Email us or call (412.746.7468) to talk about the best way you can start strength training with us!
How do I start strength training?
You want to become stronger and you know strength training will help you reach that goal, but you don't know how or where to start. We would, of course, love it if you decided to start training with us, but we know that's not always an option. So we're going to help break down a variety of ways you can start to integrate strength training into your life, so you can choose a way that works for you, your schedule, and your budget.
Starting at home on your own
Cost: $$$$
Safety: ⧍⧍⧍⧍
Consistency: ▲▲▲▲
There's a ton of free information and videos on the internet that you can use to start strength training at home with little to no equipment costs. You can purchase free weights, or you can opt to use cans of soup, milk jugs, paint cans, or a laundry list of household items. If you're looking to opt out of weights to start, there's also plenty of bodyweight workouts available on the internet.
This is a great option for you if you're:
- self motivated and disciplined
- looking for a budget friendly or free option
- have a basic understanding of the body
- have a full length mirror available to monitor your own form
- you enjoy and have time to search the internet
Some reasons you may not find this method successful could be:
- you need external motivation to push you through a workout
- you have a hard time being consistent with a workout routine
- you are easily distracted in your own home
- you are concerned that your form may not be correct
- you have an old or current injury
- you don't have time to spend searching the internet for workouts
Check out our library of recorded classes, here, if you want to start at home without having the hassle of searching the internet for workouts.
Starting with a beginners series
Cost: $$$$
Safety: ⧍⧍⧍⧍
Consistency: ▲▲▲▲
Some fitness studios and centers offer a series of classes that focus on explaining the basics of strength training and highlight form and alignment of the movements in your body. These programs are great options for you if you are just starting out because they typically will have the same smaller group of people meeting each time and build upon the previous sessions and knowledge.
This is a great option for you if you're:
- like being motivated by others
- are looking for a professional to work with you on your form
- want someone to explain things to you and be available for questions
- want to be held accountable for showing up consistently
Some reasons you may not find this method successful could be:
- you have an existing injury that your doctor has not cleared you for strength training with
- you prefer to workout alone
- your schedule requires more flexibility and doesn't allow for a consistent class time
Our next beginner series starts in January of 2023. Check out the details here.
Starting with group classes
Cost: $$$$
Safety: ⧍⧍⧍⧍
Consistency: ▲▲▲▲
Group strength training classes are a great middle of the road option. You'll receive some attention to your form, but also have the schedule flexibility and group motivation of a class. Group classes will offer a variety of movements and styles based on the instructor, but they typically don't build upon each other in a sequential order like a series would.
This is a great option for you if you're:
- motivated by others or working out in a group setting
- looking for a budget friendly option
- have a basic understanding of the body
- your doctor has cleared you for strength training
- needing flexibility in your schedule to attend at different times each week
- looking for variety in each session
Some reasons you may not find this method successful could be you:
- are not cleared for strength training from your doctor
- want each class to build upon the one you took before
- want more individual one on one attention
See our full schedule of weekly group classes here.
Starting with Private Sessions
Cost: $$$$
Safety: ⧍⧍⧍⧍
Consistency: ▲▲▲▲
If you're looking for very focused, individual attention to your form and goals, then a private strength training session is the best option for you. These sessions will be tailored to your needs, goals, and allow plenty of room for questions and discussion.
This is a great option for you if you're:
- looking to gain an in-depth understanding of form
- seeking individual attention
- trying to achieve specific goals
- looking for scheduling needs that are outside of standard class times
- recovery from an injury and are cleared for strength training by your doctor
- looking for sessions that build on each other to see faster progress
Some reasons you may not find this method successful could be you:
- need a budget friendly option
- feel most motivated when working out with a group of people
Check out our private session information and offerings here.
A few tips we recommend when you start adding strength training to your workout schedule include:
- Eating a healthy balanced diet high in protein
- Staying hydrated
- Ensuring you have at least one rest day after strength training
- Starting small and building your new habit slowly (start with one class a week and add another class after a few weeks)
- Error on the side of lower weights or resistance and gradually add
Starting a new exercise modality can be intimidating, but there's several different ways to start which means you can find the one that works best for you! We offer options for each of the starting points mentioned above and we'd love to hear from you if you're unsure which is the best option for you.
