A few weeks ago, my friends and I—who are all women in our mid-thirties to mid-forties—decided to embark on a weightlifting journey together. Our motivations stem from a broader trend surrounding the rising popularity of strength training and functional fitness. Another significant factor is the physiological changes that women experience between the ages of 30 and 50; during this period, women can lose about 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each year. This decline can be exacerbated by drops in estrogen that accompany menopause. Personally, my motivation isn’t about getting bulky but rather about maintaining strength and physical integrity as I approach my fifties. There’s also a more tongue-in-cheek motivation linked to the desire to enhance my physical capabilities, which I jokingly attribute to the results of the recent U.S. presidential election.
In line with our newfound commitment to strength training, Peloton recently launched an app called Strength+, its first independent platform distinct from the main Peloton app. This timing is fortuitous for those of us immersing ourselves in weightlifting. The app is specifically tailored for gym use, differentiating itself from the traditional Peloton app and other fitness platforms such as FitOn, WorkoutWomen, or Apple Fitness+. The Strength+ app is initially available on iOS devices, featuring an attractive introductory offer of $1 per month for the first six months, after which the subscription will return to a regular rate of $10 per month. This model provides an appealing option for those new to the app or the community.
Using the Strength+ app for the past week has been a transformative experience. Upon opening the app, users are greeted with multiple workout options that can be customized according to individual preferences. The workout generator is a particularly useful feature, allowing users to input various parameters, including workout duration, target muscle groups, available equipment, or even whether they want to integrate a warm-up session. This personalized approach makes it easier for newcomers to navigate strength training while ensuring that seasoned participants can adjust their routines.
In addition to the customizable workouts, the app provides various training programs that users can enroll in for a structured approach to their fitness journey. At present, I am working my way through instructor Andy Speer’s “Ignite Your Strength” 4-week program, which presents a rigorous challenge that pushes me to my limits. The app also includes a unique set of short instructional videos, which cover basic gym procedures and etiquette. These resources help demystify the gym environment, teaching essential skills such as how to safely load and unload a barbell or recognizing equipment like the plyo box.
Moreover, the Strength+ app features a progress-tracking element, allowing users to monitor their development over time. This functionality provides insights into total lifting volume, specific workouts completed, and weights lifted throughout the training process. Such tracking can be invaluable for anyone seeking motivation and accountability in their fitness journey. By visually representing progress, the app encourages users to stay committed to their training regimen and witness the tangible benefits of their hard work.
In summary, the advent of the Strength+ app coincides perfectly with our rekindled interest in weightlifting as women facing the challenges of aging. It offers a user-friendly platform designed to cater to both novices and experienced lifters, further encouraging a community of women dedicated to strength training. With its customizable workouts, structured training programs, instructional resources, and progress tracking, the Strength+ app serves as an invaluable ally on our path to greater physical strength and overall well-being, proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing fitness goals.
