KirbyAndersen.com

Strength training, particularly lifting weights, can be intimidating to some. It sounds like such hard work; aka painful. Perhaps you’ve had an experience where you started lifting weights and over did it - too much weight, too fast - then painfully and embarrassingly hobbled around for several days. For some, it may be overwhelming to think of learning something new. What do I do? What equipment do I need? Where will I do this? How much will all this cost?

All these are valid questions. The answers depend on some other things like:

• What are my personal goals? To simply tone or to body build?
• Will I work out alone or would I do better with a partner?
• Can I do this at home or would I be more motivated by joining a gym?
• Should I use free weights, machines, or some kind of universal machine?

Some of these questions you might not be able to answer until you’ve tested the waters. I’ll tell you my experience and my decisions - yet understand what I’ve decided is best for me right now doesn’t make it the best solution for you. Hopefully it will help you, though, to get a feel for what may work for you.

I wanted something I could do for the long haul and enjoy. I belonged to a great fitness club at the first of the year. Even though it was only a quarter mile from my house and a great environment with great equipment choices, I could never stay committed to a long term routine. For me, packing up my gear, spending the time to get there, etc. was just not doable. I’m so time conscious that a big part of the routine just seemed like a waste of time.

I understand how important it can be to go to a gym outside your home. Some really look forward to the camaraderie with others. That wasn’t as important to me as being efficient and effective. So I quit the fitness club and decided to buy a piece of equipment I could use at home.

I didn’t want to spend a lot on weights, benches, bars, etc. and take up a lot of space. So I began considering some of the more popular all-in-one fitness machines. My research soon narrowed my choices down to either the Total Gym or a Bowflex. I chose the Total Gym for reasons I can explain further next post. But I will tell you I’ve not regretted my choice for even a moment.

When I first began, I used one of the suggested training programs that consisted of 6-8 minute workouts each day, six days a week. I really liked that because I was doing something everyday which helped establish a habit. It really was only 6-8 minutes which was nothing. The six daily workouts were different which kept it from becoming boring; plus each workout focused on different muscle groups so I never overworked muscles even though I was working out every day (except Sunday).

I did that for a couple months then wanted to step it up a bit. So I shifted to another training program provided by Total Gym that consisted of 18 exercises, 3 days a week. Each workout was 20-25 minutes long and worked all major muscle groups. I’ve really enjoyed this routine and feel I’m getting even better results.

One thing I did right was I started out easy. I used to have to prove something when I was younger and always pushed it too hard when I started lifting weights. I don’t have anything to prove any more - one benefit of getting older. I just wanted to tone; to feel good and energetic; and wanted to see steady, gradual improvements. I’m four months into this and I’m more motivated and enthusiastic than ever. I feel great.

I’ll write more next post about the Total Gym. If all this gets your attention, though, I suggest you begin considering what may work best for you. Given the right equipment, could you be disciplined and motivated to work out at home or would you do better with a partner at a gym? How much time are you willing/able to carve out at least three times a week? What do you want different in your physical health - weight loss? Muscle tone? Both? Start imagining what your life would be like to feel more fit and dare to consider making a few simple, doable changes.