We don’t need to be Instagrammable when we strength train
Let’s do some squats in our PJs, some lunges as we brush our teeth, and press ups on the stairs
There are many barriers to strength training for women
But often there’s a fear of complication, or of being seen, of not doing it right, or of injury.
So let me help you find a way over and through those barriers.
One squat at a time.
If you’re new to strength training:
Keep it simple and short.
Maybe commit to doing 10 squats while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil. Just once a day to start with.
Or use going up stairs as a prompt to do an incline press up, or plank before you reach the top.
I think it was James Clear in Atomic Habits who said he would do a press up after he used the bathroom (his bathroom must be bigger than mine!), but the key thing was to attach a new habit to an established one.
We don’t have to have a massive, complex routine to start with.
And it’s the starting that fascinates me.
I’ve had clients who started with me and went on to do CrossFit, or run marathons, or join the local gym. And that’s great - because they created a habit and a mindset to go with it.
Motivation ALWAYS wanes, so make it a habit
September and January are prime time for getting started, the back to school or New Year energy are hard to beat. We might sign up to the gym, a class, a running club etc. But the motivation doesn’t last when life gets busy busy..
Which is why the habit is the magic ingredient. The 10 squats CAN still happen when time is tight. You can even check your phone at the same time (although I wouldn’t recommend this, your form won’t be great!).
In a busy life, it can be hard to make space for a new habit, which is why I love the habit-stacking, and make it small approach that is in both Jame Clear’s book and BJ Foggs, Tiny Habits book too. Both of them with plenty of evidence and stories as to why it works.
And I’ve seen it work time and time again. And it’s the approach I take to my own health habits too.
I start small, and make it easy. Attach it to something I already do, and find ways to enjoy it too.
If you don’t know where to start, and feel overwhelmed by what’s out there, my beginner’s strength programme will be just the thing to get you started - with a breakdown of key strength training movement patters, advice on getting more movement in, and support in building your own workouts.
No equipment required, not fancy pants kit, just you and your phone, tablet or computer ready to go.
Find out more here