2026 Strength Training Accountability Thread

[o&smom]

Highly recommend Mind Pump. They have a podcast and it is on YouTube. They sell a variety of programs, and have 50% off sales quite frequently. I would think their MAPS 15 would be a good fit. I have used their programs to rehab after surgeries. They introduced me to my new favorite lift: the circus press. Nice to have something more unique and more full body.

 

[SheHulk]

@WillRunForPizza was checking out FitnessBlender and I see they have a category just for me: "Bored Easily"

 

[SheHulk]

So many options! Thanks to everyone and I'm compiling a list.

 

[Baloo in MI]

As if you were reading my mind! I have never been one to enjoy strength training. I have flashbacks to wrestling and absolutely horrible days in the gym. To be honest I think I was able to get away from not doing strength training without much consequence until the past couple of years. I have noted two things mre recently, even as I maintain my running routine, I have gained weight and I have loss muscle definition (not that I had much to begin with...).

For the 2026 Dopey I had a full plan set up for running and strength training. Ran all the runs and completed I think about 5 strength training sessions. I think my hip issue this past October & November can be attributed to weight gain and muscle loss. For Christmas I got a free weight set, still in the boxes but after I get home from Dumbo I am planning to set it up in my running room and truly commit to two workouts a week. What the workouts look like not exactly sure yet. I have been thinking about how I can build some accountability, thank you for this!

 

[Zutroy]

Highly recommend Mind Pump. They have a podcast and it is on YouTube. They sell a variety of programs, and have 50% off sales quite frequently. I would think their MAPS 15 would be a good fit. I have used their programs to rehab after surgeries. They introduced me to my new favorite lift: the circus press. Nice to have something more unique and more full body.

Mindpump was fine when it was just fitness content, but now it veers way too much into political/alt-right/anti-vax/Manosphere stuff that just turns me off.

 

[BradleyCB]

I love this idea! I feel like I always have the best of intentions of carrying strength training throughout marathon training, but as mileage picks up, time runs out, and I find myself ditching strength classes.

I am focusing on strength for at least the rest of January and February (strength and speed for the first half of this year once I resume running). We are a Peloton family, so I tend to find strength classes on the Peloton app.

Tomorrow I plan to find a lower body class and a core class! I will check back in for accountability!

 

[lookingforsunshine]

I am in! I am starting Run Fit Mama’s Sculpt & Soar program on Feb 1. I am notoriously bad at being consistent with strength training, but I need to commit for a lot of reasons. My main challenge is getting through the extreme soreness especially at the beginning.

 

[SheHulk]

I am in! I am starting Run Fit Mama’s Sculpt & Soar program on Feb 1. I am notoriously bad at being consistent with strength training, but I need to commit for a lot of reasons. My main challenge is getting through the extreme soreness especially at the beginning.

I will tag you to ask how you are doing if you don't check in!

 

[Dopey 2020]

Following this thread, I’ve been pretty good about adding in core days and simple exercises with either body weight or dumbbells, just need to go from 1-2 sets to 3-4 before saying good enough. No need for fancy equipment or gym memberships but will definitely benefit from others structure and discipline.

 

[nancipants]

Forgot to mention another exercise I started doing - a balance board. I picked up one with birthday money after seeing lots of ads for them. (I got the cheaper generic version.) I wouldn't have thought I would feel it that much, but wow. Even doing it for 3 minutes per side on easy mode made all these muscles activate!

 

[Naomeri]

I'm going to join this thread. I'm not quite ready to commit to strength training yet because I'm still trying to get back into proper run training, but I have access to all sorts of equipment at the office gym, so the option is there for later this year, maybe in the summer when it sucks to run anyway

 

[SheHulk]

If you think you want to try it, I have a referral code. I'm not sure what it gets us, but can't hurt: https://members.clubpilates.com/auth/register?referral_code=cp-cwsse

That code may only work in Vermont... but an intro class is free near me so I may give it a go!

 

[Naomeri]

I had the same hesitation for a long time, so I get it! But bottom line for me, having it on the calendar and having to GO somewhere to do it keeps me accountable. AND I'm paying for it, so if I haven't canceled or rescheduled within 12 hours out, I'm paying for it either way and may as well go.

Club Pilates is where I go. They do a free intro class for newbies weekly, and it took me a good three months to finally make myself go. I signed up on the spot for a four-class monthly pass. Scheduling is all on the app, and even if it looks full when my monthly passes hit, I have never had a waitlist not come through.

As for benefits, it's actually fun! It's a combination of fairly light strength work (springs, light hand weights, ball, body weight) and flexibility/balance work. The latter has really helped my running. The work on the reformer with the straps really helps you hone in to which side of your body is weaker. It forces you to find a balance and do the work evenly. And there's quite a bit of mat work with some classes/instructors with heel raises and other balance exercises that is super complimentary to running. There's always a lot of good stretching in between movements, too. I've found the instructors and classes that are challenging enough, so if the intro feels a little easy, know that you may need to ask other members or try a few classes to find your right fit(s). They also have class levels (1, 1.5, 2), and after four months I'm feeling confident enough to sign up for a few 1.5 level classes. If you get REALLY into it, there are one-on-one classes too. My studio doesn't do a hard sell, but ymmv.

If you think you want to try it, I have a referral code. I'm not sure what it gets us, but can't hurt: https://members.clubpilates.com/auth/register?referral_code=cp-cwsse

I did a couple Pilates classes way back in the day at our local Lifetime, and I liked the one on one classes, but I felt all awkward in group classes because I get my lefts and rights backwards

 

[The Expert]

That code may only work in Vermont... but an intro class is free near me so I may give it a go!

Oh shoot - I didn't think about it only being local. But yes, I think every Club Pilates location does weekly free sessions.

I did a couple Pilates classes way back in the day at our local Lifetime, and I liked the one on one classes, but I felt all awkward in group classes because I get my lefts and rights backwards

In my experience, the instructors are really good about recognizing someone who may need extra instruction or modifications. They may subtly change up the way they are explaining a move or even walk over and physically help someone adjust. They also always walk around before the class and ask everyone about their current status, any injuries and what their level of experience is. I was worried about this too but have never felt singled out or conspicuous when I don't get something right away.

 

[Professor_Cookie]

Forgot to mention another exercise I started doing - a balance board. I picked up one with birthday money after seeing lots of ads for them. (I got the cheaper generic version.) I wouldn't have thought I would feel it that much, but wow. Even doing it for 3 minutes per side on easy mode made all these muscles activate!

Oh wow, I used to love my balance board a decade and a half ago. I would use it as training for winter and do squats on it and practice grabs