Why we wont stop talking about strength training
- Kaeti Sheppard
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
If you have been around Peak Fitness and Motion for any amount of time, you have probably heard us talk about strength training. A lot. At this point, it might feel like we will not shut up about it.
There is a reason for that.
Strength training is one of the most impactful things you can do for your long term health, function, and quality of life. And while it is not the only form of movement that matters, it is often the missing piece.
What we mean when we say strength training
Strength training is not just lifting heavy weights or maxing out in the gym.
At its core, strength training means applying progressive resistance to muscles and connective tissue in a way that challenges them to adapt. This can include barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, machines, bands, or bodyweight when programmed correctly.
The key parameters are:
Adequate load or resistance
Repetition over time
Progressive challenge as the body adapts
Without progression, the body has no reason to change.
Yes, other forms of movement are valuable
Pilates, yoga, spin, running, hiking, and other forms of cardio absolutely have benefits.
Pilates improves control, coordination, and endurance of stabilizing muscles.
Yoga improves mobility, balance, and nervous system regulation.
Spin and cardio improve cardiovascular health and aerobic capacity.
All of these are important. None of them are wrong. But on their own, they do not consistently provide enough stimulus to maintain or build muscle mass and bone density over time. Strength training is what rounds out the picture.
Why strength matters long term
Starting in our thirties, we naturally begin to lose lean muscle mass if we do not actively work to maintain it. This process accelerates with age, stress, under fueling, and inactivity.
Loss of muscle affects far more than appearance. It impacts:
Metabolic health and insulin sensitivity
Joint stability and injury risk
Balance and fall prevention
Energy levels and resilience
Independence as we age
Bone density follows a similar pattern. Bones respond to load. Without regular loading through strength training, bone density can decrease, increasing fracture risk later in life.
This matters for both men and women.
For women especially, strength training plays a critical role in supporting bone health, hormonal changes across the lifespan, and maintaining lean mass through perimenopause and menopause.
Strength supports everything else you do
Strength training does not replace yoga, Pilates, or cardio, it supports them.
When you are stronger:
You move better in yoga and Pilates
You generate more power and efficiency in spin and running
You recover better between workouts
You are more resilient to stress and injury
Strength creates a foundation that allows other movement practices to be safer and more effective.
What this looks like in real life
Strength training does not have to be complicated or overwhelming.
For most people, this looks like:
Two to three strength focused sessions per week
Full body or thoughtfully split programming
Loads that feel challenging but manageable
Consistency over intensity
You do not need to do everything. You need to do the right things consistently.
Want help getting started
If you are curious about strength training but unsure where to begin, this is where we can help.
We offer strength consults to help you understand what type of training makes sense for your body, your goals, and your schedule. This is a great option if you want personalized guidance and a clear starting point.
We also offer free classes so you can experience our approach to strength training in a supportive, coached environment. No pressure and no expectation that you already know what you are doing.
If strength training has felt intimidating, confusing, or overwhelming in the past, you are not alone. The right support makes all the difference.
Why we keep talking about it
We talk about strength training because it works. Because it supports long term health. Because it helps people feel capable, confident, and strong in their bodies now and decades from now.
If your current routine feels incomplete, or you are doing a lot of movement but not seeing the changes you want, strength training may be the missing link.
And yes, we will probably keep talking about it.
- Coach Grace
Peak Fitness and Motion
Interested in learning more?
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Join a FREE Strength and Conditioning Class (stick around for a chat after!)
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