[Christina7806]

I just started weights. I am progressing nicely. The only problem I have is that I HATE repetitive things. So, I am good for 12-15 reps of each move but then I get bored. There is no way I can bring myself to do more than one set of any exercise. Is there any way to weight train with only doing one set? I train with weights that challenge me by the 8th rep and have my muscles screaming by the 15th. Is this enough? I just do not have the time or patience to do more than that. Any guidance would be appreciated.

[RobertW]

Originally Posted by Christina7806

I just started weights. I am progressing nicely. The only problem I have is that I HATE repetitive things. So, I am good for 12-15 reps of each move but then I get bored. There is no way I can bring myself to do more than one set of any exercise. Is there any way to weight train with only doing one set? I train with weights that challenge me by the 8th rep and have my muscles screaming by the 15th. Is this enough? I just do not have the time or patience to do more than that. Any guidance would be appreciated.

That is the entire basis of "HIT" training: one set to absolute failure.


If you are doing this with big, multi-joint exercises (i.e. squat, deadlift, press, chins etc.) you should be able to make good progress for a while. Alternatively, you could do one set each of a bunch of different exercises to stave off your boredom, hitting the same muscle groups with different exercises.

I keep it simple and do 5 sets of 5 reps with four or five exercises each workout. Training to failure tends to overtrain me quickly, especially when I am dieting.

[WaterRat]

Christina, my DH says the same thing - it's sooo boring! I don't find it so, but then we're all different. What I do - that he doesn't - is to listen to audiobooks while I lift. Music doesn't do it for me while lifting (though I do use it for cardio) because it's too easy to fall into the tempo of it, but the book fills that "I'm getting bored here" spot in my brain nicely.

[hellcatjill]

Try doing circuit training. Like, do 8 or so different exercises, one set each, and then start over. Do this three times. That way, you're not doing like 30 or more reps in a row of the same exercise, but you're still doing 30 or more reps on each, total.

[GreatBigMonsterMomma]

Yeah, I was going to suggest circuit training too.

[Christina7806]

Thanks to all who replied. I tried the circuit method last night. It worked much better. I got two sets of each exercise in but didn't feel the need to rush to get through it because it was mixed up a bit. Thanks so much for that idea!

[sportmom]

I watch my netflix movies while I workout. I don't get to watch them any other time. That way, I"m always looking forward to working out -- but sometimes it's only to finish a movie I'm in the middle of! lol DVD players are so cheap now, you can get a single player for like $50 and hook it up to any old tv in any basement and be all set.

[goy]

i do three sets of 12 each excercise....

are you doing this at home?

i know i would find it really boring at home. but at the gym i like it.

[hellcatjill]

I'm glad the circuit training seemed to work better for you.