You are what you behold, so I’m pretty sure I started strength training because I compulsively reblog pictures of people lifting weights on Tumblr. I may have also started because strength training keeps bones strong, prevents osteoporosis, builds muscle, tones up jiggly parts, and do I really need to tell you all the pros of weight training?
Friday my boyfriend played personal trainer and we hit it hard. We’re doing Warrior Dash in August, so I really need to work on my endurance and strength. I started off by running a mile, followed by walking on an incline for a half mile. Afterward I ran another mile! Oh, and I walked 1.5 miles before hitting the gym. Then we did some strength training.
Also hit up the elliptical for 20 minutes
I also performed leg extensions, cable presses, and a ton of ab work, because at the end of the day I want a chiseled stomach. That’s not going to happen though if I don’t quit eating peanut butter like it’s an actual meal. Look how I shamelessly eat it from a dish like it’s ice cream.
Fortunately, I had a healthy breakfast smoothie from Kaeng Raeng. Dinner was a salad made of arugula, cherry tomatoes, carrots, avocado, onions, and hummus. For a dressing I mixed amino acids, honey, Dijon mustard, fig vinegar, and olive oil together.
If strength training still freaks you out, here’s some advice.
1. Start off light.
There is no shame in using 3 pound weights. Check out the girls from Tone It Up. They do it. They key is making sure your form is solid and that you perform till muscle exhaustion. If you’re lifting heavier I’d suggest 3 sets.
2. Watch what you eat.
Just because you’re building muscle doesn’t give you license to eat everything under the sun. You have to be packing serious bulk to experience the fat burning powerhouse that athletes and fitness nuts speak of. In plain English, you’d have to be a body builder. Muscle does burn fat, but you still need cardio to do much of the trimming. Furthermore, if you’re looking to have long, defined muscle you need to eat clean. Watch the added fat, salt, and sugar. This is the difficult part for me, but it is worth it. I find that when I eat a lower calorie diet, filled with protein, healthy fats, lots of produce, and a little whole grain, I’m ultra defined and lean. Why do I get off the eating program? Good question. I think it’s complacency, but I’m working on changing that.
Want to start incorporating weights into your workout? Try this video on for size. Remember, focus on your form first. Pick weights that are comfortable for you! As time passes you’ll be able to increase them.
Do you strength train? If not, why not?
