Strength Training - making it interesting

[Niall27]

I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes about 15 months ago. Since then I have brought my A1C levels down from dangerously high to just within the bottom end of prediabetic with a combination of the elimination of just about all carbohydrates, a lot of walking, a certain amount of Munro- and Corbett bagging, and some daily Empagliflozin.

I was doing 30 minutes of strength training every other day, but it's utterly, utterly tedious, and I am concerned this is tapering off.

How do others make this anything other than a repetitive slog?

 

[KennyA]

Hi and welcome.

My short answer is that I don't do any, as it's boring, solitary, and repetitive, and runs the risk of more muscle bulking than i'd like. Instead I play football three times a week and do a pilates session. Both are done in company of others and have a social aspect to them, as well as exercise, but most importantly I enjoy doing them. They weren't factors in my BG normalisation or weight loss, either.

I honestly don't think there's much point having to work at an exercise routine that you hate. Find something you like, and do that instead.

 

[Mark Rawlinson]

Does your gym have classes try body Pump if so
not heavy body building stuff but very high reps with a great variety
loads go

 

[Melgar]

I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes about 15 months ago. Since then I have brought my A1C levels down from dangerously high to just within the bottom end of prediabetic with a combination of the elimination of just about all carbohydrates, a lot of walking, a certain amount of Munro- and Corbett bagging, and some daily Empagliflozin.

I was doing 30 minutes of strength training every other day, but it's utterly, utterly tedious, and I am concerned this is tapering off.

How do others make this anything other than a repetitive slog?

or running exercises like interval training. Slow jog for a period of time then a short burst of higher intensity running.

 

[Melgar]

Hi and welcome.

My short answer is that I don't do any, as it's boring, solitary, and repetitive, and runs the risk of more muscle bulking than i'd like. Instead I play football three times a week and do a pilates session. Both are done in company of others and have a social aspect to them, as well as exercise, but most importantly I enjoy doing them. They weren't factors in my BG normalisation or weight loss, either.

I honestly don't think there's much point having to work at an exercise routine that you hate. Find something you like, and do that instead.

Putting the boring, solitary, and repetitive aspects aside , (everything I enjoy when exercising so each to their own ) if you are concerned about bulking up go for lower weights and increase the reps. Not wishing to be sexist as some women who body sculpt desire bulk, but in the main women want tone and not bulk so they use much lighter weights but higher repetitions. Same would apply to men.

Ed grammar

 

[Niall27]

Thanks, folks.

Yes, cardio is not the problem. Most weeks I exceed the cardio recommendations, sometimes by a considerable margin. I invested in a set (to 3 kilos) of weights, and plus some resistance bands, and have a rowing machine left over from the height of the covid pandemic. There is no gym nearby, and I can think of few activities more dull, except maybe golf.

It's the boring and repetitive aspects of strength training that are doing my head in, which means it isn't getting done with the frequency it might.

if you are concerned about bulking up go for lower weights and increase the reps. Not wishing to be sexist as some women who body sculpt desire bulk, but in the main women want tone and not bulk so they use much lighter weights but higher repetitions. Same would apply to men.

I have no great desire to bulk. Toned and lean (achieved! (1)) are just fine.

1) I have a BMI just over 21. My BRI actually puts me in the "very lean" category. My blood pressure, even with a White Coat Syndrome problem, is "a bit low".

 

[Antje77]

and have a rowing machine left over from the height of the covid pandemic.

A rowing machine is boring, but what about actual rowing/biking/hiking outside?
I hate exercise just for the exercise, but I love open water swimming and sailing.

Or do you have access to a patch of soil? Turning soil definitely counts as strength training, and with a bit of luck you'll end up with home grown veggies as well.
Or you could offer help on a local platform, people always need help moving furniture to the 4th floor or paving a patch of garden. Free training while also making people happy!

 

[Bcgirl]

I love going to the gym but you said you don’t have one nearby. During Covid my gym was in the basement, I worked out every day. Good music or a good movie, you tube video…anything to keep me interested. I love seeing the positive change in my body, weights are extremely important to me as I am a small boned person…I need retain and build muscle and help my bone density! I also walk a ton and do yoga twice a week. I will fight aging every step of the way!
I agree with a previous comment about classes….they can be very motivating.