Strength Training for Women: Part II – Building on the basics 

In our previous blog, ‘Strength Training for Women: Part 1-Getting the basics right’, we shared with you a simple workout plan to get you started. Getting the basics right is crucial, but building on it is equally important. Assuming you have been following that simple workout plan (or plan to give it go), we thought you could use some tips on improving your time spent in the gym. Don’t worry, if you missed Part 1, we got you! You can read it here  

The best advice we can give to you, is to be kind and gentle with yourself, it’s ok to feel uncomfortable.  If you work-out in a crowded gym, venturing to the free weight area may be intimidating. The treadmill and cross-trainer feel safe right?  To make stepping into the free weights arena a little more manageable you can:  

1.  Recruit a friend to work out with you. You can support and encourage each other. 

2. Pledge to do just one exercise in the free weights area, or spend just a few minutes there, then head back to an area you feel more comfortable.  

3. Start at home – practice body weight squats, press ups and sit ups and build your confidence or follow an online home programme to get you started.   

4. Book in for a Personal Training session.  Get 1 or 2 friends involved and see if you can spread the cost of the session.  

5. Load your favourite music onto your phone and listen to it while you train.   

6. If in doubt, it is okay to stick to exercise machines, as you think about working each body part. Simply follow the instructions on the side of the machines.  

7. Ask a member of staff for some guidance. Gyms often have staff on hand to help. Don’t be afraid to ask for a little bit of help to get you started.