Strength Training: Time to Pump Some Iron

Do you strength train??

We all know how good it is for us but, do we actually take the time to incorporate it into our lifestyles?



Love being solo in the weight room...



I’ve learned through various conversations in the gym, at work and around friends, that everyone’s (especially women) definition of strength training is different.

What’s your definition of strength training?

Body Weight Exercises?

Group Classes?

Weight Room Machines and Free Weights?

I’ve performed all of the types of strength training variations that I mentioned above but, what types of training will actually build muscle?

I’m definitely a gym class junkie and not that I’m saying that these classes that I take are easy at all (because they are most definitely not) but, are they enough? I guess it all depends on what your ultimate body physique is; mine personally, is basically a Jillian Michaels type of body. 

I’ve always known in the back of my mind that if I want to see more definition in my body then I have to pick up weights heavier than the usual 8lb dumbbells that I’ve befriended over the years.

Easier said than done…

I am not new to the weight room by any means; I’ve worked out consistently with a trainer over the past few years (recently stopped 2 months ago) and have even trained one of my girlfriends in the weight room.

So what’s stopping me from making the weight room a part of my daily routine?

I need a plan…

Seriously, I need a plan for everything.  I am not one of those… let’s go lift some weights with no idea of what muscle group or exercises that I want to do.  I will literally stare at a machine, maybe do a few exercises and peace out.  This is why I like classes; they take the thought process out of equation for you.

I will not sacrifice my other workouts…

Time becomes an issue because god forbid I actually skip one of my favorite classes to do some other form of exercise; that’s just me, I can’t help it and I don’t think that will ever change.  It’s an addiction that I’ve accepted in my life… Hello, my name is Gina and I’m a gym class addict.

Resources…

I’m clueless. I don’t know what muscles to work on what days, what time of day to work them, if free weights are better than machines, what supersets are and the rest of this body building lingo.  It’s way above my head, what I’m accustomed too and I have no idea where to begin so, I just don’t.

I’m over it…

Seriously, did you just read the above three EXCUSES that I just mentioned? Yep, that’s just what they are… excuses! How will I ever learn if I never put one foot in front of the other and get started somewhere, anywhere.  It’s a learning process and in order to begin, I need to start somewhere.

Guess what? I crossed that Start Line! I’m not quite sure where I’m headed just yet but I’m on my way to somewhere haha.

 

I literally started this journey on Wednesday haha and am just winging it to tell you the truth!

That's a lie, I did do some research and came across bodybuilding.com; this is my new resource for everything.  I like things to be straight forward and written out for me so, this site is just perfect.  There are different programs, trainers and just an abundance of information all over this website.  

I came across Laura Bailey’s Muscle Building Program and it just seemed to fit with me.  She is all about supersets, (I had no idea what this meant until I did some research a.k.a. Google) which is basically alternating two types of moves between sets (a quick and efficient way to strength train = happy me because I’m always in a crunch for time). Laura has a whole week’s schedule of strength training workouts plus images and videos if you need further explanation. 

I love how straight forward and user friendly this site is! I was also able to download the pdf’s right to my iBook in my iPhone so, I have the workouts right there in front of me as I’m in the gym! I love convenience!

Besides BodyBuilding.com, I've basically been sticking to Instagram (Follow me: BurningBabiFat) for further information and motivation.  Seriously, you guys need to start following some of these competitive fitness girls; they are just amazing.

 

It's going to definitely be an ongoing learning process.  It's only Day 3 of hitting the weights in a way that my body is not used to and I can honestly tell you that I'm hurting.  My body is pretty damn sore but it's all just a confirmation of my hard work!

 

Post sweaty workout this morning...
dead.. 





But, I was greeted by this little Princess <3



Do you currently Strength Train?

What are your go-to resources for workouts?

Step out of your comfort zone and try something new with me!