I have never denied being a cardio junkie.  I love cardio, I can't help it.  I love the way it makes me feel, I love being covered in sweat and I love the power that takes over me after killing an intense workout.  What I don't love is weights.....boooooooo. They bore me to death.  It takes far too long and I never get the same endorphins flowing like after a good ride, run or boxing session.

But lifting weights to increase strength is one of the best things you can do for your body.  Building muscle mass not only will make you stronger, but it will also leave your body burning calories for hours following your workout.  So, as much as I detest doing it, by golly, I need to take those free weights by storm and get it together.
I have been working hard to incorporate at least three lifting sessions in my routine per week. It is getting harder to do the bigger I get, but at least I can sit down and do arms..which really helps...a lot.

I am not trying to bulk up by any means so I keep the weight low (ten pounds max) and reps high. If you are brand new to lifting, maybe start with three or five pounds and increase from there.

Now, when  you are creating your own weight plan you want to ensure you use weights that are going to challenge your muscles throughout the exercise and fatigue.  But when your form starts to go... STOP, do not do the exercise incorrectly, you do not want to risk an injury.    

I decided to keep the exercises basic and target specific muscle groups get me started.  Once I feel I have mastered these and can feel myself getting stronger I will start to add new muscle groups into the mix and create some variety to my lifting routine.  But in an effort to stick with it, I wanted simplicity. I have been committed to my new strengthening plan and want to keep it up until this next baby comes. Then I can start adding in that hard core cardio I miss so much!

What are your favorite lifting routines?