Starting my fitness journey, I tried a bit of everything: a little cardio here, some stretching there. But I didn’t feel that my body was really changing, and that’s because I was missing a major component of my fitness regimen. I had to put away my fear and make my way to the weight area of my gym to finally achieve some major transformation.
I added strength training to my program, and if there’s only one thing you can add to your training this year, that should be it.
Engaging in a weight-bearing exercise program is incredibly beneficial to your body. It increases muscle mass, boosts bone density, can help reduce body fat, improves your overall health and enhances your mental well-being.
Since there are a lot of ways to strength train, seeking guidance from qualified fitness professionals is a great place to start. EBONY spoke to three of the top trainers in the country to get their advice and tips on what you should do and some great ways to put your strength training into motion this year.
Teddy Savage, National Lead Trainer, Planet Fitness: In 2025, we’re focusing on getting stronger together with the idea that strength means more than just building bigger muscles. This new year, we’re encouraging Planet Fitness members to enhance their strength and cardio routines through functional training (exercises related to your ongoing daily movements) using new equipment like plate-loaded strength machines. Functional training incorporates a range of movements from compound exercises to mobility work that mimics patterns we do outside the gym, allowing gymgoers to improve their overall quality of life by making everyday activities more efficient, less stressful and more enjoyable!
Tunde Oyeneyin, Instructor, Peloton: “Whether you’re trying to add variety to your fitness practice, level up your endurance, prevent injury or just want to feel stronger in your body, strength training is such an important piece of your wellness toolkit. Getting started, especially if you’re new to strength workouts, can feel daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Start slow and build gradually. Try to commit yourself to 10 minutes of dedicated strength work a few times per week to create a habit you can build on over time. Strength training can unlock so many benefits, mind and body, and is a great investment to make in yourself in 2025.”
Robert Brace, Owner and Lead Trainer, Brace Life Studios: “One of the highlights at Brace Life Studios is the privilege of watching women get stronger, leaner and in many cases be in the best shape of their lives as they go through the menopause journey. It is also very encouraging to see younger women start to make lifestyle changes that make the menopause transition easier on their bodies and mental health. During menopause, women face three key challenges: decreased muscle mass and metabolism and less emotional resiliency. These changes can lead to weight gain, frailty, lack of energy and mood swings. But the good news? You have the power to take charge. The science is in. It is an undisputed fact that strength training is essential for all women, especially women on the menopause spectrum. Focusing on big, compound movements like deadlifts, squats and lat pull-downs can transform your body and mind. These exercises target large muscle groups to boost metabolism, build lean muscle mass, and even help regulate emotions by increasing serotonin and endorphin production.
For more fitness guidance, see “Tips for the Gym Newbie” and “Level Up Your Fitness Gains at Traphaus.“
