Why We Train: Health and Connection

Several times per week, these ladies gather together to take charge of their health and strength. Some have trained with weights for years, others just a few months. These women come from many different backgrounds, but share the common goal of aging healthfully - by improving their physical capacity and maintaining their physical independence.

The best part about this particular session? Seeing these women applaud each other, congratulate each other, cheer each other on, and articulate how inspiring they find each other’s accomplishments. Witnessing authentic connection and genuine support between training partners never grows old. Strong work ladies!

Why We Train: Growing Together

Training together is a wonderful opportunity for connection for Wayde and Helen. They each train three sessions per week, but Saturday is reserved for time together. This shared focus on health and strength is inspiring to see in two people who have been together for over 30 years. Both are healthier, more full of life, and more physically capable than when they began this journey together three months ago. We are grateful for the opportunity to support them in growing together in health and strength!

Photos: Wayde and Helen share a bar for deadlifting. Helen tops out with an impressive 70 kg (154 lb) single (she recently bested this with a 78 kg /172 lb pull), and Wayde warms up with sets of four at 70 kgs(154 lbs).

Why We Train: Health and Strength for Life

Seventeen year old Steph recently had a strong PR squat at 120 kgs (264 lbs). Steph has been training with barbells since the age of twelve. On her third day in the gym, back in 2012, she squatted 12 kgs for sets of five across. Five years later, she regularly squats over 100 kgs for multiple repitions. 

Unlike many trainees her age, Steph isn’t working with barbells to support goals in another sport or athletic endeavor. She has been able to fulfill her physical education credits for school by writing about her experience with barbell training, but for the most part she trains just for the sake of training. Steph’s time in the gym is not just about numbers - she is developing skills that will enable her to train for health and strength for the rest of her life. #strengthmatters

Left: Steph squats 100 kgs for the first time, in May of 2016.

Right: Steph sets a new PR at 110 kgs, in May of 2017. 

Above: Steph squats a life time best 120 kgs (264 lbs), in November of 2017.