8 February 2013 - Strength Training

Despite making a target goal of three 'strength training' sessions a week during February (in the form of Body Pump classes at the gym that I scheduled in bold throughout my diary) I've not yet managed to complete an official one.

I think I need to re-define what strength training means to me.

I have this picture in my head that to strength train is to 'pump iron' and I find I mentally resist the idea of repeatedly lifting heavy things inside a gym classifying the activity as boring and a waste of my time.

So I'm seeking some alternatives.

I love Body Combat classes which times kick boxing moves to gutsy music. And it's also a form of strength training.

Working outdoors on our garden and home renovations is a way of lifting heavy things in a scenario that is the opposite of being a time waster; and contributes to strength training.

Yoga is a great way to kick off the day stress-free as a form of meditation and is also known to be a powerful form of strength training.

Resistance training moves using your own body weight can be performed in the park before a run, while watching tv, or during breaks from study and doesn't require the equipment in a gym.

Sure, sometimes I can enjoy a Body Pump class or gym training session, especially if I make it social and go with my husband or a friend, but most of the time I'm not in the mood and as I've explained in an earlier blog (It's Not Fair to Compare) motivation for a "hot body" is not enough to get me there.

Hopefully with adding in a few of these alternative ideas to my routine I can make some much needed strength gains (to prepare for this years Tough Mudder challenge!) without forcing myself to do an activity I don't really enjoy.

I'm going to set a goal of being able to complete 10 push ups on my toes by the end of the month as means of tracking my progress. Will post a video of the feat to this blog once I get there!