trouble getting motvated for weights. please tell me why you do it!

Julia-Henry

What has lifting done for you? What improvements have you seen, and do you think it's worth the effort?

I know I should do it, but I'm having trouble getting motivated to get into a good routine. Please help!

What will weights do for me that running won't?

dmblack

I admit its hard but I found that I needed to fully commit to it.  My brother is getting married in October and the dresses are a halter style.  So now I have a lot of motiviation to get some major toning done with my arms, shoulders and back.  Really you just need to fully commit to it so many days a week and get it done.  I strength train 2-3 days a week.  I've also found that working out with a partner helps me push myself.

stinkerbell6879

It will help your running by helping preventing injury and make you stronger. I know that it's hard to incorporate it in with running high mileage (at least for me...) BUT since I have made sure to lift more lately I feel better and stronger in my running.

ebeth_msn

it will help build bone density and prevent osteoporosis.  

when I'm consistent with my strength training I see improvements in my running: faster, fewer injuries, better endurance, etc.

also, when I want to lose weight, lifting really speeds things along in a way running does not. I"ve been running for a long so it might just be that my body is adapted to it though.

I strongly dislike lifting, but I try to do it at least once a week because I know it is good for me. 

BQBride

I've been told repeatedly that I need to add in some weight training if I really want to see changes in my body. Unfortunately, nearly everything I enjoy is cardio.  Although I've certainly gotten fast and stronger, I've seen very little change in my body through cardio alone.  I'm finally ready to accept that I've got to add in strength training, but I really hate it and I don't know where to start, so keep putting it off.  Hopefully, someone else in this thread can be of more help than me!

nmlahaie

I enjoy weights a lot more than most cardio, so I don't need much motivation at all if I am choosing between the two. 

I love being able to see the definition in my muscles (and there is a huge difference between bulk and definition) and the way my clothes fit differently but there are a ton of great benefits to strength training.

Here is an article on SparkPeople that lists a few of them (sorry it's not clicky): http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1736

WinesNotWhines

I kind of hate strength training, so I totally understand. I used to force myself to do it, but then I stopped and fell off the wagon for YEARS. I finally forced myself to get back into it because I realized my upper body was really weak. I also thought building more muscle in my legs could only help me with running. I got back into it by taking a strength training class at my gym. Most gyms have some weight training classes. IMO the classes are a lot more fun than doing it on my own. If I'm left to my own devices, I just won't do it.

As for your last question, running isn't going to help your upper body at all. It will tone your legs, but strength training will build even more muscle and give you more endurance for running.

heatherleigh9669

What has lifting done for you? increased strength & indurance (i can lift heavy boxes etc - don't need H to do it for me )

 What improvements have you seen, and do you think it's worth the effort? Definitely worth the effort, metabolism goes through the room, increased muscle in your body keeps you young

I know I should do it, but I'm having trouble getting motivated to get into a good routine. Please help!

What will weights do for me that running won't? i think its important to weight train to keep in shape for running. stronger arms, back and core help me run faster and with better form

doglove

Lifting weights will strengthen your muscles, help you burn more calories at rest and reduce injuries (especially from running). You post a lot on these forums about losing weight, the higher muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn.

gt7301b

I feel like I can see tangible results when I focus on strength training.  I am getting close to being able to do a pull up and I can lift heavier stuff.  Oh yeah, all the health benefits are good too.

taratru

It'll keep you from getting injured by just running.  It will strengthen your core.You'll race stronger and probably be faster.  

You will have amazing cut in your legs and will love to look at yourself in windows when you walk by wearing shorts.  Oh wait...that might just be me.

eta: look at my siggy pic.  See that calf muscle? That's not just from running. 

ebeth_msn

taratru:

You will have amazing cut in your legs and will love to look at yourself in windows when you walk by wearing shorts.  Oh wait...that might just be me.

not just you.  I was checking out my own ass in compression shots in windows yesterday

kimsy

I find it empowering. Now that I've built up to heavier weights, when I finish a set, I feel so bada$$. Never thought pushups and squats would be my favorite exercises!

erincassidy06

kimsy:

I find it empowering. Now that I've built up to heavier weights, when I finish a set, I feel so bada$$. Never thought pushups and squats would be my favorite exercises!

This! I enjoy lifting weights it makes me feel strong and I like seeing how much stronger I am now then when I started in January. 

I also find lifting with a partner to be motivating. I workout with my H and we enjoying pushing each other to do hard weights. Plus, I always feel better having a spotter in case I cant finish a set.

Kaley28

If you're not a huge fan of resistance/weight training, you should check and see if your gym or a gym that you might be interested in, offers BodyPump classes. I've never minded weight training, but I LOVE this class. I love putting an extra plate on my bar, and killing the pushups. I am far more motivated in this class than I am when I am by myself in the weight room.