In my day I didn't lif many weights, but that was before the stars 6min ab videos. Did a bunch of 12oz curls though. Probably why I didn't make it further. Weights aren't nearly as bad as you think. Kinda like running distance. I wouldn't do a hard workout the day I'm starting against farragut, or even the day before, but as a whole it will only improve what you're doing in any sport. A guy I talked to today has his guys workout 1 1/2 hours a day year round regardless of what they play, but that is to look good in tommie copper commercials.