I’ll Lift When I’m Good and Ready

on October 23, 2011
in All Posts

I’ve struggled for years and years to get into a weight-lifting routine.  Since I respond so well to running training plans, I’ve always printed out intense lifting instructions or set myself up with a trainer.  No matter how organized and committed I feel, I end up feeling so freakin’ overwhelmed that my plans fall to the wayside within a few weeks, and I return to my cardio-centric ways.

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But I’ve realized something about myself – while I may respond to running training plans, I do not feel the same way about lifting plans.  The pressure freaks me out – maybe it’s because I hate to lift to begin with?  So for the past few weeks, I’ve just told myself, “Go to the gym a few times this week and do some random lifts – whatever you feel like.”  Sometimes I do bicep curls, sometimes I don’t.  Sometimes I do legs the same day I do my back.  There’s no real rhyme or reason.  But I’m there, lifting weights, and at the end of the day… even if it’s not the IDEAL way to lift, it’s better than nothing. 

 

Today I ran 3.0 miles and lifted for 15 minutes.  Score one for productivity.

 

Breakfast was a gluten-free bagel, egg, hummus, and goat cheese <— amazing combo.

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And lunch included some baby shower leftovers… specifically, a quinoa and butternut squash dish from Diana.  I added some pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

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And steamed greens.  My favorite.

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Let’s see – since I have the workweek for h-e-double hockey sticks coming up (not complaining; it’s just the honest truth), I didn’t want to do anything today beyond the absolute minimum.  Cook, exercise, clean, run some light errands.  Enjoy the peace and quiet in my house.  It was a wonderful Sunday, if you ask me!

 

Peanut butter slam smoothie:

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Consumed by driving through random neighborhoods, looking for For Sale signs.  Oh yes – we’re going to attempt the house hunt again.  I can’t even believe that the painful memory of our first failed hunt has faded enough so we’re CONSIDERING going through the process again.  Maybe a house hunt is like a marathon?  You have to forget about how much the first one hurt before you’re even willing to sign up for another?

 

I think Kristien is pretty excited.  He’s such an optimist. 

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Good – one of us needs to do all that paperwork again!  Heh.

{ 83 comments }

 

  • Kerry October 23, 2011, 5:50 pm

    If you always find yourself resorting to your cardio ways, you might like circuit training workouts more. I’m a bootcamp instructor and we combine the weights (usually total body/functional movements) and cardio to have an efficient workout.

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 10:54 am

      I really would love to try an organized boot camp – they all just start SO early here!

  • Hillary October 23, 2011, 5:59 pm

    I sometimes feel the same way about lifting—but more along the lines of the fact that I do the same routines, all the time, week after week. I’ve been looking for inspiration elsewhere lately, just to try to switch it up!

  • Brittany @a healthy slice October 23, 2011, 6:00 pm

    Even though house hunting is stressful, I think it’s do much fun!! Good luck 🙂

    Ps- I’m the same way about lifting weights, but trying to do it more often.

  • Marissa October 23, 2011, 6:10 pm

    I am soooo with you on hating to lift. I’ve decided that power yoga + running should be enough. Right, like, having to lift my body in yoga should count as strength training? What do you think?

  • Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga October 23, 2011, 6:13 pm

    Good luck on the house hunting. I have bought lots of property over the years and sold lots (also have my real estate license) and it IS like a marathon…you just have to enjoy the ride and it’s not always easy but in the end, things will work out 🙂 I wish you guys the best on finding something you like!

    I never used to lift. Went thur a period of about 18 mos where I was all about it. Now, I am back to..none of it. Whoops. Yoga and running for me 🙂

  • Lori Lynn October 23, 2011, 6:25 pm

    I struggle with getting weights in as well. I tend to prefer doing cardio, b/c it seems more “brainless,” and I don’t have to put as much of an effort into it (if that makes any sense) early in the morning!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats October 23, 2011, 6:28 pm

    Good luck with the house hunt! I got into weight lifting by working out with a personal trainer. I learned a lot of moves from him and it made it fun because I had someone to talk to for passing the time, and I didn’t have to decide what to do, he did it all for me!

  • Jess October 23, 2011, 6:33 pm

    I can totally relate to your lifting dilemma. I’m a total cardio gal. I just started another attempt at lifting this past week as well. Hoping I stick with it this time!

  • Jen October 23, 2011, 6:36 pm

    I’m a big believer in not doing something that you feel you “have to” do. Everyone is different and some people may like weight lifting while others don’t. Like me 😉 So instead – I just lift heavy grocery bags 🙂

    Good luck with the hunt! Has something changed that will increase your chances of approval this time?

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 10:56 am

      Filing for taxes in 2011 will help our case immensely. Here’s to hoping!

  • Sionainn October 23, 2011, 6:40 pm

    Hey! I’ve been following your blog for years! And I noticed lately you talk about your struggle with lifting. Trust me, for years I was the same way. I would run or swim and feel accomplished and scoot off by not lifting-it seemed so bring to me(plus I didn’t want to get big and scary, when I thought of women lifting I imagined the principal in Matilda). Then I met CrossFit, since that fateful day last February, I have become addicted, and obsessed. I can do pull ups, push ups, I can feel my muscles, and the best part is I have so much fun doing it! I don’t even realize I am lifting or working out my muscles, I just feel like I’m challenging myself and I see the results, not just in the mirror but when I can do one more pull up or squat more weight! If you can look around your area for a CrossFit gym aka box! And don’t worry there is a lot of running in some of the WODS!

    • Alett October 23, 2011, 8:07 pm

      ooh! I do hear that X-fit is a ton of fun!
      Yay for you (sorry I couldn’t resist commenting).

      🙂

    • AmandaonMaui October 23, 2011, 9:27 pm

      I have a friend in Seattle who is a personal trainer, and she believes Crossfit really isn’t for everyone. She said it’s for people like firefighters, police officers and military persons. She just thinks it’s too much for the average person who really doesn’t need to be in that kind of shape.

      However, to each their own. If you love it, and your body continues to love it then stick with it.

      • Charmaine October 23, 2011, 10:39 pm

        umm… no. just jumping in to say that your PT friend is off. crossfit can be scaled (even for pregnant women – see crossfitmom.com – and kids, see crossfitkids). Fire, police, military personnel GRAVITATE toward crossfit programming because of the intensity. I think saying something like ‘doesn’t need to be in that kind of shape’ is selling yourself short.

        FWIW, I was an LSD junkie for years… ran 13 marathons, more than enough half marys, tris, etc. But never did any strength or weights. Started crossfit to have some balance and I’m a stronger runner for it.

        Crossfit isn’t for everyone (namely those uninterested in gaining strength or lacking motivation). But it’s an excellent morale booster for women who have been conditioned to think that they don’t belong in the weight room. It also helps that the programming on the mainsite is really varied so you’re really never doing the same thing twice.

        • christina October 23, 2011, 10:44 pm

          I just started CF and totally agree – but its really important to find a CF box that focuses on lifting form.

          RE: not for everyone – I agree with the Charmaine that anyone can do it as long as you don’t have a knee or back injury. My CF box is run by 3 women who made me feel SO WELCOME and at home. They told me they know my fitness level and we aren’t expected to be able to lift super heavy like some of the more established participants.

          My coach also told us to not feel bad about not getting all the moves right away because they would be right there to help us during the workouts.

          I feel luck to have found a good CF box. This type of training has been proven to be very beneficial for bone density and ALL age ranges participate at my box. My friend that I go with is almost 40 and she’s doing great!

          • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 10:58 am

            I’ve heard many good – and bad – things about crossfit! I definitely want to try it for myself one day soon.

          • Bobbie October 25, 2011, 4:02 pm

            Yes, Christina 40 year-olds can still exercise! (note the sarcasm)

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed October 23, 2011, 6:43 pm

    I love lifting, but I never follow a real routine. I just go into the gym and do whatever moves me, and that’s how I like it!

    Kristien’s face made my laugh out loud!

  • Shannon @ Mon Amour October 23, 2011, 6:59 pm

    I have a pretty hard time getting motivated to lift. I try to picture myself ripped on the beach for inspiration!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin October 23, 2011, 7:01 pm

    I’ve always struggled to stick to a weight routine too and I get frustrated with myself when I do 15 minutes of weights and then give up. But that’s such a good point that any strength training is better than none at all! 😀

    Good luck with the house hunting!

  • Cheryl H October 23, 2011, 7:09 pm

    Happy Hunting. The best advice I can give you, although a very difficult thing to do, is don’t get emotionally involved with the house (notice I did not call it a home). Go into it with a business frame of mind making sure the house fits your needs ~ space, furniture placement, future family changes (babies), the monthly payment, etc. Don’t give into it emotionally until you have signed the papers. Always think that it could change and have a back up plan…just in case. Once you have signed on the dotted line, then you can think of it as a HOME and then get ALL emotional about it!!!

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 10:59 am

      This is wonderful advice and TRUST ME. After the the burn that was our last attempt, I will be following it!

  • katie @ KatieDid October 23, 2011, 7:30 pm

    I used to struggle to lift weights but something really clicked after running a marathon this past spring and I got really into it because I needed a physical and mental break from running. Since I still needed to do some physical activity I got into lifting and have been loving it for about 6 months now. Find a routine you love and feel strong and confident doing!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat October 23, 2011, 7:34 pm

    I used to feel the same way about lifting – I worked out with a trainer so I sort of just let myself do my own thing if I didn’t have a workout assigned by him. But since then, I’ve realized that I really do like creating my own, and now I am very rarely in the gym without a plan. It takes a bit of extra prep, but the results have been worth it so far!
    Good luck with the house hunt! I can only imagine how overwhelming it can be.. keeping my fingers crossed for you!

  • CJ @ http://healthy-happy-whole.com/ October 23, 2011, 8:04 pm

    i feel the same way about lifting! I have 5 pound weights i keep at my house and just lift during commercials of my favorite tv shows. Probably not the best way to do it but oh well! at least its something!!!!
    good luck house hunter!

    • AmandaonMaui October 23, 2011, 9:25 pm

      That’s what I do. I figure it’s a start. It’s like any exercise. You have to start somewhere, and maybe you’ll find yourself loving it. That’s where I am with walking/jogging/running now. I wasn’t interested before, but my body has fallen in love.

  • Jessica @ Jessica Balances October 23, 2011, 8:10 pm

    Good luck on house hunt #2! My fiance and I are set to close on a house on Halloween, but a good (smart) friend told me not to put my furniture in that house until we are officially signing the papers and it is OURS! I’ve tried to stay as emotionally disconnected as possible just in case something somehow goes wrong and it falls through… I’d still be devastated, but maybe not quiet as much as I’d be otherwise, if that makes sense. Also, regarding weight lifting… I find it extremely boring, so I do lots of yoga instead and I’ve honestly got more muscle tone than ever. Life is too short to waste time on exercise that isn’t fun for you!

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:01 am

      I know what you mean – I’m sure I’ll still get invested but I’ll hold it at arm’s length. It will be hard but I’m really not prepared to sob to my mortgage broker again. LOL

  • Emily October 23, 2011, 8:16 pm

    When you find the right lifting routine, you’ll know 🙂 The effort is what counts! I can totally understand the week from hell thing, too! Happy House Hunting again…sending good vibes your way 🙂

  • Alett October 23, 2011, 8:16 pm

    Caitlin –
    I totally understand where you are coming from. I am a runner; I have run all of my life (for fun mostly). When I was in my early 30’s I started doing races because there seemed to be so many near the city I lived. I joined a gym because it was too cold to run in the New England winters. Well let me say that my first marathon was the BEST marathon I have ever run (time wise it was a PR) – I attribute that to the strength routine that I had going in to that marathon. I have taken on other interests since (yoga, triathlon) and have never been able to get back into the same routine. Le Sigh. My goal this winter is to work on my core strength in preparation for a rockin’ fall marathon in 2012 (and of course triathlons along the way). You don’t necessarily have to lift weights though using the machines – lunges, plank, side plank, sit-ups are all great things for strength and you can do them at home!
    🙂

  • Jacalyn October 23, 2011, 8:23 pm

    I absolutely ADORE Sundays when I have no plans! I got in an awesome workout. Although I wanted to run for an hour on the dreadmill, I, too, knew I needed to squeeze in some weights. So I ran for 30 mins and then made up a leg/chest/tricep workout at the gym. Got home and did laundry, gave myself a mani/pedi, read a magazine and took a nap. ALL before 2 pm! How is it that I am more productive on the days when I want to do absolutely nothing? Crazy.

  • Bec October 23, 2011, 8:25 pm

    You should sign up for House Hunters – that ALWAYS magically find a house 🙂 We’re looking at starting the hunt next year and am already dreading it.

    • AmandaonMaui October 23, 2011, 9:23 pm

      I always wondered if people felt pressured to choose one of the homes on House Hunters just because they were on the show. I also wondered how many houses the show will actually follow them to in their search? They’d hate us, because we have such a specific need that we have to look at just about everything to see if it could be doable.

      • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:03 am

        We actually applied to be on House Hunters for house hunt #1 and the whole thing is staged. You can’t sign on with HH until you are under contract with a house, and then they send you through your house and three others and you pretend to inspect them. True story!

  • Jacalyn October 23, 2011, 8:25 pm

    Oh yew….. Good luck on the house hunt!!!!
    I have a friend who found a cute little cottage house near the hospital and is paying rent cheaper than her apartment! I am sending you good vibes… you will find an awesome house!

  • Sarah October 23, 2011, 8:39 pm

    The bagel – was it vegan? If so, what brand? I really need some gluten free vegan bagels. Thanks 😀

    • CaitlinHTP October 23, 2011, 8:40 pm

      It was Udi’s – not sure if it’s vegan though. I doubt it 🙁

  • cathy October 23, 2011, 8:48 pm

    i understand about the strength training!!! good for you for doing “whatever” – at least it’s something.
    i find, too, that if i LIKE the move, i’ll do it. again, anything is better than nothing!
    good luck with your busy schedule!

  • Shannon October 23, 2011, 9:08 pm

    How I got into lifting was saying “I need to do 5 upper body exercises today” and I just picked from my arsenal. Then the next it was lower body. That was easy to accomplish even after cardio and I could mix it up (easy or hard) depending on how I felt.

  • Molly @ RDexposed October 23, 2011, 9:10 pm

    I’m with ya on the lifting stuff. I stick to The (bit annoying)Shred. I was actually able to show off my biceps today to my boyfriend! So rare!

  • christina October 23, 2011, 9:12 pm

    Caitlin – New Rules of Lifting for Women (book) is a great way to get started in weight training. I weight train 4x a week and do cardio 2x a week so if you wanna chat – feel free to email me. I make my own routines now but NROLFW book is a wonderful and non-intimidating way to ease into it.

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:11 am

      I’ve heard good things about that but because it’s a ‘plan’ I don’t think I’ll follow it! LOL I’m weird.

  • AmandaonMaui October 23, 2011, 9:21 pm

    I’ve tried sticking to some lifting too, but I’m just not that good at it. Especially since I’m doing it at home. However, sometimes I’ll think about it and just pull out the dumbells while catching up on Project Runway or something like that. I also find that yoga is a great weight bearing exercise for upper body strengthening.

    I’m sure we all know that strong muscles=strong bones. That’s something I hope to maintain into my golden years of life. Fragility is not something I long for. I want to be one of those kick ass old ladies.

    Good luck in your house search. We’re still looking as well. The last offer we were excited about was rejected. We have been pretty interested in two places since then, but one fell into escrow before we could jump. *sigh* If it falls out though, then we’re going to act quickly. Our real estate agent also has been dealing with a dying mother, and not much has been coming on the market that suits us, so we’re in a lull at the moment.

    Once again, you’re inspiring to me. Your food is healthy, you maintain a positive outlook on life even when you know you have the week from hell coming on, and you’re out there pursuing your dreams while keeping fit.

    Mahalo.

  • Amanda October 23, 2011, 9:22 pm

    I also never used to like weight lifting very much, mostly because I felt kind of aimless and intimidated in the weight room at my gyms. This year I switched to an all women’s gym and have really gotten into body pump and a couple of other strength training classes.

    I find that it’s so much more enjoyable for me to lift in a class setting. Also, going to body pump 2x per week has made me SO much stronger and more defined. It’s been very motivational to see results! Maybe you could look into a strength training class?

  • Brittany October 23, 2011, 10:13 pm

    Doing any weight lifting is better than none. Whatever you are doing is just as great!! What usually helps me is to print out a routine for the day before I go so I can just follow along. I really like lifting but try some fitness classes too!

  • Christine @ BookishlyB October 23, 2011, 10:44 pm

    Good luck with the house hunting. I know it’s eye-roll inducing now, but in the end it will be worth it. Buying a house is never easy, unless you have lots of money (or parents willing to for some over). Our recent escrow was a nightmare, but we survived and now have a home.

  • Ari @ Ari's Menu October 23, 2011, 11:13 pm

    Working out should be something you enjoy doing–if randomness works for you, I say go with it! No reason to make it so you DREAD what you have to do. There’s no “right way” for everyone 🙂

  • Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! October 23, 2011, 11:17 pm

    I have the same problem with lifting weights! I would just so much rather run than lift. One thing that really helps me is strength training group exercise classes. I am obsessed with barre classes right now. They are like strength training in disguise with a huge payoff!

  • Corrie Anne October 23, 2011, 11:25 pm

    Oh baby. I feel you on the lifting. Not a fan. I bought a kettlebell this weekend in an attempt to get myself jazzed. Good luck with the house hunting/dealing!!! I really hope it goes better this time!

  • Jen October 24, 2011, 12:00 am

    Once you start lifting, strength gains come every week. It’s very motivational if you can keep at it!

  • Leana October 24, 2011, 12:53 am

    I used to be a big into lifting weights! I competed once in “bikini” and never did cardio. BUT, I pulled myself off that band wagon because I personally find a more softer feminine look is more appealing & that was sloooowllly leaving. and…. after all.. we are women! True curves are more fat than muscle but unfortunately with all the dieting in society & the fitness craze (<—not that its bad!) but this seems to get forgotten 🙁 I still like to lift a few days a week to maintain! Though I do it at home, what I'd do when I went to the gym was:
    -pick a muscle group (legs/glutes, back/tris, back/bi's, tri's/shoulders… you get the point 😉 )
    -look at the clock to take note of the time, and just do whatever your heart desires for 20-45mins! As long as it falls into that muscle group 🙂 That way you don't feel stressed if your machine or weights are taken up for this or that exercise next on your "list".
    Sorry for the essay! Hope this helps and best wishes for the house hunting!

  • Dogfood Provider October 24, 2011, 12:56 am

    I lurrrve lifting! I am not uber-disciplined about it, though. When I lift, a couple of times a week, I just try to do a whole-body workout. I literally look in the mirror, and try to work from the middle of my body out. Does that make sense?

    I start with my abs/butt. Some kind of lunges, some kind of squats, some sort of crunch/sit-up, abwork. Then I do something for my arms while standing on a Bosu/balance ball (more ab-work). Then I do something else for my arms but focusing on my back, like tricep kick-backs, or Ys, Ts and arrows. Then I do something else for my back, like extensions, or those thingies on my hands and knees where you alternate right arm forward and left leg back with the opposites. When I’m done, I feel like I’ve covered all my bases.

    I get my ideas for what exercises to do from lots of places: a personal training session I won, the 6 week “women on weights” session I paid for, AngryTrainerFitness.com, NerdFitness.com, and Exrx.net. Maybe you’ll find some ideas you like in there!

    Part of my motivation for lifting is I love feeling STRONG and I feel STRONG when I lift! I also love that I know that I am protecting my bones for when I am old and grey. What a nice gift to give to myself. 🙂

  • GirlonRaw October 24, 2011, 1:26 am

    I guess you gotta go with what feels right for you, but I found the day I started lifted I wondered why I had not gotten into it sooner. I see results much quicker, feel stronger, leaner, more toned and did I say the results are much quicker (for me?)

    The Bill Phillips book Body for LIfe – they also have a wonderful website – was a great start for me, when I had absolutely no idea about lifting. Really basic and even though the program is only for 12 weeks, I started getting ripped within 4 weeks – and I am talking nice lady ripped and not manly ripped haha.

    My interest in lifting has been renewed as my girlfriend has just taken a place in the national figure championships in Australia, and I am also thinking of buying this book that I saw on Amazon – The News Rules of LIfting for Women too http://amzn.to/qzDedD

  • Khushboo October 24, 2011, 1:29 am

    “Better than nothing”–> that’s exactly what I tell myself when guilt kicks in for not doing ‘enough’! For weight training, I need to walk into the gym with a plan, otherwise I get bored and will more likely than not just hit up the treadmill.

  • Sarah October 24, 2011, 3:04 am

    Have you tried a Body Pump class? I uses to think I hated weights, but these classes can be really fun and you get amazing results!

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:15 am

      Ive been a few times – I wish I belonged to a gym that offered them!

  • Sophie @ threetimesf October 24, 2011, 6:58 am

    I feel the same way about lifting – it just seems so intimidating even with my best intentions!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey October 24, 2011, 7:25 am

    I always get lazy on the weight lifing too. I don’t know what it is, because when I”m done with a good session, I always feel so good about myself!

  • Diana October 24, 2011, 7:37 am

    Glad those leftovers went to good use! Hope you liked the quinoa salad. 🙂

    Good luck with house hunting!

  • Tania @ The Health Macadamia October 24, 2011, 8:42 am

    You look so amazing in that first picture. I have trouble sticking to plans because I always feel boxed in but I’ve been trying to use my hand weights more and more (and failing but…you know)….

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:19 am

      Thanks, sweetie!

  • Jill @ justfocuswell October 24, 2011, 9:29 am

    I know how it is to get out of your comfort zone when it comes to doing different workouts, so if you want a lifting partner, let me know! I am always looking for a good workout partner. You’re right, though, you’ll get around to doing it when you are ready. It’s not something you can force or else you won’t enjoy it.

  • Joanne October 24, 2011, 9:38 am

    It’s great that you’ve found a way to get weight training in your schedule. I think is is so important, espcially for women.
    Good luck with the house hunting and maybe this week won’t turn out to be such bad week after all.

  • Lucy@The Sweet Touch October 24, 2011, 9:45 am

    Hey Caitlin,
    I didn’t read all the comments so someone might have already mentioned this but maybe if your gym offers strength classes you could try those once or twice a week. I am not much of a lifter either and I just tried a new strength/cardio class at my gym – I felt it for days afterwards! Also, I am in a piloxing class (silly name, fun class!) and we use 1 lb. weight gloves. It is really great for toning muscles and I think you would love the pilates portion. My gym includes these as part of the membership but I’m not sure if all gyms do. Good luck – either way I agree you should do what makes you happy!

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:21 am

      Piloxing sounds fun! Is it a combo of pilates and boxing??

  • SkinnyRunner October 24, 2011, 9:57 am

    man i agree with the weight lifting – whatever you do is good. i always struggle with it, by struggle i mean, i dont lift at all. and i really need to. chicken flap arms are not sexy i have to keep reminding myself.

  • Erin @ Big Girl Feats October 24, 2011, 10:35 am

    I feel the same way about lifting. I think it’s because it takes me a lot longer to get into a routine, but once I do, I’m reminded of how much I like it. Good for you for not putting too much pressure on yourself.

    Good luck this week!

  • Cat @Breakfast to Bed October 24, 2011, 10:38 am

    Have you ever bought mushroom stock by cook’s essentials? It is sooooooo good if you use it to wilt greens. Sooooo good.

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:22 am

      That sounds awesome. I love mushrooms.

  • Allie Q (Fit Geek) October 24, 2011, 10:44 am

    Noooo! Don’t hate weight training :'(
    I love it and see great benefits from it so I’m always trying to bring ladies over to the “iron side.” Maybe it’d help if you reminded yourself of what your goals are with weight training — strength, more muscle, etc. I just find weight training to be very empowering, especially when I see that I’m getting stronger and moving weights I never thought I could before. I think you really come to appreciate it when you stick with it long enough to see results. But you’re right, doing something is definitely better than nothing.

  • Tracy October 24, 2011, 11:14 am

    What happened to the half marathon you were going to run this weekend? I noticed in the last few weeks, you haven’t been doing long runs, etc. Did all the new OB travel mess things up for that, or did I miss a post about it? Just curious! I’m not trying to badger you or anything 🙂

    I follow the “random strength training” program too… anything is better than nothing.

    • CaitlinHTP October 24, 2011, 11:25 am

      You’re not badgering me 🙂 I just never blogged about it – I totally fell off the wagon with training and then intended to drop down to the 5K, but the thought of getting up early on Saturday after such a horrible travel week did my head in. 🙂 So I totally bailed. Unlike me but totally necessary for my sanity.

      • Tracy October 24, 2011, 4:11 pm

        Choosing sleep/sanity over anything is definitely part of a healthy lifestyle! I’m glad you’re not injured – I was starting to worry that maybe something happened.

        • CaitlinHTP October 25, 2011, 9:57 am

          🙂 Nope – for once, I am injury free!! Yay! Prob because I am actually listening to my bod.

  • Alyse October 24, 2011, 11:44 am

    Maybe you need a strength training buddy for support. 🙂

  • JavaChick October 24, 2011, 1:24 pm

    I find that having a specific routine can get to me. If I don’t follow it perfectly, I’m disappointed in myself but feeling that I have to do this workout x times per week, that workout y time per week, etc, can definitely be overwhelming.

    So I make sure I have options and I fit things in where I can. Right now I’m doing New Rules of Lifting for Women, but I don’t worry if I’m not getting it in 3 x per week, and if I feel like swapping out a workout from the book for a circuit training DVD or something, I do. I don’t have a deadline and I figure regular activity is the important thing.

  • Amber K October 24, 2011, 1:27 pm

    I keep falling in and out of strength training. Doing a little body-weight exercises before breakfast helps, but full on lifting never seems to happen.

  • Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled October 24, 2011, 3:11 pm

    I’m going on 10 months of lifting consistently and it’s the longest I’ve ever done it. I’m a total cardio freak, so I’d rather do that anytime. But I’m not going to lie, I love the toned arms and being strong enough to crank through 105 push-ups in a 25 minute session. Feels amazing!

  • Ann @ Turbo Teacher October 24, 2011, 5:23 pm

    Love your words about weight lifting! I like it more and more as I do it, but I always used to prefer cardio.

  • Susan October 24, 2011, 6:09 pm

    “Random lifts – whatever you feel like” isn’t going to work. Trust me. YOu must lift weights with a plan, or else you’ll just be wondering around, and get no measurable results. Do upper body one day and legs the next time. Chest, shoulders, bis, tris, lats. Next time, quads, hams, calfs and abs. It will work. It really will.

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) October 24, 2011, 6:46 pm

    Your photos looks extra good in this post 🙂

  • Cassie T. October 25, 2011, 3:55 pm

    I absolutely LOVE circuit training! I never get bored, and I always feel like my time is being put to its best use. I’m only 16 and have been lifting/doing resistance training for a couple of months, but I’ve seen amazing results. I can even go so far as to say that it is improving my equestrian techniques. Unfortunately, I can’t ride or lift for at least 3 weeks- thanks to falling off an 18-hand high horse and fracturing my collarbone (among other minor injuries) 🙁 Love your posts, keep them coming!

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