I love the treadmill, the elliptical, the Arc trainer, the rowing machine, step class, Zumba... I'll happily do it all.
But strength training? That is a struggle every single time.
Now, I know all about the benefits of lifting weights and I've definitely noticed a change in my body since I started going to Body Pump about 5 months ago.
I love how my shoulders are taking shape and the definition in my back. I'm a firm believer that all those squats and lunges helped strengthen my legs enough to carry me through half-marathon training injury-free. And I looove the feeling of achy muscles the day (or days ;) after a tough workout!
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In spite of all that I haven't been a Pump class in almost a month. I used to go twice a week and would even throw in some upper body work at home once a week. But I decided to skip Pump the week before the half and well, I just haven't gone back!
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But I don't push myself nearly as much as I do in class. It's all too easy to skip the push-ups when no one is watching you :P!
So, tomorrow its back to Pump for me! There is a new dance class at my gym, Sh'Bam, that I really want to try out and Pump is on the schedule before that so I really have no excuse!
Do you strength train? Do you enjoy it or do you struggle with it too?
I LOVE strength-training! I do workouts at home from BodyRock.tv, and they are amazing. I really think strength-training has 1) made me a much better runner overall, and 2) shed mega inches. I'm down 17.5 inches, and it's more inches than I've ever lost with Weight Watchers and running in the myriad of times I've tried, so I think it's due to the strength training! It's a lot of high intensity intervals, and I am learning to love burpees!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Wow, congrats on losing all those inches, that is great!! And its certainly good motivation to strength train.
DeleteI'm not huge on doing strength training either. I definitely prefer cardio. But lately I can't run so there's been a lot more strength training and yoga! I miss my running haha.
ReplyDeleteSo true, the one time I really appreciated strength training was when I hurt my foot and couldn't do any cardio. Hope you feel better soon!
DeleteI never used to like strength and would do it just to do it. For the last year (since I've been injured) I've really taken to it! I dream of having nice, toned arms.
ReplyDeleteI guess you do learn to love it when it's the only activity you can do! Glad u found something you enjoy and I hope you're able to get back to running soon :)
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