Strength Training: A Confession
I don’t know what has gotten into me. I was so good for a while. But then something happened.
I used to get my training programme and, knowing that strength was my weakness, I prioritised getting my weekly strength session done. I would get to the gym before work and knock out the day’s squats, push ups, planks – whatever was on offer. I looked forward to the sweatfest that a good session brought, especially when adding a 5 minute aerobic leg-oriented exercise in between sets (elliptical, stairs, whatever).
And then something happened.
Maybe it is because time has seemed more precious recently. Maybe it is because I am falling into the old trap of focusing on what I enjoy the most (the swim). Maybe it is because the strength exercises were agitating my foot.
Whatever it is I stopped doing my strength days...
This can’t be good.
Ever since I was little (my first full blown knee injury was at about age 11, I had knee surgery at age 13), I have known that I have to focus on strength. I need to build my leg strength to have stronger joints. And with my elbow injury in 2007 I know that the same logic applies to my arms.
But I have not been doing it.
When I was in University the answer was a friend of mine, Jarod. We used to go to the gym together, spot for one another, and generally have a laugh. I was pretty good with the strength stuff, for at least a semester...
So I know I can do it. But I haven’t been.
So I put my confession out there.
The first step in fixing a problem is to become aware of it. To recognise it. And then to make some changes.
Step one done.
Step two is also done. I confessed to my coach. I asked him to do a comprehensive session with me within the next month, to get back into the swing of things. I’ve asked for help.
Now I just need to fix it. To get over the mental block I have built up. To just do it.
And I will.
Please keep me honest. And help me to help myself to get strong...
Hi Donna, I confessed the same thing to myself this week and am in the middle of jotting my old routine down. It's in my diary for this week and will be there at least once a week from now on! My pt left the gym but I didn't so no excuse for not keeping it up. I'm sure we can help keep each other honest via Twitter
Khara x
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Thanks Khara. I figure if we write it and talk about it we will do it! Have a great weekend, Donna
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I guess it's the relentlessness of always having to strength train that's the hard thing? If you knew doing the exercises solidly for 2mths would fix the problem you'd be there, every day, never missing a session. But like everything having to do something forever to keep the benefit is a commitment that our brains don't like to have to think about, so take the break then get back into it and remember the benefit you feel from it to help you go that bit longer, then ease off then go back to it... balance, life's all about balance
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Thanks H - that is such a great bit of insight. I never thought about my commitment to fitness that way before - but it is true. The fact I *have* to do it has been a real demotivator for me, and also one of the reasons why I have love triathlon - it has given me a continuous goal and three disciplines to work on. Thanks so much for the food for thought! - D
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Ahh! I hear you here. I really struggle with my weight sessions as well. Recently my training partner michelle (she's @michelleford6p on twitter) and I hired our masters swim coach who has a strength and conditioning background to work us out. It's been great having both a friend and a trainer at the same time! Just needed a kick in the butt!
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Hi Sonja! I follow Michelle on twitter too - you are really lucky to have a training partner at your level right by you! My coach has really motivated me, I guess I just need to get a session or two in his books to put me back on track... I still have not done my session yet, but am thinking of Sunday.... Always tomorrow.... That mentality of mine needs to stop, tomorrow!
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Ahhh, time.
When you find a way to get an extra five hours in every day can you please let me know??
But seriously, kia kaha on the strength training - thats a Maori saying which means Keep Strong. I use it on me a lot.
Please don't forget how far you have come - sometimes its too easy to think about how far we have to go, instead of how much you have achieved - which is a massive amount.
Kia kaha.
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Kia Kaha. Thanks Jacky for adding a new phrase to my mantra list!
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Consider me as a training buddy - even though I'm all the way across the pond! I just got back into a strength training program after a year OFF! A very bad girl, indeed! After being terribly sore after just a 25 minute reintroduction a few weeks back, I've realized the error of my ways. So, I'll help you if you help me
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Thanks Maria! Training buddies from afar, love it! I have managed to make my last two weeks of strength training which is great. It makes me so sore, but I think each time of what my coach said - "Pain is weakness leaving the body!" When do you swing into full Ironman mode? So excited for your training!
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