I Didn’t Like Lifting Until I Tried These Simple Tricks

I’m not a big weight room guy. In high school, I got called “Bird Legs,” and in college, I picked up the nickname “Stretch.” I tried to bulk up, but every time I tried, say, bench press, it just felt like too much work and not much fun.

But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that lifting weights is probably the only way I can keep doing the things I love. In my 20s, I stayed in shape by having fun — hiking, and kayaking. Now, in my 40s, I work out every day so I can occasionally have fun without injuring myself.



So, over the past few years I’ve come up with a strength routine that I actually enjoy. And the secret is obvious, now that I know it: I do what I like to do, and I prioritize showing up over following a specific routine. No professional trainer in her right mind would recommend this program as an efficient way to build strength or muscle mass.

But nevertheless, a few experts I spoke to said I might be onto something. Focus on what you enjoy. Each morning, a stationary bike.

Then I give myself permission to do whatever I’m in the mood for. Hamstring curls? Nah. Flies? Meh.

I think today is a day. There are certain exercises I know I have to do somewhat regularly to stay strong and avoid injury — even though . For me, those are and planks.

I think of them as the broccoli in my fitness diet. We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

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