Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with running and weighttraining

Beginners' Weight Program for Runner?

micketymoc — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:24:48 -0800

Can anybody recommend a weight training program for a total newbie - something to go with a regular running schedule? Am overweight and trying to lose the pounds - something I've had difficulty doing with only running. I'd like to start a weight training program that I can do about two or three times a week. I'm already running three times a week, and I'm thinking about doing weights.

I'd just like to lose weight faster; my anecdotal evidence to support this is my freshman year of college, where I lost an incredible amount of weight with a required P.E. weights class on top of my running regimen. While I know I probably won't repeat my quick weight loss of 20 years ago, I'd like to see if adding weights to my current regimen can speed up the process.

Is it possible to do both weight training and running?

althanis — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 07:45:38 -0800

I recently decided to go to the gym and start exercising, in an effort to lead a healthier life. I'd like to start running, but also put on some muscle mass. Is this possible, or do I have to choose one? I'm 5'10' and about 125lbs, so I'm pretty skinny. Like really skinny, and I've always been this way. I can eat pretty much anything, and I never put on weight, but recently my belly has been getting a little too big for my taste. Not a pot belly, but it's becoming noticeable sometimes.

My dad is also pretty slim, and has heart issues, so I know I can be thin on the outside but fat on the inside, so to speak. I'm also in front of a computer all day at work, and lots when I'm at home.

For many different reasons, I decided to start hitting the gym not just for my physical well-being but my mental health.

I've been going 2 weeks now, and I mainly go on the treadmill and run, because it feels good. I started off 5 minutes walking, 3 minutes running, and did that 5w/3r for half hour. The walking is at 3.0 km/h and the running at 5.5 km/h.

The last couple times I've managed to do 3w/3r, totaling 15 minutes running and 15 walking in the half hour. But I felt REALLY tired. Ideally I'd like to be able to run for half hour. I love running.

However, I'd also like to put on some muscle mass. I don't need to be all cut up, just maybe another 10-15 lbs.

Is it possible to do both? The running and the weight training? I think the general rule is too much cardio is going to make it impossible to put on weight?

I was speaking to a lady at a GNC pharmacy and she said to stop all cardio if I want to put on weight.

Also, should I start taking whey protein? What about weight gainers?

I read past questions about running, but didn't come across any asking about both.

I'd appreciate your advice, as I'm kinda at a crossroads right now.

Good approach to non-serious weight lifting?

croutonsupafreak — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:00:50 -0800

I'm want to cut back on my weight training, but I'm not sure how best to do it. Is there a good once-a-week casual approach to weight lifting? Right now, I try to lift twice a week according to a periodized training program. I know how much to lift each week based on assessments of my own strength, and based on logs that I use to track my progress. The thing is, I've got other fitness interests, and I don't have time to do it all.

I don't want to completely give up the health benefits associated with weight training. I'd just like to shift focus away from muscle building and toward maintaining strong bones and a balanced body. The problem: I'm not sure HOW to design a weight lifting routine if I'm not doing it with the aim of getting stronger.

How do I know how much to lift? Is it OK to do it just once a week for half an hour or so? Or will such a long gap between workouts increase the risk that I will hurt myself? Are there specific routines I should consider, given that bone strength is my top priority, and that I'd like to keep my muscles primed for running and yoga?

running and weights

honeyx — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 12:22:11 -0800

Is it best to weight train before or after a run? I would like to add weight training to my fitness regimen. Since I only have one period during the day on weekdays that is available for me to exercise in, the weight training will have to either be immediately before or immediately after my run. Does the timing matter? Is one more beneficial than the other?

Help me change my exercise routine.

2or3whiskeysodas — Tue, 29 May 2007 05:27:59 -0800

While I'm still super enthusiastic about exercise, both my motivation and fitness level have plateaued. Suggestions? I've been running for 30 minutes at a time fairly consistently for years and still enjoy it greatly. I moved from weight training at home with a bench and some cheap dumbbells to a wonderful gym last year. Since then, I've mostly been doing variations of the 3 Day Split Workouts found here. While I haven't seen any huge muscle gains, I'm fairly happy with the results. But the amount of weight I can lift hasn't increased in I don't know how long, and I'm starting to feel just a little burned-out.

So obviously, a change is needed, and I'm open to just about anything. Ideally, it would be something that would build some muscle and/or help me break through the walls I've hit when I return to the sort of weight training I've been doing. A friend has recommended the Bodypump classes offered at my gym, but I'm not much of a believer in low-weight/high-rep stuff, which is what this sounds like. And I've meant to take swimming lessons for a long time.