What to do if you HATE strength training?!

So I hate strength training, no matter how I change it up or split up the reps, I hate it. Yet, I see the need to tighten up and add some muscle so I burn more calories. My question is this: Does anyone have suggestions for strength training workout videos that were fun, went by fast, and gave them resluts? Has anyone tried the firm? Thanks!

 Well, the Firm is mostly pink-dumbbell calisthenics; not bad for what it is but not proper strength training.

 Could be you simply have tried the wrong program for your current goals or training age - most training programs have specific goals they're suited for and you might be trying one that isn't quite right for you. Post your program and your goal and we'll see how they match up, yeh?

 But you know, not everyone is cut out for lifting iron as their primary training method; just as some of us aren't really designed to run. That you don't take to the iron like a duck to water kinda points to you being a bit more suited to something explosive like Tae Bo or turbo jam - over the long term the results you get from those are limited and won't approach what weights can do, but in the short term they will work to build some strength and speed.

 Maybe you'll have better results doing calisthenics like Tae Bo for a bit, and then trying to do a strength training program to support what you've been doing with Billy?

Thanks for the suggestions! You know, I used to do Tae Bo all the time, and loved it, so I may start that up again. What I have been doing most recently for strength training was the 6 Week Body Makeover by Michael Thurmond. One thing I HATE are long workouts so I hated that it took an hour. Basically you alternate days of upper and lower body, its 3 x's per week, and you count your reps down: 12 reps, 10 reps, 8 reps, 6 reps, 12 reps, and 12 reps. With three minutes resting in between. I am 24, 5'4 and 123 lbs. Thanks!

Hmm, never heard of that one before.

*googles*

Oh, this guy? Yeah, ok, I can see where the problem is.

 You might want to look at something a bit more basic in the way of strength training - if you pick one of the basic barbell training programs like Sean10mm's "stripped" 5x5 routine or Mark Rippetoe Starting Strength you should be able to get through each workout in 20-40 minutes.

 In general the point isn't to spend as much time as possible in the gym, the point is to do what you need to disrupt your bodys' homeostasis and have a training effect. Which means more isn't better, better is better.

 Also, a lot of posters here really like The New Rules of Lifting for Women - and if Kethnaab's interpretation isn't enough, check out the actual Starting Strength book while you're at it; basic barbell training doesn't come more basic than that.

 Those are all options to think of, but if you decide that Tae-Bo appeals more right now that's quite all right too; just keep in mind that the best results come when you do more than one thing and challenge your body in a variety of ways.

If you are a member of a gym (or thinking about joining one) look for one that offers Body Pump classes. So much fun and if you stick with it, use good form, and up your weights every 3 months or so, you will see results!

Well, it really depends on what your overall goals are. If you want to be stronger and burn more fat while at rest (melkor and I discussed that once, and it seems that the burn is about 100-150 cals per person per day, depending on weight, age, sex, etc.), then strength training is going to be important.

But, if you just want to be more fit and flexible, to have better cardiovascular fitness, to be able to do sports, etc., for fun . . . weight training may not be essential. Cardio can burn a lot of cals depending on how you do it, and it definitely contributes to over-all health in many ways, even if done with moderate goals. Getting up to brisk walking several times a week for 30-50 minutes (30 for cardiovascular impact, 50+ for weight loss) may be enough. The mood enhancing impact of cardio and the longevity factor are pretty great in and of themselves.

I'm going to start weight training but we'll see if I stick with it. I've done it before but always let it go by the wayside when busy. I just wasn't motivated to keep it up. Maybe this time will be different, and I'll certainly try to do it for fat loss at least until I get to goal weight.

Good luck.