What Teaching Strength Classes Has Taught Me — And How I’m Helping People Take Strength Home

Teaching group strength classes has shown me something important: people often want one thing from a workout, while strength training itself requires something a little different. My job is to bridge that gap—giving them what they enjoy and teaching them what actually builds strength they can use independently at home.

They Want to Keep Moving

Many people come to class wanting to feel like they’re “doing something” every minute. Movement feels productive, and it’s motivating. But true strength training doesn’t always feel fast or sweaty—it’s built on consistent, repeated exposure to the right exercises over time, not constant motion.

Still, incorporating movement has value. Dynamic circuits help people warm up, mobilize joints, and move through the planes of motion they’ll need for strength work. That’s a win.

Another thing people love? Soreness. It feels like proof that the workout “worked.” But research shows soreness isn’t a reliable indicator of progress. What actually drives results is choosing exercises and loading patterns that match the goal—whether that’s endurance, hypertrophy, power, or strength.

They Want to Feel Secure

A lot of people are intimidated by strength training. They don’t want to get hurt, they don’t want to be judged for not knowing how to use equipment, and they want to feel confident in the process.

That’s completely valid.

Part of my role is to create an environment where people feel safe learning:

• Safe from injury

• Safe from judgment

• Safe to ask questions

• Safe to try, fail, and try again

When people feel secure, they’re more willing to push themselves—something strength training requires.

They Want to Socialize

Group classes aren’t just about exercise. They’re about community. Many people show up because they enjoy working out with others. It feels like being part of a team.

And honestly? That’s a strength‑training advantage. Accountability and consistency matter more than almost anything else in long‑term progress. Showing up with friends, a coach, or a group makes that easier.

My Plan Moving Forward

I’m committed to continuing this class and teaching the fundamentals of strength in a way that honors what people enjoy while giving them what actually works.

Here’s how I’m approaching it:

1. Large‑Group Circuits for Movement and Fun

These sessions keep people moving, elevate heart rate, and build confidence. They’re social, energizing, and approachable.

2. Dedicated Strength‑Focused Weeks

On certain weeks, we slow things down and focus on:

• Proper technique

• Controlled movement

• Using enough resistance

• Understanding intensity

Evidence shows that strength can be built across a wide rep range—as long as the effort is high and the set is taken close to failure. That means people can use the equipment they have at home (bands, dumbbells, etc.) and still make progress.

3. Teaching Principles They Can Apply at Home

My goal is for them to walk away knowing how to train independently. That means understanding:

• Lift heavy enough (for you)

• Use resistance consistently

• Train close to failure (0–3 reps left in the tank)

• Work within 6–20 reps depending on load and comfort

• Be consistent above all else

Strength isn’t built in a single class—it’s built through repetition, confidence, and understanding.