Today was the first day of my summer beginner’s weight training class at West Valley College. I arrived at the PE building about ten minutes before 8 a.m., feeling slightly out of place among a crowd of young students gathered at the door. Even my oversized workout pants — a hand-me-down from a carton box too small for my college son — seemed a little too red in the soft morning light. And I felt a little chilly, inside and out.
There were more than 30 students — most of them young, wearing jeans and trainers, chatting easily. Then, at the edge of the group, I noticed a few women around my age. I almost sighed in relief. I wasn’t the only one.
Later, I learned there were four of them. All beginners.
It was a clear reminder: many women, especially seniors, still haven’t discovered the importance — and the empowerment — of weight training.
Though I’ve been training with weights at home for over a year now, I still feel intimidated walking into a gym. Like I don’t belong. That’s why I’ve preferred lifting at home with my dumbbells and kettlebells, following YouTube videos. But self-learning has its limits, especially when it comes to form, confidence, and consistency.
Two months ago, I found this class and signed up without hesitation. I need to learn the basics properly, I told myself.
And today felt different.
The veil finally came down — not just on barbells, but on all those mysterious gym machines that used to make me feel like an intruder.
Being in a room full of people learning together, with guidance and support, changed everything. I wasn’t out of place.
Weight training isn’t just for the young, or the bold, or the already-fit.
It’s for anyone willing to show up — even if it takes a while to step up to the bar.
If you’ve been hesitating, here’s my message to you: it’s never too late to begin. And you’re stronger than you think.
