https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:40:44 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated/page/2#post-1150144 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:39:35 +0000 annagybe 1150144@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe try this. No equipment necessary</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.refinery29.com/pilates-moves#slide-1">http://www.refinery29.com/pilates-moves#slide-1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated/page/2#post-1149477 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 22:41:57 +0000 Nomad 1149477@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like using Fitocracy.com as a training log, as well as for motivation and accountability.&nbsp; There's a huge and very supportive community there, too.</p> <p>And I'm a gamer, so I'm motivated by the points and achievements and seeing every time I hit a PR on a lift. &nbsp;YMMV. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149354 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:32:56 +0000 Suz 1149354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, aim to eat 3 to 4 oz. lean protein with every meal -- and if you are training hard you might need 4 meals a day. I strongly prefer to get my protein from real unprocessed food as well (although I do keep protein powder for emergency situations). So my fallbacks include:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Egg whites with egg.&nbsp;</li> <li>Roast chicken or turkey (make more than you need for a supper so you will have leftovers for lunch or even breakfast).</li> <li>Edamame beans</li> <li>Tuna&nbsp;</li> <li>Cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt.&nbsp;</li> <li>Chickpeas and/or lentils</li> </ul> Those are not my only protein sources, but they're a basic "pantry," if you will.&nbsp;If you have these available in fridge, freezer or cupboard, you won't really need to supplement with protein powder very often.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149338 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 17:46:37 +0000 Disha 1149338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to enjoy more cardio workouts, but lately have been lifting more.</p> <p>Have you thought about doing a weight circuit? Or a workout that combines intervals of lifting and cardio? I love those! I have not done a traditional 3 sets per exercise type of weight lifting in a very long time, yet I can lift heavier and feel like I get more out of my workout.</p> <p>Check out fitnessista.com, it is a blog, yet she posts some&nbsp;some fun workout circuits. This is one of my favorites, that I can do at home without any equipment.</p> <p><a href="http://fitnessista.com/2012/08/rainy-day-workout/" rel="nofollow">http://fitnessista.com/2012/08/rainy-day-workout/</a></p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149288 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 16:03:46 +0000 Mo 1149288@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jules, chocolate milk! &nbsp;4 to 1 carb to protein ratio. &nbsp;And yummy :)&nbsp; </p> <p>And I forgot to mention that in our house we do planks at 'interesting' times on the clock. &nbsp;Right now I just did one because it was 11:11 (and 11 seconds). &nbsp;dorky, but it puts some fun into it and most importantly, makes you do it NOW. &nbsp;12:34 and 56 seconds is a fave time, too. &nbsp;;) &nbsp;</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149273 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:43:12 +0000 Jules 1149273@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for starting this thread - I know weight training is the most effective thing for me and even enjoy it well enough but self-starting and keeping it up is HARD.<br /> I got the New Rules from the library, agree with the philosophy but got stuck on the protein shakes. I strongly prefer to eat and enjoy 'real' food not<br /> bad tasting processed powders. But as soon as I start a program my appetite goes up and I do need to be prepared with protein or risk going nuts on the ever-available carbs. Need to figure out post-workout eats that are not shakes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149111 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 05:19:05 +0000 carter 1149111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Read the success stories on Mark's Daily Apple. The Primal Fitness plan is so simple but so very effective. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149045 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 03:27:21 +0000 anne 1149045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, I went to bed last night thinking this thread had come to a natural end and woke up to find it had exploded!! Thanks so much everyone! And Mo and Suz I love your thread hijacking - go right on ahead.</p> <p>I am going to start off by confessing that I am not always that motivated to do the running at this time of the year either. This morning I had planned to do my "long run" of the week (9km) and when I woke up after a modest and necessary sleep in it was already 27C (80F) and I just piked. I did a long run in that temp last weekend and I suffered!&nbsp; Treadmills may be boring but at least they are located in an air conditioned gym (but I only go there on work days and today is Sat..)</p> <p>Interesting to notice there is quite a divide between those who prefer cardio and those who prefer lifting. (Marin I am nodding my head)<br />To answer the question of why I do it when I don't prefer it, here goes;<br />* to compensate for the otherwise inevitable loss of muscle as one ages with commensurate difficulty in maintaining weight<br />*to keen my back strong, which is recommended for me since I have slight scoliosis<br />* (in theory) to strengthen my legs for running</p> <p>I have quite a time this morning looking up and reading through the suggestions made by you guys on this thread. The one Dianthus linked to had some similarities, at least in terms of some of the exercises (squats and dead lifts in particular) that I got from the program I had from the better of the gym trainers I had session with (He was very good on technique too)There is no way I could do even one chin up though!!<br />Pastrygirl I had to look up "power cage" (I have used them, but didn't know that is what they were called). I had fun looking at your blog too.</p> <p>I am going to see if I can borrow the books recommended from my library.</p> <p>I don't think I actually want to watch a video at the gym - I'd be too self conscious. But I can certainly take a program in with me.</p> <p>Suz - I love cardio as "transport" too! Apart from spin classes, I had never really cycled much at the gym - but I love commuting that way.</p> <p>And I can only take the treadmill if I do it as a kind of interval session.</p> <p>Mo - no weights at home. But I just did 4 pushups. Honestly I can't do any&nbsp; more without being on my knees. I blame 3 pregnancies.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149021 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 02:55:00 +0000 Mo 1149021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! &nbsp;I hear you on LSD (long slow distance for those not into running!). &nbsp;Fartlek, or just an occasional&nbsp;fast song on my mp3 player, make it all so much more fun. &nbsp;<br />FWIW, I did 10 push ups and one half a**ed sun salutation today after my 4 mile bike ride. &nbsp;It's a start. &nbsp;Doing some squats and sit ups once the cat gets off my lap. &nbsp;I know, some excuse huh? &nbsp;But it's true. &nbsp;<br />You, Anne? &nbsp;Done some&nbsp;weights yet?? &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1149007 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 02:36:57 +0000 Suz 1149007@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah - there are advantages and disadvantages to working out at home for sure. I'm not sure I would get weights workouts done at home -- much as I dislike the gym!! I'd be like you...staring balefully at the mat and thinking...oy.&nbsp;But some people love their weight caves, like your BF.&nbsp;</p> <p>Here's another wrinkle that maybe applies a bit to your BF, too....I said I didn't like cardio, but it's not true. I <b>DO</b> like it. I just don't like it as much when I conceive of it as "exercise." So...put me on a bike (or on my feet) and tell me, this is your transportation, and I am completely on. board with it&nbsp;I love it! Tell me it's a "workout" and I think, no no no!&nbsp;</p> <p>I think in the end what I hate is long, steady state, medium intensity cardio. I am no marathoner.&nbsp;</p> <p>But then again, I'm totally contradictory, because in the end I do more cardio based workouts per week than weights ones, even while saying I like weights better. :/ &nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148998 Sat, 25 Jan 2014 02:19:43 +0000 Mo 1148998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, I do wonder. &nbsp;It's funny, the BF is content lifting weights every day, but only in our home. &nbsp;(Truth be told, I'm 'over' gyms as well, but that's another story.) &nbsp;He does not like aerobic exercise. &nbsp;Yet . . . he rode his bicycle from FL to KY 20 years ago. &nbsp;Weird, yes. &nbsp;He also kicks my butt at tennis even though I have running lungs. &nbsp;<br />I like the feeling of being strong, and lifting weights, but I somehow lack the 'let's get going' factor when it comes to them, or yoga, or push ups, etc. &nbsp;But I can get on my bike, or lace up my sneakers and go running with nary a push. &nbsp;Heck, I went running with a champagne hangover on Monday! &nbsp;<br />I (like, Anne, I assume) do not have the 'get started' factor with the strength training as&nbsp;with the cardio. &nbsp;Maybe for me, it's the leaving the house for running or biking that turns it into a workout. &nbsp;Whereas I see the yoga mat from the comfort of my couch and just can't cross that mental divide in my own living room. &nbsp;Mind games! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148877 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:56:21 +0000 Suz 1148877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&lt;threadjack&gt;&nbsp;</p> <p>Mo, I think there are psychological differences, probably. Also, body type influences what you're best at, or what comes most easily -- which often affects what you most enjoy.&nbsp;</p> <p>But we get the same endorphin rush, I think, if we work out for long enough/ hard enough. It could be that some people don't lift heavy/ intensely enough to get that rush so they prefer cardio for that reason. I'm not sure.&nbsp;</p> <p>I said I don't like running, but here's something funny -- I'll often choose a run instead of going to the gym. Why? 1. If I'm low on time. I can get a workout quickly by doing intervals and this is satisfying. 2. If I am not assured of getting equipment I need at the gym, I far prefer the run. (I hate it when it is crammed with the college boys and resist going then like you would not believe.) 3. Running gets me outside, where I would far, far, far prefer to workout. (I strongly dislike treadmill running and only do it when there's no choice to do anything else.)&nbsp;</p> <p>Cardio/ aerobic stuff lets you go on autopilot and lets your mind wander a bit. This is a Good Thing for most of us.&nbsp;</p> <p>Weightlifting demands more attention and focus. But at the same time it is very zen. You have to let go of your assumptions every time you go into the gym, have to be ready to humble yourself, have to listen to your body. Or face possible injury. It can be a sort of mindfulness practice. You have to be in the moment.&nbsp;</p> <p>Either one of these activities can seem or feel "boring" to someone if they are in the wrong frame of mind. Or, either can become a kind of positive addiction.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Both have huge benefits (mental and emotional as well as physical). Ideally, we'd all do a balance. But....</p> <p>&lt;end of threadjack&gt;</p> <p>...ultimately, we should do the kind of exercise we love. Yeah, it's good to do this, that, and the other, ideal to have a balance&nbsp;-- but if you truly hate something, why do it?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148827 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:01:03 +0000 ironkurtin 1148827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, I did a search for "best personal trainer" + my area.&nbsp; Yahoo is wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148782 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 21:02:32 +0000 Mo 1148782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wonder if there is a deeper psychology behind cardio seekers vs&nbsp;lifting fiends.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148770 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 20:50:26 +0000 Anonymous 1148770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So we maybe workout twins. I bike, run, and swim.... and loathe doing any type of weights or core exercises, especially by myself. Funny, I love the results when I actually stick to a routine. Anyway, what helps me is to make my run/bike the reward to doing some resistance training. I plan out what I am going to do BEFORE I go to the gym or trail. This helps me not cheat. If I wait until it is time to workout I will 'forget' to do the resistance training. I also keep my goals small - maybe 4-5 exercises or 20 minutes. If I wait until after my run or bike (to difficult logistically with swimming) I will blow of the resistance training. I have been known to lengthen my run/bike to the absolute max time I have available so that 'I didn't have time'. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148611 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 18:11:28 +0000 Suz 1148611@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yup. The New Rules is also a good program.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also agree with Pastrygirl and Dianthus that a program really, really helps. It's tough to go on your own without a plan - you never see any results and you just flounder around. A plan helps motivate. That's why the PN&nbsp;coaching programs are so great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148598 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:51:57 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1148598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read New Rules of Lifting for Men (partner bought it) and it was a good read and had a lot of good info. &nbsp;Good suggestion Pastrygirl. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148581 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:27:58 +0000 pastrygirl 1148581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm a HUGE fan of the New Rules series (New Rules of Lifting for Women, Supercharged, Abs, etc.). I also really like Drop Two Sizes, which was written by the New Rules guy's wife, Rachel Cosgrove. I'm in the middle of doing it a second time (not to drop more, just to maintain), and have spread the word as much as I am able. I've had many friends start it and/or complete it. I love the workouts. It's a book but there are also DVDs available (they lack the schedule, though).</p> <p>I need a program. I can't just go to the gym and figure out what to do once I'm there. I follow the plan and the plan motivates me. Actually, my forming muscles motivate me. But my goals might be different than yours; for me, weight training is everything and I was SO HAPPY when I discovered that I didn't have to do cardio anymore! I started putting together a home gym and now we're finishing our basement so we can make it REAL, with a power cage and everything. I can't wait til it's ready. And I can't wait for tank top season again. ;)</p> <p>Last year, I realized that what I wanted more than anything was to be STRONG. Just some questions --&nbsp;what is your goal? Why do you feel the need to lift weights? Why is it something you want to force yourself into doing? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148566 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:18:19 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1148566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes I am Suz. &nbsp;I followed that program about 5 years ago and got good results. &nbsp;I found a few others online that were great. &nbsp;I found that too many trainers made the exact recommendations for everyone - essentially 3 sets of 12 reps of the same exercises often including single joint exercises. &nbsp;This was contradicted by most of the individuals that had excellent reps for their knowledge&nbsp;(including your boss). &nbsp;I did a fair bit of research and read both JBs workouts and Krista's before they worked together. &nbsp;I have always preferred to research and draw my own conclusions than follow along blindly. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148559 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:12:53 +0000 Suz 1148559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey - Dianthus is linking to my boss! &nbsp;:)&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148554 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 17:09:39 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1148554@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anne, having a few good workouts really helps to keep motivated. &nbsp;I used to journal all of my training sessions and seeing the progress helped a lot. &nbsp;I remember starting out barely able to squat the bar without added plates (55 lbs) and was really proud when I got to 75 lbs. &nbsp;I set a target to deadlift 3 x 8 with 125 lbs and that was a real motivator too.</p> <p>There is a huge amount of information on the internet. &nbsp;If you focus on multi-joint movements, you can do a comprehensive full body workout in less than 45 minute and see good results. &nbsp;Squats, deads, bench press, shoulder press, lat pulldowns and rows hit pretty much every muscle. &nbsp;Varying the exercise and the sets x reps also keeps it interesting and more effective.</p> <p>I find looking at the difference between women my age who have maintained their fitness and those who haven't and how much impact it has on lifestyle and quality of life is a real motivator too.</p> <p>Here is a link to a workout and information on a program that I found motivating.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi13.htm">http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/berardi13.htm</a></p> <p>When I get home, I plan to start working out with weights again to build some upper body strength before golf season. &nbsp;Perhaps we should start a group to motivate each other.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148429 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:41:12 +0000 Mo 1148429@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm the same way, Anne. &nbsp;You'd think lifting a weight would be a simple thing compared to going for a run. &nbsp;I mean, you can do it in your house in your PJ's if you like. &nbsp;But, yeah, I struggle too. &nbsp;Even at home in Tahoe where we have the universal gym in the spare room. &nbsp;<br />I am going to try doing my push ups and squats, etc. right after breakfast. &nbsp;It only takes 5 minutes, after all. &nbsp;I just need to make it routine so it gets done regularly. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148416 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:29:43 +0000 MsMary 1148416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The trainers at the big-box gyms are generally pretty awful.&nbsp; I found mine when I stumbled into a small private gym here in town.&nbsp; I'd suggest asking around, and if your town has small private gyms, just start trying them out until you find somebody with whom you click. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148399 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:15:42 +0000 Thistle 1148399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>IK - how did you find your trainer? Mine sucked, and I got her through the gym. I eventually quit going to her because it was a waste of time and money. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148392 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:09:36 +0000 ironkurtin 1148392@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a trainer.&nbsp; It's fabulous.&nbsp; Worth every dime.&nbsp; I always do the exercises correctly, I always see results, I don't hurt myself, and my butt is in the gym. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148362 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 14:42:06 +0000 Anonymous 1148362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jessica Smith has lots of free workout videos on her <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.jessicasmithtv.com/">Youtube channel</a>. &nbsp;She also offers a weekly class schedule. &nbsp;I like her a lot. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148276 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:12:56 +0000 viva 1148276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the videos on fitnessblender.com. They're free, well-explained, and come in a variety of levels. And, they are a variety of lengths. So you can start with just a 15-minute video for a while -- trust me, it's over before you begin swearing at your laptop! I've been using these for strength training to augment my walking/running and yoga, and they've been fantastic. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148121 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:47:22 +0000 anne 1148121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah - I don't really have a friend to go with (since I go in my lunch break and that is when we cover each other at work) but getting a goal is something that could work - I am the sort who is motivated by having something to aim at.</p> <p>Amiable - you know that could really work - I usually leave my smartphone behind in my office, but i could easily take it in with me and use the internet on that.</p> <p>Suz - we are opposites!!&nbsp; My gym does have lots of men using the weights, so maybe it is a similar vibe to your college boys. I used to use a notebook for my pump classes, and still do for running - yes that is a great idea.<br />I probably can't afford even a shared trainer appt now, but I have had sessions with trainers before (at my previous gym we got some as part of the membership) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148110 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:33:37 +0000 Suz 1148110@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sarah's offered great ideas. It might also help to plan a specific program so that you can see progression. It is very difficult to stay motivated when it all feels theoretical. When you can see and feel yourself advancing it becomes easier.&nbsp;</p> <p>If your current gym doesn't do classes, maybe some of your colleagues could band together to hire a trainer (together) for a series of 3 classes that you could then build on as a team, together.&nbsp;</p> <p>Or even just having a little accountability to yourself with checkmarks in a notebook&nbsp;or some sort of app. or a reward system.&nbsp;</p> <p>It is funny....I struggle to run (but make myself). Doing weights is less struggle for me except when the gym is packed out with college boys or when I lack time. I do sometimes resist going very strongly, but once I am actually there I get into a sort of zen zone.&nbsp;</p> <p>Sometimes I trick myself out of resistance by telling myself I only have to do one set and then I can come home. I never do just one.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/resistance-training---how-to-get-motivated#post-1148107 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 03:28:28 +0000 amiable 1148107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have internet in the gym? &nbsp;Maybe you can find some youtube videos to work out with? &nbsp;(Or even bring in a DVD to work out with?) &nbsp;It helps me to use a website like JessicaSmithTV.com, where she schedules workouts each week, so I don't have to decide what to do, but get a good variety, and a sorta work out buddy by doing the workouts with her. </p>