters in the long pool.  Jumping in the cold water after lifting weights was quite refreshing!  I could get used to that – and it will probably help me stick with swimming once winter rolls around. 

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Pre-workout snack of OJ and banana with sunflower buttah:

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You know, I think a banana with nut butter is a great pre-workout snack, but the OJ – not so much.  It made me all phlegm-y in the pool.  No good. 

 

And post-workout smoothie (a Red Zinger – orange, pineapple, and raspberries – with whey protein):

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As you can tell by that last picture, today we’re working from the clinic.  ‘Tis shaping up to be a busy morning!

 

Quote of the Day:  Choose to be happy.

{ 111 comments }

 

  • Carrie S. June 7, 2011, 10:30 am

    Good quote, goodness knows I’m going to try. Love the face! 🙂

  • Marissa June 7, 2011, 10:34 am

    Hehe, funny face! I know what you mean about hating gyms, though. I joined the YMCA for… maybe two weeks? I just never wanted to go! I’m so happy that I have an elliptical and 3 pairs of free weights in our rec room. That’s all I need to get my sweat on in the comfort of my own home.

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 7, 2011, 10:36 am

    Weights then swimming is totally awesome – helps stretch out your muscles AND you are already warmed up.

    Real women are strong. Lift those big old weights. Bonus: injury prevention.

  • Freya June 7, 2011, 10:36 am

    UGh I hate weights too! I don’t like to be in pain, so I don’t like weights 😀 which is probably why I have little stick arms but meh…
    Love that quote 🙂

  • Chelsea @ Go Chelsea Go! June 7, 2011, 10:36 am

    Good quote! It reminds me of a saying my high school principal used to say over the intercom every day: “Make it a great day, or not, the choice is yours!”

    • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) June 7, 2011, 12:16 pm

      Oh my goodness! The principal at the elementary school I teach at says the exact same thing every. single. morning!

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) June 7, 2011, 10:37 am

    Oh…and…I highly recommend the book “strength training anatomy” – scientific, informative, and pictures!

  • Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries June 7, 2011, 10:37 am

    Ahh strength training is not my thing either. I do it but I’d rather be doing something fun like yoga or jogging!

    I love the quote. Simple, to the point, and something everyone should consider today 🙂

  • Kamaile June 7, 2011, 10:37 am

    Good for you for starting a new habit! I take a weight training class at the gym or I wouldn’t do it. The picture with the body showing the muscles, 80’s hair and tennis shoes(!!) is weird! 🙂

  • Clare - Never Niche June 7, 2011, 10:38 am

    I’m curious about if you use a lock on your locker at the gym and if you can recommend a brand?

    • Caitlin June 7, 2011, 10:39 am

      I just carry my bag into the pool area with me and leave it on a chair 🙁 I don’t even own a lock!

      • Clare - Never Niche June 7, 2011, 10:41 am

        I do the same thing!

        • Mary June 7, 2011, 8:21 pm

          Me, too!

  • Kristin June 7, 2011, 10:40 am

    I totally agree on not liking a public gym. I love to strength train though and have found that I love using bands instead of weights. I found an awesome website, liveexercise.com, that is FREE! It’s like going to a class at the gym but in your own home! My running is getting better because of my cross training and I feel stronger.

  • Lisa Fine June 7, 2011, 10:40 am

    I’m with you. I find strength training boring, and even if I have TV or music on, I can’t get into it.

    Maybe we should look into classes that focus on strength?

  • Cassie @ Back to Her Roots June 7, 2011, 10:41 am

    I’m a cardio queen normally too, but I started a Summer of Strength challenge on my blog and my goal is build some SERIOUS muscle this summer.

    Side note, is that a male or female in that muscle diagram? That hair is suuuuuhhhhhweeet!

  • Sara June 7, 2011, 10:41 am

    Has anyone else noticed the amazing ’80s hair on that muscle guide sign? It kind of made my morning.

    • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) June 7, 2011, 11:14 am

      I’ve noticed that same muscle guide in many gyms and the hair ALWAYS makes my day 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:30 pm

      The sneakers are the best part!

  • Elizabeth @ Eat Clean Fun June 7, 2011, 10:41 am

    I don’t like strength training/lifting weights either 🙁 I need to start doing more of it! That pool looks nice and refreshing on these hot days.

  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen June 7, 2011, 10:41 am

    I love that post of Emily’s, it along with NROLFW has really inspired me to get my act together with strength training. So far so good. I’m loving the results 🙂

  • chloe @ 321delish June 7, 2011, 10:43 am

    im with you. not a fan of strength training. I think that doing ab workouts is REALLY important for triathlon training, but personally I have done very little weight training and been A OK.

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 7, 2011, 10:45 am

    YAY for heavy lifting!
    I’m a big proponent for weight training …it does WONDERS.

    If you just want a quick workout that gets maximum results focus on the larger muscle groups– Back, Chest, Glutes– because they are compound muscle groups so that you will also be working your smaller muscles at the same time.

    When you do Chest exercises (or Pushing exercises) you also work your triceps. When you do Back exercises (or Pulling exercises) you are also working your biceps. And doing compound leg exercises like squats and lunges require all the muscles in your legs.

    A good in-and-out of the gym workout that will target all the major muscle groups is 3 sets of 8-12 reps of the following:

    – Push-ups or Bench Press
    – Pull-ups or Lat Pulldowns
    – Incline Dumbbell Press
    – Cable Rows
    – Shoulder Press
    – Barbell Squats
    – Lunges

    But make sure not to cheat yourself with the weights. Lift as much as you can while maintaining good form. You’ll be golden.

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat June 7, 2011, 10:47 am

    Since I have a lower body injury I’ve definitely been doing a lot more upper body strength training… I hope I can continue the habit once I get back into a cardio routine.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me June 7, 2011, 10:47 am

    ugh I hear you. I despise weight lifting but I know there are so many benefits there. Burning extra calories after the workout, the biggest difference in body definition but I just can’t seem to get into it! But, like you, I really don’t know what the hell I’m doing!

  • Ella June 7, 2011, 10:50 am

    If you can’t get into weightlifting see if your class offers some group classes? Group Power/Body Pump classes are so much fun!
    I lovelovelove strength training though. It surprisingly helps keep my weight down and gives my body way better results than cardio. And I don’t want to get osteoperosis and weight bearing activity really helps prevent it. I put together my sorority’s fitness program and all my sisters freak that lifting is going to make them look like men but I’ve been doing it for three years and my muscles are defined but still small!
    Good luck and congrats for trying something new!

    • Ella June 7, 2011, 10:50 am

      and by class offers some group classes i mean gym offers some group classes – whoops!

  • Margaret June 7, 2011, 10:52 am

    I don’t enjoy strength training but I love boot camp, which incorporates strength training with cardio for an amazing workout.

  • Caitlin @ The Caitie Experiment June 7, 2011, 10:55 am

    Count me among the haters of weight training — specifically, leg training, because I can’t stand the Jello-leg effect that comes with it. Squats? Eww. Lunges? Pass. I usually get my training in by doing these crazy awesome, 90s-style Reebok Versa workouts that my stepmom transferred from VHS to DVD for me. The arms one is SICK — Dara Torres is the “advanced” modification and I’m always extra motivated, since it was filmed so much earlier in her career and obviously, she’s doing something right!

    Also, now that I know strength training will make me more cat-like by “improving the quality AND QUANTITY of my lives,” how can I say no?! 😉

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:29 pm

      Hahah I love this last sentence.

  • Jen @ Little-Crumbs June 7, 2011, 10:58 am

    Check out the Niike Training Club app (free) for the iPhone. You pick the type of workout, decide on time, set your music, and it talks you through the entire workout from warmup to cool down. I love it!

  • Gretchen @ Honey, I Shrunk the Gretchen! June 7, 2011, 10:58 am

    Despite hating weight training, at least you got to check out the frickin’ sweet ‘do on the muscle-area-poster-guy. Who says the 80s are dead? 😉

  • Elizabeth June 7, 2011, 10:59 am

    Oh man, that diagram is awesome! I like how they felt the need to also put shoes on her, I mean, why not just add the head band and leg warmers and really take it to another level? Hahaha. I became a fan of weight training when I started the 5 factor workout program. It is simple, and easy! You do 3 exercises different exercises for 5 workout days a week. You work something different each day, and it encourages you to do cardio after weights. I really like it because you get a total body workout without burning yourself out!

    • Elizabeth June 7, 2011, 11:00 am

      PS I am SO with you on the banana and nut butter pre-workout fuel. It’s perfect!

  • Chloe (South Beach Girl) June 7, 2011, 11:00 am

    Strength training is hard for me too – I feel like I always end up doing the same thing (bicep curls, squats, etc) and my muscles don’t really get a good workout. That’s why I like classes like bodypump or even workout cards that I can take with me to the gym.

  • Steph @ A Life Without Ice Cream June 7, 2011, 11:02 am

    I hear ya, I also have a love-hate (and by that I mean hate) relationship with strength training but can do cardio all the live-long-day.

    I’ve recently started going to see a trainer 1x a week so I’m forced to do it at least once. She wants me to do it 2x on my own and as I have someone who’s actually going to check to see if I did it… I actually do it.

    I’ve learned to love my workouts with the trainer… but I still have to force myself on my own.

    Maybe one day I’ll love strength training.

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg June 7, 2011, 11:05 am

    I’m a cardio queen too which is strange because I love lifting weights and feeling so strong. I just don’t know what I’m really doing which makes me not want to do it.

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) June 7, 2011, 11:06 am

    I hate strength training because I have no idea what to do, but I just signed up for personal training and I’m hoping I’ll finally figure out what to do!

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf June 7, 2011, 11:08 am

    I feel the same way about strength training! I don’t feel the drive to do a ton of cardio, either, but I’m totally good with pilates/power yoga, as long as they don’t make me use hand weights. I don’t know. I guess I’m just more into using my own body weight for resistance. However, my husband is going to the YMCA three times a week for weight training. I went with him yesterday and did some weight machines before spotting the husband and hitting the pool. My pecs and arms are KILLING ME this morning! I only spent 20 minutes on the machines! And some of that was lower body!

  • Sarah AJ June 7, 2011, 11:09 am

    Ha! We had that same muscle guide poster in the weight room in my high school! It looked dated even then, in the mid-late ’90s.

  • Cindy Robinson June 7, 2011, 11:09 am

    Hi! To keep me from bailing, and wandering aimlessly around the weight section, I go in with a plan. Simple, basic, hand written plan. i.e. Bicep Curls: 10 lb : 10 Reps x 3 Sets. Start basic & easy so you keep good form. Performing the action correctly, and focusing on engaging that particular muscle you are working is very important.
    Also, I LOVE Jackie Warner’s Power Circuit Training DVD. I highly recommend it. No thinking involved 🙂 Good luck!

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:29 pm

      Jackie Warner is awesome. I love her. Fierce.

      • Cindy Robinson June 8, 2011, 1:18 pm

        Okay, I this isn’t strenght training per se, but I thought it would be fun and a great way to tone my core…..my friend and I just signed up for a Stand Up Paddleboarding class in Orlando. It’s where you stand up on a long surfboard and paddle. Looks like a lot of fun!

  • kristi (sweet cheeks) June 7, 2011, 11:10 am

    good job for strength training! I feel a lot better when I do…the extra muscle makes day to day activities a lot easier on your body!

  • k June 7, 2011, 11:11 am

    I take a strength training class at my gym (it is called total toning) and I absolutely love it. Great music, new workouts each class, a motivating instructor – it makes strength training fun.

  • Jenna H June 7, 2011, 11:13 am

    ugh i hate strength training too…hate it! however, in the past couple weeks i’ve finally admitted to myself i need to build strength if my running/overall fitness was going to improve. i WANT to be strong, but doing a cable pull or bicep curl makes me want to die of boredom. so about 2 weeks ago i decided to try bikram yoga, and was IMMEDIATELY HOOKED. After just one class my body hurt EVERYWHERE! and i felt good, high almost. scratch that, definitely high. like 10 lines of cocaine high. the best part? after only 3 classes i definitely saw a difference in my muscle tone and overall strength, and prefer it over vinyasa yoga so much. i know people say you “have” to lift weights, not just do yoga, but i disagree. everyone there that was a regular was lean and ripped without having to force themselves to lift weights. i know it’s pricier than most gyms, but it also chills your mind out, in addition to getting you sexy muscles ;). something weights definitely don’t do, as i always feel more stressed leaving the gym. running outside+yoga are the only things that relax me!

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:28 pm

      Bikram is so hard! And sweaty 🙂

  • Amanda (Eating Up) June 7, 2011, 11:14 am

    This post totally motivated me to go for a swim…too bad I have no pool available at the moment!

  • jen @ taste life June 7, 2011, 11:22 am

    I have been strength training for months now, and have seen no signs of 80’s hair. Damnit.

  • Valerie @ Spice In Our Life June 7, 2011, 11:28 am

    I always think about jumping in the pool after working out but I never do. Strength training isn’t my favorite either.

  • Ashley O. @ The Vegetable Life June 7, 2011, 11:31 am

    Haha this post made me laugh you are too funny!

  • Faith @ lovelyascharged June 7, 2011, 11:39 am

    I hate lifting too. I always feel so lost standing in front of the free weights rack. I think I make that same face when I sprint though!

  • kristen June 7, 2011, 11:41 am

    Im not a big fan of strength training, I think that is because I get bored.
    But I love workout classes that tell me what to do!

  • Rae June 7, 2011, 11:44 am

    Is it wrong that that guy reminds me of Mister Goodbody? Remember him? 😛

  • Janessa June 7, 2011, 11:47 am

    “Now you know what I look like first thing in the morning. And what I look like when I’m making my “I hate strength training with the force of a unrelenting fire of doooooom” face.”

    Ha! You crack me up!

  • Jordan June 7, 2011, 11:48 am

    I’m totally with ya! I really don’t enjoy strength training…in fact, I DREAD it!! But I know how important it is, especially for runners. Glad to know I’m not alone in these sentiments! 🙂

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey June 7, 2011, 11:49 am

    I have a hard time sticking with strength training too! I’d rather run.

  • Emily June 7, 2011, 11:52 am

    Stick with the strength training!! I know it’s so hard to get into but once you do and see your muscles growing it’s such incentive to keep at it 🙂

  • Talia June 7, 2011, 11:52 am

    I have the same problem of finding weights boring… and I can be going on the elliptical while reading a book, listening to music and texting on my cell phone to keep from being bored silly. With weights, it’s even worse because I can’t be using my hands for other entertainment. I tried a Kettlebell program using http://www.fitango.com and so far it is better than regular weight training because you move fast — so it’s sort of cardio too? Anyway, I found it less boring. Might help you too 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:28 pm

      What do you think of that Fitango site?

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) June 7, 2011, 11:54 am

    Have you tried New Rules of Lifting for Women? Whenever I need a good strength training motivation kick in the booty I’ll pick it up and do a workout from it. It’s pretty awesome!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine June 7, 2011, 11:59 am

    This is super duper random, but I feel the same way about OJ before swimming. I think it’s the reason I don’t like the stuff in general- I used to drink it in the morning before swim practice as a kid, and it does NOT taste good mixed with chlorine. Haha.

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) June 7, 2011, 11:59 am

    Ok, I LOVE that quote! I am so choosing to be happy right now!

    As for muscle toning. I have fallen in love with it. If you don’t like the gym aspect of it, you should try Core Fusion. I love it so much. It’s based on pilates and uses your body strength for toning. It also works different muscles.

  • Kaite Daley June 7, 2011, 12:03 pm

    I’ve never been much for strength training either but I kept trying and kept trying. At some point I discovered rock climbing (indoor). It’s fun, time flies while I am climbing and it seriously tones my muscles. I combine it with yoga, running, cycling but it takes care of my strength training! I highly recommend it if you have a chance to try!

  • Emily Malone June 7, 2011, 12:11 pm

    Haha are you seriously still linking to The Front Burner? 🙂 Way to go with the weight lifting! It’s all about the heavier weights – make SUCH a difference.

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table June 7, 2011, 12:13 pm

    I am totally the opposite – if I could lift weights every day, I would. And I’m not a “bulky” girl. 🙂

    Have you tried running intervals between sets? I have a couple workouts on my site the incorporate cardio like that. Maybe that would make it more fun for you?

  • Ali June 7, 2011, 12:23 pm

    I loooove strength training! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I am doing Crossfit now and I think you would like it because it uses a lot of your own body weight (like pull-ups etc.) and it super goal oriented, which I think will make you respond to it better. It is sooooooo fun! See if there are any Crossfit gyms near you and try it out.

    • Wendy June 7, 2011, 12:50 pm

      I agree – Crossfit all the way! I used to be really wishy-washy about strength training. Since discovering Crossfit last summer, I am the strongest and fittest I have EVER been. My favorite aspects are the variety of workouts – I haven’t done the same workout twice in 10 months of 2-3x per week Crossfit – it is SUPER effective, and most of the time, the workouts themselves don’t take longer than about 20 minutes. You should check in to it!

      • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:27 pm

        I would love to try out Crossfit, but do you think it would be hard on my knees?

        • Wendy June 7, 2011, 6:42 pm

          Actually, it would probably help your knees, by strengthening all the muscles around them. Also, Crossfit is totally scalable. If you can’t do the weight, you lift less. If you can’t do the movement (i.e. pullups) there are lots of modications to help you progress. If you go to a crossfit gym, the trainers will help you figure out what you need to do, and if you need to make any special modications for your knees. I’ve actually been working out with a strained back muscle for the last week – just lifting less weight and modifying movements as necessary, or avoiding ones that hurt. I really think you’d love crossfit! You get a strength workout and an intense cardio workout all at once.

  • Heather June 7, 2011, 12:29 pm

    I definitely used to dislike strength training and was worried about bulk. Now I can’t imagine not lifting.

    Plus it makes me feel like a rockstar…or a ninja.

    Love it!

  • alli June 7, 2011, 12:49 pm

    i love the burn from a good lift and how sore it leaves me! but i lift at home so i don’t have to worry about feeling weird with others around. i envision myself getting stronger with each lift- and eventually seeing the improvements and little muscles popping out keeps me going back for more! also, as a new mom i enjoy the fact that i can get a great burn in a small amount of time 🙂

  • alli June 7, 2011, 12:50 pm

    oh! i was also going to say that i bet it’ll be no time before you love lifting just like you now love veggies! you’ve just got to find a way/routine that works for YOU! 🙂

  • Mac June 7, 2011, 12:53 pm

    Attack those weights! Hopefully soon, you will crave the feeling after a good lift!

  • kristin June 7, 2011, 12:54 pm

    that is amazing eighties hair 🙂

    i recently picked up 2 strength training classes a week and i loooooove them. ask me to pick up a hand weight at my own home and i would die though. why is it so hard to love strength training?

  • Moni'sMeals June 7, 2011, 12:59 pm

    I am really glad you lifted! SO important for women. To me and in my training with my clients– it is the number one most important.

    I LOVE IT! It takes work but it is the best once you get over the initial first few sessions! Power and Confidence coming your way. 🙂

  • Khushboo June 7, 2011, 1:00 pm

    When it comes to cardio, I own it but strength training? yea not so much! Today’s session may have changed things for me! I went with a printed weights schedule and I actually enjoyed it! I guess going in with a plan makes all the difference for me…otherwise I’m just clueless with a capital C!

  • Cindy @ The Flipping Couple June 7, 2011, 1:02 pm

    I never thought I’d love strength training until I found CrossFit. Seriously. Changed my life. I LOVE strength training now and I really love using more and more weight. Check it out – I bet you’ll be hooked. : )

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:26 pm

      I would really love to try it but do you think it would be hard on my knees? Lots of lunges?

      • Cindy @ The Flipping Couple June 8, 2011, 9:40 am

        Not a ton of lunges – but LOTS of squats. But I agree with one of the previous commenters that it would probably help build up your muscles around your knees. The Crossfit trainers are really careful to make sure you’re using perfect form so that you’re not putting strain where you shouldn’t. I have (really) bad knees too, but as long as I’m using good form I don’t hurt my knees and the pain has gone way down since I started.

        I hope you can give it a try! It’s so addicting and the results are AMAZING. : )

  • Amber K June 7, 2011, 1:13 pm

    I wish I could get into a good strength training groove. It’s just not any fun! I can’t flip through magazines while lifting weights, lol.

    I try to do it at least once a week though because I know it’s good for me. I wish the classes at my gym were held at more convenient times because I think a class might convince me to stick with it.

  • Carolyn L. June 7, 2011, 1:21 pm

    As a few other posts have mentioned, try Body Pump. It will make you look forward to lifting weights.

  • meredith June 7, 2011, 1:22 pm

    i never lifted until my boyfriend started to show me how. i dead-lifted over 100lbs.! it helps to have someone who knows what they’re doing.

    p.s. i swear, a banana with peanut butter is a good snack anytime.

  • Gina (Yogattude) June 7, 2011, 1:27 pm

    I’m adding weights back into my routine this week…I’m nervous about being so sore that I can’t give my all to my beloved power yoga classes! But I do know that the ST will help me get stronger in my practice…do here goes:)

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul June 7, 2011, 1:36 pm

    i’m all about strength training Caitlin! And let me just reiterate how good it is! 😛 If you train hard enough, you’ll get plenty of cardio in! High and intense workouts with weights and just plainly your body weight will get you more muscles. Even something simple like weighted planks to rowing gets the back muscles, core/abs, and arms all working at the same time. I think many people also get intimidated because it seems as though one would have to do it for hours on end, but if you can start up small, the results will quickly show 😀 thank you for reading this lengthy comment haha. have a great day!

  • Shannon June 7, 2011, 1:36 pm

    I go through phases with strength training. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it

  • JenATX June 7, 2011, 1:42 pm

    Try imagining how strong you feel while/after lifting weights. I always picture myself beating up someone strong with my new muscles haha (weird i know) but it gets me into the mood to lift

  • kyndra June 7, 2011, 2:08 pm

    i notice you often do nut butter with your pre workout snack . . . have you tried just doing straight carbs, without the fat? your body has to work extra hard to digest the fat, which pulls more blood into your stomach. less blood in your muscles means less energy during your workout. also, fruit will ferment in your stomach if you combine it with fat. that also makes your energy take a hit. i know the nut butter toast or fruit combo is a popular choice for a lot of people and they say it works fine for them, but i just thought i’d throw that out there!

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:26 pm

      I have heard this before, that eating fat before a workout isn’t a great idea. What do you like to have?

      • kyndra June 7, 2011, 8:57 pm

        i just do fruit. i eat high carb raw vegan, so i’m basically just eating fruit all the time anyways, ha. i actually try not to eat within 2 hours of a workout . . . i notice a big difference in the effort it takes for me to sustain even an easy pace when i’m digesting something. but if i do eat beforehand, i do something super digestible- dates blended with coconut water. no fat, not a lot of fiber, and lots of electrolytes. plus it’s delicious!

  • Rebecca June 7, 2011, 2:34 pm

    I can totally relate! I can do cardio with no problem, but lift weights? Ugh. And lift weights in front of other people, especially the super strong dudes who always seem to be at the gym when I go? Double ugh. BUT I started going to Body Pump at the Y and LOVE it! It’s challenging, but it is such a fun class and everyone is at a different age, strength level, etc. I think it has helped my running too. I feel a lot stronger overall and saw quick improvements to my running form. If you find a routine you love, it’s worth it!

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:24 pm

      I tried out Body Pump and liked it – I wish they offered classes at the aquatic center!

  • Katy June 7, 2011, 2:52 pm

    fabulous quote of the day. instantly made me smile. it’s great to know that everyone else experience off days or feelings of anxiety. we are all human. embrace it!

  • Allie Q (Fit Geek) June 7, 2011, 3:19 pm

    Heh, I’m the opposite. I love lifting weights, but have a really hard time getting motivated to do cardio. But lifting weights has made a 1000x more difference in body than cardio has. And yes, please go heavier! Don’t be skurd! I’m currently benching 95 lbs…lol.

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:23 pm

      Damn girl! 95 pounds is impressive!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 7, 2011, 3:21 pm

    I hate strength training too so I’ve really been slacking on it lately. I want to tone up again though so I’m going to do Gina’s summer shape up a few times a week now!

  • Clare June 7, 2011, 3:35 pm

    We’re opposites — I love weight training but I hate cardio with the burning intensity of a thousand suns. Hate it! A good resource is Mark Rippetoe’s Starting Strength if you want to learn more. It’s a great program for beginners — uncomplicated, and you’ll get great results :-). Don’t bother with Crossfit though ;-).

  • Amy June 7, 2011, 4:22 pm

    I so relate to this post! I’m always about to start strength training and then I never actually get around to it. Running and yoga, no problem…but put me in a gym and I’m lost and unmotivated! Now that I think of it I guess I better get around to that- maybe tomorrow. 😉

  • Wendi @ Earth, Wind and Fire June 7, 2011, 5:11 pm

    if you have an iPhone, download Nike Training Club. It is awesome…

    • CaitlinHTP June 7, 2011, 6:22 pm

      Oh thanks for this recommendation! I’ll look into it.

  • jane June 7, 2011, 6:02 pm

    omg i LOVE strength training. i used to hate it but then i did it consistently 2x a week for about an hour and my body changed-it was amazing! before i knew what happened i had really defined abs, killer arms and quite a cute little booty. i completely agree with Emily-heavy is the way to go. honestly, do heavy weights 2x a week and once you see the results on your body you will love lifting weights. please let me know if you are interested in the training plan that i follow. i would be glad to email it to you! 🙂

  • Karlee @olivewineandfood June 7, 2011, 6:37 pm

    oh i need to get back into the swimming mode! i love it so much and it is the best workout for my body but i need to find a good pool. i had a dream pool for swimming laps and now i can’t find anything that compares.

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out June 7, 2011, 7:15 pm

    Haha. I hope you get amazing 80s hair, too. I love strength training, but husband is a trainer. SO I always have someone around to tell me what I’m doing right or wrong. Positive reinforcement is a good thing.

  • Carol June 7, 2011, 8:23 pm

    Find a boot camp! I love working out with my little gang of masochists, as we “let” Trainer Josh put us through our paces. I groan, moan, make my mean face, yet am thrilled when I feel my triceps and not a chicken wing! And my boot camp is outside, which also rocks, because I hate working out inside.
    Seriously…do it. You know you wanna!!!

  • Mary June 7, 2011, 8:27 pm

    Cathe Freidrich has some awesome strength training series. The best is STS, but Gym Style is also great. I do strength training at home and love it (a year and a half ago I never thought I’d say that!). It’s like having a personal trainer on the DVD instructing and counting reps for you. Makes it A LOT easier to do. My definition and strength from the weight training is totally worth it!

  • Nicci (NiftyEats) June 8, 2011, 12:51 am

    I’ve always liked strength training since my high school days. It’s definitely a learning process. The thing that used to intimidate me was when people would stare…leaving me to think I’m doing something wrong with the weights. lol Now, I’ve learned the basics from my Boot camp trainer. I’ve also learned when I strength train & incorporate cardio, I lose weight/get lean!

  • elaine! June 8, 2011, 3:11 pm

    I don’t mind strength training as much now that a) I have incentive to as a martial artist; and b) I’m getting more creative with doing it at home. You really don’t need a whole lot of equipment to strength train at home, and it’s kind of fun getting creative with it. Stumptuous.com has some good info for at-home strength exercises (and it’s geared towards women). It was there that I found out about the Shovelglove (Google it!), which is a whole ton of functional strength exercises you can do at home with nothing but a sledgehammer with a sweater tied over it so you don’t ruin your floors if you accidentally drop it. 🙂

  • Emily June 8, 2011, 7:46 pm

    So I really hated weights until I started lifting heavy!! It is a lot less boring!!

  • jo June 8, 2011, 8:40 pm

    Try a class with weights. I can’t imagine hanging out in the gym lifting weights by myself. Twice a week I take a class at my gym. Both with weights and they incorporate non weight strength training moves as well. Just a thought

  • Lili June 9, 2011, 9:12 pm

    you have a rocking body, lady!!

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