• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

5 Things I Have Learned About Lifting Weights

February 6, 2020 | fitness, health

I have been talking up boot camp for awhile now, and it’s because I have seen changes in my body like I never saw when I was just running. I always assumed I was ā€œin shapeā€ because I could run a marathon, but y’all, I really wasn’t in overall good health/shape. lifting weights has helped me in so many ways though!

I have urged, begged, and pleaded with you in the past to start strength training if you are mainly just doing cardio, and yup, I’m going to do it again. I would love to make a believer out of you! Here are five things I have learned since I started lifting.

1.) You burn calories for a longer period of time: When you are lifting weights, you have the potential to burn calories for HOURS after, even while you sit on your couch. Your muscles have to repair themselves, so yup, better calorie burn for you, without the extra work! I don’t know about you, but I much prefer burning calories in my PJ’s on the couch than actually having to stay at the gym for an extra hour.

lifting weights

2.) You will look better: Let’s face it. Someone who looks strong looks healthy. My posture is better, my arms look better in a tank top, and I have gotten rid of a lot of excess jiggly flab all over my body. I feel way more toned and tight than I ever did just running.

lifting weights

3.) You will run faster: Lifting weights has made my legs way stronger, so I am able to run faster than before with less running workouts. I have the strength to hold my body in proper running form longer, too. I was so surprised to PR in a 5K a couple years ago because at the time I was only running once a week!

IMG_4014 (2)

4.) You probably won’t bulk up: I say probably because you can bulk up, but it is highly unlikely it will happen unless you are trying to. When healthy, I go to boot camp and lift four days a week and while I am more toned, I do not feel bulky at all. Don’t let this common misconception stop you!

squat

5.) You will feel more confident: Looking better, feeling better, and being able to do more with my body has given me such a sense of accomplishment. I am not as afraid to try new things, and I am so thankful that for all that my body does for me every day. It’s just this overall sense of wellness that is kind of addicting. Join me?

As always, please check with your doctor before starting an exercise routine. You will probably be really sore at first but don’t give up! Sore is good. Live for the sore! Let’s all be healthy and fit this spring and summer.

QOTD: Do you lift weights? How does it make you feel? Has it helped you in other areas like running or another sport?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ali says

    May 12, 2016 at 10:55 am

    I love lifting weights! It’s amazing how much even light lifting can elevate your fitness progress. I like that you mention that it’s improved your running because I don’t think everyone realizes just how much lifting weights compliments cardio-type fitness activities.

    • Heather says

      May 12, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      I used to not believe it, but I had personally seen results so call me a believer!

  2. Carmy says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:05 pm

    I love lifting! I was way more toned when I lifted while running than just running now. I need to get back into it. I know a lot of people get worried about “bulking” up and I’m glad you addressed it here. It takes a LOT for ladies to bulk up.

  3. Lesley says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    I love strength training, and I upped it to almost every day when I was doing PT. All the various exercises are great, and I feel accomplished, especially if I’m sore the next day. I have noticed I feel stronger and faster and I hope to continue all of that.

    • Heather says

      May 12, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Yes, me too!

  4. Kristi says

    May 12, 2016 at 12:53 pm

    I completely agree with everything you said! I incorporate kettle bell into my circuit training exercises twice a week, do hand weight reps twice a week on my run/speed training days and lift barbell and do bar squats twice a week on my distance run days two times a week. I love how it tones and tightens and yes!! to the after burn effect! I’m very fit but definitely not bulky. Might I add, 42 years old and four children. Best shape of my life now!

    • Heather says

      May 12, 2016 at 2:14 pm

      Way to go! I love kettle bells!

  5. Bree says

    May 16, 2016 at 6:05 pm

    YES! Weights!! I was just texting a friend of mine last night after filling in my next race training plan that it wasn’t complete because I needed to add more weight training and some rest days (ha!).

    • Heather says

      May 17, 2016 at 11:36 am

      Do it!

  6. Laura says

    May 19, 2016 at 9:37 am

    How should someone begin to incorporate lifting/strength training into a routine at the gym? It would be awesome to see a daily/weekly schedule with even some “how-to” video clips!

    • Heather says

      May 19, 2016 at 10:37 am

      Does your gym have any strength classes like body pump? I always feel like that’s a great way to get started bc they tell
      You what to do

      • Laura says

        May 20, 2016 at 8:46 am

        Unfortunately, no. šŸ™ I go to a Planet Fitness, and I love that they have a ton of machines, but classes are lacking.

        • Heather says

          May 24, 2016 at 2:53 pm

          oh bummer! I don’t really use typical machines. I use squat racks, TRX, push sleds, do body weight exercises, medicine balls, etc.

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. šŸ™‚

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
šŸ–ļø I’m so thankful my parents took us on tr šŸ–ļø I’m so thankful my parents took us on trips growing up. When I was young, we didn’t have a lot of money, but they made every weekend getaway or camping trip special, and I have so many great memories. 

We may not have gotten to travel often until I was a teenager, but we still had a blast, and they even took us to a @spectrumresorts  property! (Ad)

As an adult, I am so grateful to be able to return the favor. To see them laugh and play with my daughter like they did with me. It’s one of those special full circle moments, those core memories that will stay with me forever. 🄹

Staying at @turquoiseplaceofficial makes things so easy, too. The condos are huge and we easily all fit without being on top of each other. There’s plenty to do with pools, a waterslide, lazy river, the beach, movie nights, kids activities, food, and more. ✨

It truly is the perfect place for a multigenerational vacation. So if you are looking for a great place to go with your parents, grandkids, aunts, uncles, or cousins, this is it. šŸ’–

And, you can save 10% on your stay by using my code LOOKGLASS in the promo box when you are booking, here or at @thebeachclubresortandspa! šŸ–ļø 

Have you taken a multigenerational vacation? Where did you go? 

#albeachblogger #turquoiseplace #spectrumresorts #orangebeachalabama #beachcondo #beachvacay
We take her on these trips and cruises hoping she’ll soak in the adventure, the beauty, and maybe even the food from places different from where we live… but to her, nothing beats a corn dog and mac & cheese. šŸ§€ 

And honestly, that’s the best reminder for us, that joy doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be yours. šŸ›³āœØ 

#FamilyTravel #SimpleJoys #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycreators #cruiseship
YES I was dancing, eating mac and cheese from the YES I was dancing, eating mac and cheese from the kids menu, and singing ā€œLet it Goā€ with a butter knife while wearing Mickey ears on our Disney cruise. 🚢 

When I was 12, I was worried a lot… worried about failing, scared of what people would think of me, and of not fitting in or being ā€œcoolā€. 
I turned 40 this year and have been spending time trying to figure out exactly who I really am with all expectations stripped away. I don’t love the term ā€œfinding yourselfā€, but here I feel like it fits. ✨

Maybe finding yourself means going back to being 12.… and being myself without being scared. Heather at 12 would never believe this version of me… but I think she’d be proud. šŸ’›āœØ

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #letitgoā„ļø #findingyourself #disneycreators #disneywish @disneycruiseline
Ever wondered what extra magic you can add for a b Ever wondered what extra magic you can add for a birthday onboard a @disneycruiseline ship? 🚢 

Emma Kate turned 11 last month during our sailing and we did so many birthday things! She got a ton of ā€œhappy birthday’sā€ from crew and guests to make it extra special. ✨

šŸ‘‰šŸ»For a link to the birthday ears she wore (they have lots of colors and variations!) comment ā€œEARSā€ and I will send it to you! 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneybirthday #disneycruisevacation #disneytips
IYKYK. I finally figured it out…the night before IYKYK. I finally figured it out…the night before we got off the ship. šŸ˜†

#disneymeme #disneycruiseline #disneywish #cruisememe #cruiseship #cruisevacation
This is 11. āœØšŸŽ‰ Not sure how this happened, b This is 11. āœØšŸŽ‰

Not sure how this happened, but time snuck up on me and now I have an 11 year old. 🄹
We couldn’t think of a more fun place to celebrate that on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

She started the day with presents, then hours and hours in the sun on the island, followed by cake and singing at dinner, the tween club, and fireworks at sea! (They were for pirate night but we said they were birthday fireworks!) 

Happy birthday to the most fierce, kind, competitive, loyal, funny, and beautiful little girl I know. 🩷 Never change who you are and stop growing up so fast! So. Blessed to have the best title there is, Emma Kate’s mom. šŸ’–

#thisis11 #birthdaygirl #happubirthday #theprincessek
Looking for a place where your family can slow dow Looking for a place where your family can slow down and make memories together? 🌲 The Retreat House at Valley Bear Farms is your home away from home in the North Carolina mountains. (Ad) 

This spacious lodge features 3 cozy bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms + a half bath, a chef’s kitchen for family meals, and plenty of space to gather. Step outside to private decks, a hot tub under the stars, and an outdoor fireplace perfect for s’mores and story-sharing.

And when you’re ready to explore, your stay includes full access to everything Valley Bear Farms offers — from pond swims and a wood-fired sauna to disc golf, pickleball, volleyball, bocce ball, hiking trails, and evenings around the community fire pit where families come together.

It’s more than a getaway. It’s where family memories are made. ā¤ļø 

#ValleyBearFarms #FamilyRetreat #GlampingWithKids #northcarolina #familyvacations

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d