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Mary B's avatar

I've been strength training for almost 40 years and I LOVE it! My current routine is whole body Mon Wed Fri and upper body Tue and Thur, Sundays off. I loved it so much that in my 20s I seriously thought about competing . . . . and an art professor did a photo series on my back . . . I was also a competitive swimmer back then. Go, Julie!!! I find strength training is soothing in a strong kind of way.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Wow Mary B! You're incredible. Thank you for sharing and giving me inspiration to keep going. Right now I'm at it 2x a week and would love to add another day. I can tell I have lost my strength the last year. Onward!

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Mary B's avatar

You can do it, Julie! Even if it’s 5 or 10 minutes for that 3rd day, even if it’s simple bicep curls, holding at the top, slowly down, etc. Those little things can make such a huge difference in strength and definition. Go you!!!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thank you Mary B.! I need this nudge. I appreciate you.

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Mary B's avatar

💪🏻!!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

You're awesome, both of you! ❤️❤️

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Right back at you Rebecca. :)

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Amie McGraham's avatar

5x a week, baby!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Holy Cow! You ROCK AMIE!!

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Elaine Morris's avatar

I take two 45-minute strength training classes a week with personal trainer. Been doing it for over 10 years. It has really made a difference. Really helps balance out the areas not developed through running. Takes a lot longer for my arms to tire on long runs and the upper body strength to meet the demands of rugged trail runs.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Wow Elaine! You're amazing! Great job! I'm working on this especially since I'm getting older. I want my bones strong. Thank you for being here and sharing.

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Clark Rose's avatar

My Soul is searching

A strong body helps contain

I do strength training...

I feel my Soul still has much to learn on this plane of existence. It is restless and needs a strong and healthy body to complete the journey. My Soul is happiest when the body works out. I listen and do...

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

You're amazing Clark! Keep it up.

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Claudette Henson's avatar

Wow, I am a wimp compared to you guys!! I do tiny weights every morning, I walk instead of run, and my inversion table chases away that pesky psiatic when I lift too many kids at school ( I know it hurts my back but sometimes they really need a lift)

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Claudette, What?! You are one tough lady! Keep it up, I'm so happy to hear you are lifting every moring. Way to go!

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Claudette Henson's avatar

Lol just little ones. Fighting the arthritis!

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Rebecca Holden's avatar

Great post! I noticed such a difference in my fitness and stamina when I added weight training into my initial mix of running and swimming. Sadly I'm not doing any of it at the moment, but one day I'll get back to it! I can still remember the day when my CV fitness first matched my muscle fitness - prior to that either my lungs would feel as if they'd burst, or my legs would wear out before my breath did!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Thanks Rebecca! Yes I'm with you. The strength training has made a huge difference for me especially as I'm getting older. We will do our best together! :)

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Alford  Wayman's avatar

Uggg.. heavy lifting before heavy lifting might start first way down in your mind. For me making pots I had one ton of clay come on a big truck and the driver had no tailgate lift on the trailer. So I had to stack 40 fifty pound boxes of clay on the side of the road then haul them to the house using a cart. I was so happy the delivery came when I was home and not at my other job. I was just telling this story to show heavy lifting might sneak up on us at times and confront us at inopportune times. Just go slow to prevent injury. Story telling, Music, and audio books can help pass the time of the big jobs. Best wishes on your lifting! Be safe as you lift the change you seek to make! Thank you for your post!

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Wow—40 fifty pound boxes of clay! That is a workout for sure Al. I remember growing up on my family's dairy farm stacking hay bales every summer. Looking back it was good for me.

Thank you Al so much for your words and wisdom. I appreciate you being here with us. Have a great Thursday.

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

You’re talking my language here Julie. I practise and teach a daily routine called The Happy Body, developed by Jerzy & Aniela Gregorek. I experienced such personal benefits through the practice that I trained to teach it. My new love is the steel mace! Resistance and weight training are magic, esp for those aged 50+

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

You're a champion Margaret!! It won't be long before I get to 50 so getting this strength training habit in now. :) I loved learning more about The Happy Body on your website—very cool.

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Margaret O'Brien's avatar

You’re the champ Julie! 🙌

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

Awe, Thank you Margaret. I've been meaning to reach out to check in on your friend...will send you an email now. :)

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Phoenix Layland's avatar

Most definitely. Anaerobic and aerobic exercise both play a role in one's overall health and fitness. It tempers your body and mind.

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Julie B. Hughes's avatar

You got it! Thanks Phoenix for chiming in. I'm making sure to not slack on it now.

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