In an unending quest to shake things up around here, well specifically around my midriff, I went to a new (to me) Barbell Strength class the other day. You already know I am no stranger to weights, so this was no biggie. Or so I thought.
I got to class on the late-ish side and of course had to set up next to the one, token guy in the class. Since class was already starting by the time I was loading up my barbell I just grabbed for whatever. I’m strong as dirt right? Ha!
As much as I say love weights, they are a side dish to running. You could say that running is the grilled chicken breast of my fitness routine, while weights are like some nice quinoa studded with veggies.Who’s not fond of side dishes? But lately my ‘quinoa’ I mean strength training, has been getting bland. Because I’m usually short on time, I tend to default to the same exercises, which are no longer challenging my body.
While I do strength workouts for legs, having a barbell slung across my back was a bit of a shock to the system. I’m always worrying about how my run will be impacted the next day. Well I threw caution to the wind and went ahead with the whole enchilada. Let the weights fall where they may. We lunged and squatted. Stepped up and off a bench, dead lifted, cleaned, jerked, curtsied, you name it, we did it. The ole bod was one giant soba noodle when all was said and done and I knew paralysis was imminent.
While yesterday’s run was not what it should have been, I had more in the tank (and my legs God bless them) than I expected. I’ll be returning to this barbell strength class….until it gets comfy.
It’s Spring Break! Not sure that means much of anything to me since we’re not going anywhere exotic or warm. I tell myself I don’t need to get up at 4:45 but I will anyway. I guess I’m off of lunch-making duty so yippeeee!
How do you keep your body challenged? Is it spring break for you?
Glad to hear your run went well despite your tough workout. Happy Spring Break! I’m looking forward to less traffic on the roads next week (hopefully)!
We are sisters in side dish strength training! I really don’t care for it and also get stale with it. That’s why I did the CrossFit groupon and really enjoyed it. That’s over now, but it inspired me to add some new stuff at home so that I can shake things up more. I WILL make friends with box jumps!
I love strength training, I been consistent all winter and spr… well it is still winter here. I believe in the benefits of it
I slept in until 6 today, as we are also starting Spring Break! It was heaven!
I just can’t get into the weights. I know I should, but I get so bored that I just want to throw a dumbbell at someone (and apparently that is frowned upon).
My problem is I never have time for the Quinoa.
I love strength training and trying different things – probably because I can’t run more than 2-3 times a week!!
It is spring break for us and I’ve gotten up early than normal (I guess so I can do my workout and still hang with the boys). We stayed home, too which has been great (except it doesn’t feel like spring since it is 30 and cloudy again!!).
Hope you aren’t too sore today!!
Teaching BODYPUMP, I must have a lot of quinoa 🙂 I’m so used to the weighted lunges and squats that I feel weird when I don’t have a bar!
I usually really just stick to running, but this RLRF training will definitely keep things interesting since I’ll actually have to cross train!
I’m loving CrossFit for the variety and challenge!
Yep, I’m the same way- I hold back a bit, nervous that the weights will affect my running, but I really need to start challenging myself again. Glad you found a good class to do so!
You go girl! Strength training is a like a necessary evil with me… the item on your plate that you DON’T want to eat. LOL
I was going to Body Pump religiously last fall and into the winter, but ugh, training for a half IM and an ultra is a really stupid idea and I’m on the edge of falling off the cliff, Louise. I can’t go alone!! So I gave up the weights. My new ultra coach (not overly impressed with him either, but at least he doesn’t throw his resume at me daily :)) isn’t a pusher of the weights so hey, I just do what’s on my plan and don’t whine about it :). And you know me better than to believe that!! 🙂
We are on spring break next week. B is going to NYC with the band then when he gets home we are going backpacking. For 3 days. With no shower. I know you’re jealous!!!
Miss you tons. We need to catch up!
xo
I’m still terrified about strength training. Every time I’ve dabbled in it I’ve pushed myself into overtraining syndrome. And now that I’m on testosterone I can only imagine that I’ll end up like some freaky muscle man.
Strength training is an important part of the cross training and I am glad that your run went well despite it.
When I was a runner I always worried about how my run would have impacted the next day.
Here the spring break will start on thursday but only for the schools.
Although I do a ton of cardio – I am opposite you – I LOVE the weights! 🙂
It’s spring break for my son! I still have to go to work every day. 🙂
The barbell class sounds interesting and fun. I love my barbells!
Glad your legs carried you through the next day! The only weights I use are free weights for my arms, I love squats for my legs, but I have yet to do them while weighed down! I hear ya on lunch box break, our break starts Wednesday and lasts all next week!
My challenge is usually trying to peddle harder or turn up a level on the stairmaster. Unfortunately running is not in the cards anymore. 🙁