does anybody here do any strength training?
 

I saw Bob Green on oprah on Friday, he's *almost* got me convinced that I need to do this. I didn't catch the whole show but whatever Oprah's been doing is definitely working for her.

I have done it on and off, and am still trying to get myself motivated to do it more. I think it is really true that strength training is the key to maintaining a lower weight as we get "older." My dr. told me that women lose about 1 lb. of muscle per year after age 35. Since muscle burns more calories than fat (I think I heard that 1 lb. of muscle burns 50 more calories per day than 1 lb. of fat.), if you work out enough to replace and build more muscle, you can eat more!

Also, it really makes a difference in the way your body looks. And, whilst doing it, you feel really powerful! Do you go to a gym? I would recommend one session with a personal trainer to get you set up with a routine and show you the proper form.

Not to mention that it strengthens bones...

About a year ago in a flush of enthusiasm and optimism, I went out and bought a set of dumbells. I used them faithfully for about a week and was just starting to notice a difference when I got lazy. (the story of my life) I also saw that Oprah show and I was impressed enough to haul them out and give it another try. I have a book that describes in detail the proper moves to make so as not to do damage.
So, yes, I am going to give them another try, perhaps three days a week in between my swimming sessions. It can't hurt and just may help.

Well I do have the book - Strong Women Stay Young. Wanna borrow it? Yes, I've read it.

LindaBC, I do remember you getting those dumbells but was more impressed by your report of the studly guy who put them in the car!

This is something I think about but have not done yet.

He'd have to be studly to carry them all at once. I sure can't. I also have the book Strong Women Stay Young, but the exercises I found the best were in a Reader's Digest article. I want to get doing them again. I also want to get going on my stationary bike but there again, I'm sadly lacking motivation.

when i still has al my web sites i could have directed you to may woments weight training sites but alas they are all gone with the virus. such is life i could see if i can find them again but doing a search can help just as much. there are many wonderful womens sites for weight traing as well as books have fun i did an just taking a needed break for a few weeks then off to the weights agasin full force so watch out!!!

does walking maggie count? actually, the weight training DOES help, but as my skinny sister said once: you ALREADY are carrying a lot of weight in your arms and legs, you don't need to ADD more, but you have to work with what you have. at least to get started.

so, there went THAT excuse for not exercising!!!

I have done it off and on also. I did 2 1/2 challenges (12 wk each) with Body for Life. I look my best when I lift weights. I have been doing them routinely for the past 3 weeks and feel so much better. Go for it. You won't be disappointed :D

Who started this thread...oh ya, Nora,
I do do the strength training. I take 2 classes a week at the gym, and I joined curves when it opened net to the kid's karate studio. I did that because I could do the 30 min and still be able to not have to get a sitter. Here is a little scoop for you.
Muscle does burn more calories, but more importantly, strong muscles make strong bones, make strong bodies.
I love it. I feel better and tighter, even though I have not lost a single lb since I started at the gym 8 weeks a, but my cloths fit better and people have noticed :)
I think that weight training is essential to health and is just as important as the cardio.
You can even do it watching TV and you don't have to work up a sweat to get benefit from it.

-L

So, let's all start pumping that iron, gals!

I have a Total Gym in my dungeon. Hopefully I can brighten it up one of these days and go down there!

I've heard it said that it takes 2 weeks to ingraine a new habit, I really need this one. I'm going to start today. Once I know the moves I can just take a list with me of stuff to do. Getting organized is the key for me.

I would like to do strength training after I drop quite a bit of weight. And feel more in control.

I read and was told by my brother who was a body builder, and my boss who does strength training that at the begining of your diet you shouldn't do strength training because strength training makes you more hungry..... I DO NOT need to be hungrier than I already am :lol:

Love, Leenie :chef: