ladies i don't know what happened. I just despise weight lifting now. This has been a month long thing now. I took a week completely off from cardio and weights about a month ago. I tried to start back up but i get about 10 min into lifting and i quit and just go do cardio. The most strengthening i have done is power yoga. I just have NO desire to lift anymore which sucks b/c i know how important lifting is. what should i do?
hate weight lifting now
- Thread starter kariev
- Start date
morningstar
Cathlete
Are you only doing it the same way each time? For instance, have you only been doing endurance, or strength, or Cathe workouts, or your own mixes? What I'm getting it is that you might be burned out on a particular type of lifting and need to shake things up a bit. I was really into cardio a while ago, and didn't want to lift much, so I changed my rotation to lift less often. I also started designing my own strength workouts, which I could do to my favourite TV shows or music, and I enjoyed those more. Designing my own workouts when my motivation was low meant that I could just do those exercises that I really enjoyed, which meant that I was more likely to do them. Not good for the long haul, of course, because you want to be really well rounded and do everything, not just the stuff you like. But it gets you over the hump when you don't want to do anything at all. I also made my workouts really short and intense, using power moves like push ups, squats, lunges, etc. to really hit a lot of muscle groups at the same time. I now have dozens of my own workouts and tend to design a new one each time I work out.
pinkquinn
Cathlete
To me that sounds like burn out and a week off didn't do the job to change your frame of mind and/or let your body recover. Do you take a week off every month?
Life is an endurance race and I realize that that I have seasons of emotion. I currently hate cleaning....even though I clean every day and have to. Sometimes I love cleaning and am greatful to have the health, time, and house to clean.
Maybe you need a real break...maybe you need to change the reason you lift. I don't know. Maybe you need a rotation change.
I don't know what to tell you but I have definately felt the way you describe. I hope you find an answer
Life is an endurance race and I realize that that I have seasons of emotion. I currently hate cleaning....even though I clean every day and have to. Sometimes I love cleaning and am greatful to have the health, time, and house to clean.
Maybe you need a real break...maybe you need to change the reason you lift. I don't know. Maybe you need a rotation change.
I don't know what to tell you but I have definately felt the way you describe. I hope you find an answer
i've varied my weight lifting from heavy weight, endurance, circuits, kettlebells, bodyweight only, all different splits, bootcamp, etc and still no motivation. the only thing i really haven't stuck with are barre workouts (P57, pure barre, squeeze, etc) mabe i should give them a try for a while
kathryn
Cathlete
How about some cardio/weight combo workouts, that would be an easier way to get back into weights.
I've been doing a Gilad rotation using the DVD's from his longer TV program on FitTV and I really enjoy it. Each workout starts with a warm-up, goes to a weight segment, then a cardio segment, then back to weights.
Very much a 'no-dread' workout (and Gilad's nice to look at to boot!).
I've been doing a Gilad rotation using the DVD's from his longer TV program on FitTV and I really enjoy it. Each workout starts with a warm-up, goes to a weight segment, then a cardio segment, then back to weights.
Very much a 'no-dread' workout (and Gilad's nice to look at to boot!).
horseshowmom
Cathlete
karie, I know where you're at. I've gone from a life long cardio hating exerciser to cardio only the past 8 months. I started running in April and that and cycle are pretty much all I do right now. I've lost so much strength and muscle, it's disgusting. For the past few months I've been so disheartened by having to start over that I haven't done ANY weights!
I love the advice the others have provided. For me, I think I'm going to have to take a hard line approach and commit to either P90X or STS rotations until I find my passion for weights again!
I'll let you know if I find a magic bullet, if you promise to do the same!
Becky
I love the advice the others have provided. For me, I think I'm going to have to take a hard line approach and commit to either P90X or STS rotations until I find my passion for weights again!
I'll let you know if I find a magic bullet, if you promise to do the same!
Becky
Shadowpup
Cathlete
May I ask, do you know why you weight lift and why you want to lift right now?
I'm not questioning strength training per se, btw. I'm wondering if you've been thinking about why you, personally, want to lift weights as part of your weekly program right now. Often when I find myself in burnout mode or really disliking an activity the reason is one of these three things:
* my original reason for valuing it is gone
* I'm tired (mentally, physically, ...)
* I am unhappy or stressed for some other reason
If you can discover (or re-discover) a reason to value weight lifting or strength training, then the next step will be deciding how to get that in (technique), and deciding how much is needed. Many of us love it (and sounds like you have in the past) and we are many of us doing more than is needed for a strictly health goal. But shifting to a strength maintenance dose is not necessarily a bad thing. Periodization is an important part of any exercise program, and perhaps for now you are better off with a minimal amount of emphasis on strength training and more on cardio.
If you're overtired, then your body/mind may be telling you that you need to cut back. I've been there, though not as badly as what you're describing. While I include regular active rest weeks from both cardio and strength training (not simultaneously), roughly every six weeks, in August I still found myself in need of a complete change. For around three-ish months. I did TRX, kettlebell, barre, strength only at the maintenance level ... and deliberately ate more than I had been ... until I felt refreshed mentally as well as physically. Now I'm back to STS Meso 3 variations, and am setting one personal record after another, thoroughly enjoying myself. And didn't gain weight I didn't hate strength training but definitely I was in need of a transition period from my 'season' of heavy lifting doing STS. That may be where you are.
The third thing ... if you notice you are feeling unhappy about several areas of your life at once, you may be flirting with depression, and then it's worthwhile taking a long look at what is going on overall. Better to catch that in the very early stages if you can, like a cold before it becomes pneumonia.
Just my two cents, worth every penny you paid for the advice I wish you all the best!
I'm not questioning strength training per se, btw. I'm wondering if you've been thinking about why you, personally, want to lift weights as part of your weekly program right now. Often when I find myself in burnout mode or really disliking an activity the reason is one of these three things:
* my original reason for valuing it is gone
* I'm tired (mentally, physically, ...)
* I am unhappy or stressed for some other reason
If you can discover (or re-discover) a reason to value weight lifting or strength training, then the next step will be deciding how to get that in (technique), and deciding how much is needed. Many of us love it (and sounds like you have in the past) and we are many of us doing more than is needed for a strictly health goal. But shifting to a strength maintenance dose is not necessarily a bad thing. Periodization is an important part of any exercise program, and perhaps for now you are better off with a minimal amount of emphasis on strength training and more on cardio.
If you're overtired, then your body/mind may be telling you that you need to cut back. I've been there, though not as badly as what you're describing. While I include regular active rest weeks from both cardio and strength training (not simultaneously), roughly every six weeks, in August I still found myself in need of a complete change. For around three-ish months. I did TRX, kettlebell, barre, strength only at the maintenance level ... and deliberately ate more than I had been ... until I felt refreshed mentally as well as physically. Now I'm back to STS Meso 3 variations, and am setting one personal record after another, thoroughly enjoying myself. And didn't gain weight
I didn't hate strength training but definitely I was in need of a transition period from my 'season' of heavy lifting doing STS. That may be where you are.The third thing ... if you notice you are feeling unhappy about several areas of your life at once, you may be flirting with depression, and then it's worthwhile taking a long look at what is going on overall. Better to catch that in the very early stages if you can, like a cold before it becomes pneumonia.
Just my two cents, worth every penny you paid for the advice
I wish you all the best!thank you all so much for the posts. mabe i need to recommit to STS. its been soooooo long since i've even done a cathe workout. after reading all the posts i almost feel motivated to begin meso 1 tomorrow. i seem to get more unmotivated if i think about all the negatives such as: i have to get up at 5a.m. to lift, i don't want to get bulky, etc. instead of focusing how lifting makes me feel strong, it boosts my metabolism, etc. mabe i need to think more positive to create positive reactions.
Pinny150
Cathlete
Hi Kariev.....I am the exact opposite of you!! I dread dread cardio....not because I "hate" it....I just feel like I always lose the energy to do it a few minutes in....like if I anything negative pops into my head at all about my day/life/etc...I totally lose ALL motivation and it brings me way down..then I get mad at myself for yet again ruining another cardio day when I know I need to burn those cals and condition my heart! Lifting weights, I never lose my concentration and nothing takes away from the motivation of it. If I start to bulk I just lower weights a bit *bulking is the least of my worries...because that can always be changed!* Plus, I just wanna be a little bad a$$....LOL So I'll give you some reasons to lift, if you can tell me how you stay motivated to keep your heart rate up!!
janie1234
Cathlete
Hey I'm in that boat too. I don't think it is burn out. Just motivation burn out. I've emotionally been through a lot and I'm sure that has to have an effect. I'm trying to get back on the wagon, . .slowly. I've accepted that it will take time. I can get there but it will take time. I don't beat myself up for not wanting to work out because I know that I am capable and I will. I'm actually joining a gym and hoping that this will motivate me more, . .being around others. You just have to find what is fun for you and go from there. I'm even thinking of taking some Krav Maga classes.
caseysmomgo
Cathlete
I'm in the same boat, too... I thought I was the only one, and I honestly can't put my finger on why, either. I've always preferred weight training over cardio. I did STS earlier this year and loved it. Cathe Gym Styles and Pyramids, etc were always my go-to workouts prior to STS. After my 6 month STS rotation was over in July/August, I totally lost focus. Did Gym Styles and other Cathe workouts, and just couldn't get into a rotation that I could stay with. I felt like I was floundering aimlessly with no goal...Gradually I've been gravitating to all cardio. Last week I decided I'd start STS again and got halfway through Disc 1 and quit. Every weight training video I put in, I feel like I'm only going through the motions. However, I've been having a ball with bunches of cardio stuff like Turbo Jam, Rockin' Body, Hip Hop Abs, but I don't feel like I'm getting a good enough workout without hard-core weight training. I guess I have to keep reminding myself of how good it is for us.
I've pre-ordered STS Cardio, and I'm hoping to start STS Strength again once STS Cardio gets here, and maybe I'll get that weight lifting spark again. (I think Cathe said she'll post a STS Cardio/Strength rotation.) I was almost thinking of ordering CLX just to have some new weight videos to inspire me, but I've got sooooo many weight workouts and don't need to spend the extra money. I just need to DO them!
I did do Firm Volume 1 cardio/weights the other day in honor of Anna Benson. The time flew by and I really enjoyed this blast from the past, so maybe Kathryn's advice is spot-on. Combining cardio & weights could be a fun way to ease back in...
Anyways, sorry to ramble on, but I hope you find what works for you, Kariev!!
Every weight training video I put in, I feel like I'm only going through the motions. However, I've been having a ball with bunches of cardio stuff like Turbo Jam, Rockin' Body, Hip Hop Abs, but I don't feel like I'm getting a good enough workout without hard-core weight training. I guess I have to keep reminding myself of how good it is for us.I've pre-ordered STS Cardio, and I'm hoping to start STS Strength again once STS Cardio gets here, and maybe I'll get that weight lifting spark again. (I think Cathe said she'll post a STS Cardio/Strength rotation.) I was almost thinking of ordering CLX just to have some new weight videos to inspire me, but I've got sooooo many weight workouts and don't need to spend the extra money. I just need to DO them!
I did do Firm Volume 1 cardio/weights the other day in honor of Anna Benson. The time flew by and I really enjoyed this blast from the past, so maybe Kathryn's advice is spot-on. Combining cardio & weights could be a fun way to ease back in...
Anyways, sorry to ramble on, but I hope you find what works for you, Kariev!!
I feel the same tho it is not cardio that I have been focusing on but barre and pilates/yoga fusion workouts. That is all I want to do and it just feels so good. I have also done supersets and push/pull along with LIC and HiStep Challenge. The other one I can do and enjoy is Upper Body Pyramid. It is really lower body weight work that I find I am avoiding. I am taking a break and doing what my body feels like it wants to do. I am thinking about starting STS again in the new year. I am also looking forward to Travel Fit as a change from weight work.
Little Lady
Cathlete
I feel the same, I love love cardio. I love the fast music. I love it when I'm drippin with sweat and breathing super hard. I know I've done a great workout. I hate lifting heavy weights. As soon as there is a pause for a break I get bored and I'm done. I'm hoping that I will love Travel Fit. I think it will be fast paced and will probably have fast music. I don't want to get bulky either. I think this workout will be good for what I need. I hope so. No advice from me I'm just in the same boat.
Vee
Cathlete
Karie,
Why dont you take a few months to do the style of exercise you enjoy and see where that takes you?
A few months off from weight training is not likely to cause any significant or irreversible changes.
On the other hand power yoga is also strength training. It is just that you use your own body weight as resistance. It is a very functional way to work on strength because instead of isoltaing muscle groups you tend to work muscles synergistically. Besides, you work on endurance, strength, flexibility and balance all at once.
Tony Horton is reported to have said that if he could do just one style of training, it would be yoga. I dont know if that is apocryphal, but I have seen some very fit and strong people who only do yoga as their sole form of fitness. A classic Ashtanga (Power yoga derives from it) class can give an advanced weights workout session a run for its money. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8K8q8EfiSM
If you notice any negative effects from just sticking with what you enjoy, you can always reconsider the break from weights.
I think workout preferences are never static. You may be surprised to find yourself enthusiastic about weight training if you dont force yourself to do it in a few months.
Most people are more likely to workout regularly if they do what they enjoy.
Why dont you take a few months to do the style of exercise you enjoy and see where that takes you?
A few months off from weight training is not likely to cause any significant or irreversible changes.
On the other hand power yoga is also strength training. It is just that you use your own body weight as resistance. It is a very functional way to work on strength because instead of isoltaing muscle groups you tend to work muscles synergistically. Besides, you work on endurance, strength, flexibility and balance all at once.
Tony Horton is reported to have said that if he could do just one style of training, it would be yoga. I dont know if that is apocryphal, but I have seen some very fit and strong people who only do yoga as their sole form of fitness. A classic Ashtanga (Power yoga derives from it) class can give an advanced weights workout session a run for its money. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8K8q8EfiSM
If you notice any negative effects from just sticking with what you enjoy, you can always reconsider the break from weights.
I think workout preferences are never static. You may be surprised to find yourself enthusiastic about weight training if you dont force yourself to do it in a few months.
Most people are more likely to workout regularly if they do what they enjoy.
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