Comments on: Be different

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:11:59 +0000

Keep going Emma-Lee, and remember that other women have trodden this path before you with success, even though it wasn’t always easy. Why not join my Women’s Strength Training Network on Facebook? You can always come there if you need support or a bit of a rant! http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/256741406956/

By: Emma-Lee

Emma-Lee — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:28:42 +0000

Thank you for this.

I must admit, I am pretty nervous about using the barbells with (reasonably) heavy weight in the gym at the moment. This is mainly because the free weights section of my gym is small and always seems really busy (i.e. full of blokes!). The culture there is that women use the machines and the small dumbbells in the “friendly” area, if they use weights at all. Or they go to Body Pump.

I’ve decided that these blokes can stick it if they’ve got issues with me being in “their area”.

It is my dream to get strong (and to be able to hold my own!!) and, although I’m not lifting small weight (I’m using mid-weight dumbbells) I know that I need to just do it. I guess it’s just the fear of failing in front of a load of blokes who can shoulder press what I’m using to squat!

Thank you for writing things like this post. It’s the kick in the arse I need!!

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:43:43 +0000

Thank you, good luck in your strength training, hopefully you will love it. Strength and power training is very useful for martial artists – we have a few who come down to our weightlifting club and they have all said that the training has improved their fighting.

By: tank

tank — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:23:27 +0000

thanks so much for your site and all the time you’ve put into writing these incredibly informative and encouraging posts.

i’m 36 and have been doing martial arts for a couple of years but decided this year to add in strength training. i do yoga for flexibility and balance and the muay thai helps with speed, power, cardio, reflexes, etc., and is just plain FUN but i knew i was lacking in strength.

so i found a small local gym where you get (council subsidised) personal training for a fiver (!!!) and so last week i booked a session with this wonderful man who’s devised me a stregth programme. it was so satisfying to finally get over the intimidation and try weightlifting, even if i could only manage the bar! hahahaha!

my aim is to start strength training twice a week and see where that takes me. i feel really excited and positive about it and reading all your excellent posts is so encouraging. thank you!

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:48:07 +0000

Fixed! Thanks for the heads up

By: Neil Smith

Neil Smith — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 08:41:43 +0000

Just to let you know that the site’s ‘contact@’ email address is sending a mailbox full message.

By: gubernatrix

gubernatrix — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:12:03 +0000

Thanks Neil!

By: Neil Smith

Neil Smith — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:28:23 +0000

Great site Sally, found it after reading Never Let Go and looking for more on Dan John.

By: JATDEVTA

JATDEVTA — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 09:27:47 +0000

great work,

By: Janet Scott

Janet Scott — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:58:52 +0000

You always inspire me to work harder Sally.
Yes its tough and different being a woman and only being a light weight but its relative. Everyone wants to see the heavy weights but you have to challenge yourself on body weight percentages.

Keep up the good work…I always enjoy reading your posts.