Workshop Teaches Women How to Navigate the Weight Room Successfully

LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center hosted its Women on Weights Workshop on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. in the LaHaye Training Loft for women who wanted to build their confidence in the weight room. 

The stereotype that women shouldn’t lift weights was eliminated in the two-hour workshop instructed by Amanda Lavender, a personal trainer for Campus Recreation.

“I think a lot of times, particularly as women, the gym can be a little bit of a spooky place, so I like to create a safe atmosphere where they can come ask questions, learn how to do movements without injuring themselves and leave with the confidence that they belong in the gym,” Lavender said. “They can come and participate in what Campus Recreation has to offer without insecurity.”

As a personal trainer, Lavender began the class with instruction to explain the importance behind a female-focused workshop and how to confidently navigate through the gym. She then transitioned into demonstrating the proper structure of a workout and things to consider based on different fitness goals that the participants had. The workshop included an active instructional piece in which Lavender led the women through major movements, such as the proper form of squats, deadlifts, overhead presses
and more.

To wrap up Women on Weights, the women were able to put their new skills into practice by doing a short workout and asking any questions they had. 

According to Lavender, Campus Recreation hosts the Women on Weights workshop once or twice per semester.

“I … think the communal aspect of showing up and seeing that you have 15 to 20 other women that have got your back and they’re in the same space you are can be really comforting,” Lavender said. “Just a great way to kind of bring the women together … who have never been to the gym before, might not have a gym buddy or might not have a connection within the walls of the gym.”

Not only does the workshop promote good health and exercise habits, but it also creates a support system among women who want to be comfortable in weight rooms that are often male-dominated. 

Lavender said allowing a space for those relationships to form is vital for women to build up their confidence and encourage one another in their fitness journey. 

Another Women on Weights Workshop will be held Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration opens 24 hours in advance and participants will have the opportunity to enter a Group Ex Plus membership raffle. To register, visit, www.liberty.edu/campusrec/campus-recreation/events/. 

Shank is the news editor. Follow her on Twitter at @laurenmshank.