Where to Start?

You can build personal, inner strength from physical strength created in the gym. In fact, this is precisely how I survived two very difficult years of my life.

During a coaching call last week with one of my clients, I shared my personal story on how strength training became my metaphor for life. In order to create new strength in your body, you must work through some heavy workloads. The only way to become “better” is to face challenges and work through them until you succeed. During an extremely heavy leg press one day, I stalled out mid-way. In a flash of a moment, I had the choice to believe that the leg press machine knew better than me, and that I should quit the set. In that moment, I would normally jump at the chance to be done with a set and say to myself: “Welp, I tried and can’t do another set. That set is done!” But this day, in that flash of a moment, I said to myself:

“What if I just tried to do one more rep? What if this is just a momentary challenge, and what if I choose to work through this discomfort…maybe I’ll succeed. It’s uncomfortable…but I think I can breathe through this…”

And bam! My life changed forever. And so did my body.

Whenever you face a rough patch in life, your instinct will be to run away in some form or another. Maybe it’s avoidance of the situation, or maybe you’ll escape into a glass of wine. Maybe it’s so painful that you shove it so far down that you almost believe that the issue doesn’t exist. Yep, I’ve done it all too.

Let your emotional strength rise up and stand on the foundation of your physical strength. 

It will change your life.

In this week’s video, Rebecca from the Women’s Strength Nation community asks where she should start her strength training program. Are you wondering the same thing? Or, are you ready for a change and need a new workout? Check out the video below.

In this week’s video I suggest that strength training be the foundation to your entire fitness program with your other interests sprinkled on top. Each week, schedule your strength workouts first, then add in your yoga, zumba, jogging, or spinning. A strong foundation means that you will perform better in any activity, and you will burn more calories. You will get more out of all of your fitness activities if you are powering them from muscle, and you’ll reduce the risk of injury. That’s why I suggest putting strength training at the top of your fitness agenda!

PS! I reserve exclusive content for the Women’s Strength Nation email update. If you want to receive more info that isn’t shared here on the blog, use the sign up form at the top right of this page to enter your first name and email address. Then stay tuned every other week for insights on becoming stronger inside and out.

Women’s Strength Nation is committed to improving the ratio of women to men strength training around the world. You can Join the Movement by sharing your thoughts and questions below. Your thoughts and ideas may help another woman’s journey. Please join the conversation and leave a comment below!

And lastly,

Today’s #Strengthspo

“Let your emotional strength rise up and stand on the foundation of your physical strength.”

Stay strong, friend. 

14 replies
  1. Margi
    Margi says:

    One week ago I reached my 65th birthday. It is TIME FOR CHANGE!! My weight has been climbing for the past 8-10 years and nothing seems to help. In addition, it seems that my attempts at exercise are sabotaged, – urethra surgery, husband’s lung surgery, early stage emphysema. I do not want to be an obese sedentary old woman!!!! Can I change my body at 65?

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hello Margi,

      Happy Belated Birthday! OF COURSE you can still change your body at the age of 65! I would suggest starting on the newbie program in my Lift to Get Lean book. Stay Strong Margi! You are still capable of achieving so much!

      With Love,
      H

      Reply
  2. Nancy
    Nancy says:

    I love your book lift to get lean. This week i started the hard gainer training. I hope i’m going to grow some muscles because they doesn’t show in a long time. I didn’t workout in about 10 years.
    Holly i ‘m so happy with you in my life. You are such a inspiration to me. I’m 51 and want to het fit and lean.

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hello Nancy,

      Thank you so much for reading my book! Love the feedback!
      As for your strength workouts, if you stay on track and watch your diet, I’m pretty sure you will see some muscles growing. It’s never too late to get started!
      Stay committed to your goals and you will be fit and lean!

      Stay STRONG
      Holly

      Reply
  3. Jenny
    Jenny says:

    Have been doing the newbie for almost 5 months, first time strength training ever. I LOVE it. Going to move to hard gainer after I reach 6 months on newbie. Just love this program. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hi Jenny

      YAY! It honestly makes me SOOO HAPPY to hear that you are loving your strength training! Keep up the hard work and dedication!

      Stay Strong
      Holly

      Reply
  4. grace
    grace says:

    Hi Holly,

    I’ve been playing around with working out for years but I’m finally ready (at age 50 something) to do this once and for all. I’m a skinny fat person; I look fine in clothes but I have a high BF% for my height and weight. I’m interested in getting you to custom design me a workout and diet because I have such a hard time gaining muscle and my metabolism is all but destroyed from yo-yo dieting for years. Is there bundle pricing available for a custom strength training/diet/email support or is everything a la carte? Thanks so much. I have your book and I really appreciate your attitude and approach to training. Now I just need to get started!

    Gratefully,
    Grace

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hi Grace! Oh Grace! MAJOR apologies on the delay here, oh my! I am just getting back on track after the mad rush of January being “fitness month”. I would love to hear more about your goals and see if my custom plans are a fit for you. I already have some ideas. If you are still interested in getting some guidance, please email me directly. Then, I’ll set up a time for us to chat on the phone and explore further what you need. It would be my honor to help you! Please email me at: hollyperkinsfitness@gmail.com
      I’ll watch for your email and hope to hear from you soon. In strength, H

      Reply
  5. Alanna
    Alanna says:

    Hi!

    I started strength training a few months ago, but needed some help so picked up your book! Thanks, it’s super comprehensive! I was hoping however to put links of the exercise videos into my phone to bring with me to the gym- but I am having a bit of trouble locating them. Do you have a central exercise video spot on your site? Thanks in advance!!

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hello Alanna,

      Thank you for choosing my book to get you started with your fitness journey. We are currently working on getting the videos on our website. But in the mean time, you can check out the Workouts page on the site and you can also check out our Youtube.com/womensstrengthnation

      Stay STRONG

      Reply
  6. Essie Hayes
    Essie Hayes says:

    Strength training my lower body is a lot easier than weight training for my upper body. I see definition in my legs a lot faster. I’m guessing that the reason lies in the fact that I can lift heavier weights with my legs as opposed to my arms. Any suggestions for building upper body strength and seeing that same definition (lean, but not bulk) I see in my legs?

    Reply
    • Admin
      Admin says:

      Hi Essie!
      Sometimes we don’t see the results we’re looking for because of our genetics. Maybe you’re more inclined to building muscle in your lower extremities vs. upper body. I would suggest going up in weight, not too much – you don’t want to overtrain or injure yourself. Also, make sure your form is good, this can be a huge factor; and maybe adding a couple extra sets to your workout.

      Let me know if this helps.

      In Strength,
      Holly

      Reply

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