Weight Training – Six Weeks Down

As of last week, I’ve completed six weeks of the Live Fit Weight 12-Week Trainer Program. (I’m currently on the 7th week.) I wanted to introduce weight lifting into my workout routine because I know I feel better about myself when I lift weights and I believe its good to do other workouts rather than just cardio! Don’t get me wrong, I love running, but I actually found I really enjoy weight lifting, too!

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It was hard at first to get motivated to lift weights. I go to the gym and hop on the treadmill or go to yoga class and be done with it, but after figuring out a schedule that works with me, it wasn’t all that hard to fit a 30-45 minute weight training sessions in! At first I was intimidated by the section of free weights and machines at my gym, but found if I go a little bit later in the evening, like after yoga class gets out, its usually quiet.

The amount of weight I started with when I first began the program:

Chest – Starting Weight
Bench Press – 15 lbs

Back – Starting Weight
Lat Pull-down- 27.5 lbs
Barbell Row – ~20lbs
Row Machine – 25 lbs

Arms – Starting Weight
Triceps Press – 20 lbs total
Biceps Curl – 15 lbs total
Skull Crushers – 15lbs

Shoulders – Starting Weight
Lat Raise – 15 lbs total
Dumbbell Press – 15 lbs total

And now what I’m currently up to:

Chest – Current Weight
Bench Press – 33 lbs

Back – Current Weight
Lat Pull-down – 50 lbs
Barbell Row – 50 lbs

Arms – Current Weight
Triceps Press – 20 lbs
Biceps Curl – 28 lbs
Skull Crushers – 17 lbs

Shoulders – Current Weight
Lat Raise – 25 lbs total
Dumbbell Press – 30 lbs total

I feel like that’s decent progress for someone who had zero  upper body strength when starting this.  But I’m NOT doing the legwork portion of this program at all. My legs are the only part of my body I’m 100% happy with, I think yoga has been keeping them strong, along with running of course.  My upper body and abs are what needed it the most.

As for the physical changes, after six weeks, I don’t think there are any. I took some before and after pictures and actually noticed no difference at all. I think I’m just one of those people who will never have upper body muscle definition, unless I started working my upper body like 3 hours a day or something crazy. At first that was the reason why I wanted to start weight training, but just knowing I’ve gotten stronger than when I started is reason for me to keep doing this, physical change or not.

Anyway, that’s the recap of the first six weeks. Six more to go–and then I’ll do another update…and maybe even some photos!

Have you ever incorporated weight training into your workout routine–if so, do you follow a program or just make it up as you go along?

Previously:
The Body Pump Challenge
After Six Weeks of Body Pump