7 Strength Training Excuses: Busted!

Excuse #1: Strength training is boring. If you get bored easily or like activities that are a little more fast-paced and engaging, then strength training really is for you—the sky is the limit! From group classes that pair lifting weights to fun music, to suspension training with the TRX, workout DVDs, free weights,  kettlebells, circuit training (more on that below) and even using your own body weight at home while watching TV, the options are endless—and certainly not boring.

The strength training workout for you: Hit up your gym to find an engaging strength class, or check out this 20-minute dumbbell workout with Coach Nicole!

Excuse #2: I don't have time for strength and cardio. The best thing about strength training is that it can double as cardio if you do it the right way! There are three basic ways to do this. First, you can add some cardio moves, such as mountain climbers or jumping jacks or marching in place, between different strength exercises to get your heart rate up and keep it elevated through your entire workout. Second, you can do a circuit-training type format where you have no rest between exercises and perform moves that work major muscle groups (such as lunges, squats and push-ups which target multiple muscles). This also keeps your heart rate elevated, giving you a high calorie burn and working your cardiovascular system. Third, you can do strength moves that work the lower body with the upper body (for example a lunge with a bicep curl), to really get your heart pumping.

The strength-training workout for you: Try a bootcamp class at your gym or do this quick whole-body workout, adding in one minute of marching in place or jumping jacks (depending on your fitness level) between each exercise.

Excuse #3: I don't know what to do. You didn't think you'd get away with that excuse did you? SparkPeople is all about teaching you what you need to know! Brush up your knowledge on the principles of strength training, then read this primer on what exercises you should include. Knowledge is power!

The strength-training workout for you: In the SparkPeople Workout Generator you can create a full-body, beginner workout that takes less than 30 minutes to complete, and you're on your way to a strong body!

Excuse #4: I'm intimidated by the gym. The gym can be intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be. Any health club staff or personal trainer should be more than happy to show you around the gym, teaching you how the different strength equipment works. And even if that sounds pretty scary, you can always get your strength training on at home! In fact, you don't need any gear to get in a good strength workout at home.

The strength-training workout for you: Brave the gym armed with this quick and easy strength workout. Or do this standing workout at home that doesn't require any fancy equipment!

Excuse #5: I'm afraid of bulking up. Man or woman, lifting weights for 30 minutes a few times a week will not bulk you up. In order to get "beefy," men have to lift very heavy weights for multiple times a week (the big body builders spend hours a day in the gym). Women do not even have enough testosterone to build huge muscles unless they very carefully control their diet and spend hours and hours in the gym (and possibly take unhealthy supplements and illegal drugs, as well). For the everyday person, lifting weights a few times a week will definitely not bulk you up, so don't let that stop you from reaping all of the benefits of lifting weights!

The strength-training workout for you: A resistance band is an easy way to get toned, strong muscles no matter where the day takes you. Try this 20-minute resistance band workout that you can do at home, at work or when traveling. We guarantee you won't bulk up—just tone up!

Excuse #6: I don't want to get hurt. Moving your body in new ways and lifting weights can certainly make you more susceptible to injury. But, if you warm up properly, lift weights using proper form, understand the difference between soreness and pain and really listen to your body (not pushing it too hard, especially in the beginning), the benefits of strength training far outweigh the risks.

The strength-training workout for you: Sign up for a session with a certified personal trainer to show you the basics of strength training including proper form, breathing and appropriate weight selections. Also be sure to read these tips to stay injury-free!

7. I'm trying to lose weight, so cardio is more important. When it comes to weight loss, a calorie burned is a calorie burned, no matter how you go about it. And the whole idea behind losing weight is cutting calories through both diet and exercise—not just cardio exercise either. In fact, many strength workouts like bootcamps, kettlebell training and circuit training can count as cardio (see excuse #2 above) and help you burn more calories than easy- to moderate-intensity cardio does. In addition, strength training adds muscle to your body, which boosts your metabolism, as muscle burns more calories per ounce than fat. It can also help to reshape and tighten your body.

The strength-training workout for you: Try Coach Nicole's Fit, Firm and Fired Up workout DVD where you can mix-and-match 10-minute sections (plus a bonus cardio segment for the cardio lover in you) for your ideal strength workout.