The Strength Training Woes of a Cardio Queen
As I have mentioned before, I really want to incorporate some strength training into my exercise routine. I am a cardio queen when it comes to exercise. I will run 8-10 miles with ease, but won’t even want to touch the weights. To me, weight lifting is boring. I’m sorry…I’ve tried many different things. Body Pump classes, Cross fit, and nothing has excited me! But, like many things in life, I’ve come to the conclusion that even though it is not my favorite thing in the world, it is necessary as part of a healthy workout routine, and will very likely make me a better and faster runner! I’ve been looking into various strength-training routines that will be attainable for me. I’ve come up with this tentative plan for my week: Tuesday July 30th
Chest fly with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps
Bicep curls with 5 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Tricep press with 8 lb dumbbell: 3 sets of 10 reps
Squats with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Wednesday July 31st
Seated Lat Row with 8 lb dumbbells: 2 sets of 15 reps (on each side)
Shoulder press with 5 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Lunges with 8 lb dumbbells: 2 sets of 10 reps (on each side)
Plank for 1 minute
Thursday August 1st
Seated bicep curls with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps (on each side)
Chest press with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Lateral deltoid raise with 5 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps
Squats with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Friday, August 2nd
Shoulder press with 5 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Bicep curls with 8 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 15 reps
Tricep extensions with 5 lb dumbbells: 3 sets of 10 reps (on each side)
Plank for 1 minute
Saturday, August 3rd: 10K!!!!!!!!!!
Again, this is a tentative plan depending on how my week goes. I am including the option of incorporating some yoga in the evenings as well. I am also part of a community called “Tone It Up” and get a lot of workouts from their site! Here it is for reference:
They post a ton of free, printable workout routines that work wonders and make toning exercises a bit more fun for me! I will likely follow my schedule or switch out some TIU workouts for my own. I also have a Nike Training Club app, which has great 15-30 minute circuit workouts which I might use as well! This gives me a ton of options so I won't get bored!!!
Most importantly, I will make sure I am listening to MUSIC during these workouts! I can’t do anything without some music in the background…so this will definitely help my motivation as well!
I’m hoping this plan works and motivates me to try some more strength training and tone up!