Last winter, when I was visiting the gym 5-6 days a week, strength training was never a problem.  I LOVED going through a leg circuit on the machines, using free weights on my arms, and attending Chisel classes.  The Willpower & Grace class I was taking each week was helping my legs to find such great definition, and more importantly, I felt SO STRONG!  [And am I the only one that feels most beautiful when I feel strong?]

Then, running took over my work out time, and the gym membership ended, along with any and all dedication to “heavy lifting.”  Or light lifting. Or any lifting for that matter.  Strong arms and stellar legs went right out the window, along with any regular core work.

 I’ve said it will change and it hasn’t. “Do more strength training!” has been on my to-do list for FAR too long. 

The day after my 5K PR, as my abs were sore, I noted that I needed to do more core work.  “It will make me a better runner, in the long run!” I didn’t commit.

When I was in between crutches and running, I thought about squats and lunges. “It’s the perfect time to devote myself to some leg strength!” I didn’t commit.

Carrying a large box from one end of my office to another, I remembered what it used to feel like to do so with ease.  “I should really do some strength training with my body bar!” I didn’t commit.

Then, a week ago, I was boarding the train to Julie’s for a Very Savvy Thanksgiving vacation.  I couldn’t lift my suitcase into the overhead compartment. Embarrassing? Yes, especially with college students abounding.  Disappointing? Yes, especially because less than a year ago, I would have been able to do so without any problems.  The tipping point? YOU BETCHA. No more T-Rex Arms.

 While in Ithaca, I used Julie’s hand weights twice. I committed.
Last night, I spent 11 minutes with my body bar and hand weights, along with 50 crunches on the floor. I committed.

At first, I was disappointed, thinking about how much I could lift, and what I was doing at the beginning of 2010.  “I shouldn’t be here,” I thought.  “I should be farther along.” 

I know, however, that this kind of thinking won’t lend to this commitment.  Just like any new relationship, I need to take strength training again slowly.  Using  weights appropriate for me, and not comparing it to anyone else is a good place to start. (“She is lifting three times this amount, I can, too” is equivalent to “everyone I know is married, let’s rush to the alter!”)

Because I no longer belong to a gym, I’ve been collecting some “to do at home” work out favorites from the web.

 My Favorite Gym-Free Strength Workouts:

• Whittle My Middle Part 1 from Angela of Oh She Glows
• 25 Days of Push Ups from Julie of Savvy Eats
• Bodyweight Blast from Jessica of How Sweet Eats
• At Home Circuit Training from Gina of Fitnessista
• Hotel Room Mini-Workout from Jess of Fit Chick in the City
• 6 Minutes Hips, Glutes, & Thigh Video from Spark People

What are you favorite at home strength work outs? Have any stellar resources you think I should check out?