Last week, I discussed why I decided to start strength training in my 40’s. Below are some tips for anyone interested in how to create a sustainable strength training regimen.
1) Your motivation has to be something meaningful TO YOU. What I want to point out is that I wanted to get stronger for purely functional, quality of life, and prevention reasons. I didn’t and don’t really enjoy doing strength training. And if I weren’t so invested in these reasons just mentioned I wouldn’t have been able to keep it up because I don’t like spending my time doing things I don’t enjoy. (I have enjoyed seeing more toned arms but if that had been MY REASON, I wouldn’t have kept it up.)
2) Be realistic about how much you want to learn at a time and/or do at the gym. Why not start small and get a few moves down first? Few means less times, which translates into “easier to fit in.”
3) Get a few personal training sessions to educate yourself (or do it with a few others and save money). Make sure you learn how to do the moves properly. Try and purchase a mini “check in” session with the person who teaches you to make sure your alignment and technique is proper. (Hint: this helps avoid injuries)
4) Be where you are. If you have to start with half pound weights or less, WHO CARES? With time, you’ll get stronger. What’s the rush?
5) Figure out before you start WHEN, WHERE, and HOW you will fit in your strengthening sessions during a typical week. (If you don’t do this, you’ll likely not be able to keep it up, and might waste your investment.) The logistics of exercise are central to sustaining it and reaping the benefits.
6) Don’t give up if something inconvenient comes up for a week or more that gets you off your strength training track and you lose progress. Just remind yourself of WHY you want to be strong and then start over. (I’m doing this right now.)
For more about what’s sabotaging your desire to exercise, check out my blog www.essentialsteps.net/blog
