Confidence. I believe so many of us struggle at one point or another with it. Whether it’s the confidence to go for that new job, go back to school, start a new business, try a new hobby, sign up for that dance class, or just to meet new people.
Looking back to 30 years ago, I was in my early twenties, a college student working toward becoming an elementary school teacher and working part-time. I often struggled with confidence and being shy. I had goals and dreams, and didn’t want anything to stop me from achieving them.
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I was searching for ways to build my confidence and overcome shyness.
A friend of mine was a personal trainer and encouraged me to start strength training. I used to figure skate and play soccer, but I stopped playing all sports when I entered high school. I really missed being active and that overall confident feeling I had about myself.
I wasn’t so sure strength training and lifting weights was going to be for me. I wasn’t interested in getting muscles and the gyms, especially in the weight room, at that time were full of very muscular and fit men.
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Talk about intimidating.
After some convincing, I was ready to try it. I began to learn some of the basics of weight training. It was so overwhelming at first. I felt lost and timid in the gym. I had so many questions. How do I use this machine? What are sets, reps, and how do you know what weight to use? What exercises should I do?
In just a few months of showing up at the gym, the results were mind boggling. I was hooked!
The value strength training brought to my life would reach so many levels beyond just increased strength and toned muscles.
My physique was changing. I had toned muscles, a tight core, any aches and pains I had were gone. I was getting stronger, my immune system was better. I started eating better.
What I didn’t expect was the confidence and mental strength that strength training gave me.
Making these positive changes to my health and fitness raised my confidence and self-esteem. That feeling of inner strength was growing, watching my body get stronger and achieving my goals.
Exercise and strength training also releases the feel good hormones of endorphins. Ultimately, walking into a new environment at the gym, it was scary and intimidating but by not giving up it left me feeling confident, strong, healthy, and happy.
This new found confidence carried over into my daily life activities — only now with that inner and outer strength!
Confidence. Strength training gave me the “I can do it” attitude.
I loved the benefits so much that while I was finishing up my college degree, I became certified by the American Council on Exercise as a personal trainer. I started working at an all women’s gym as an independent contractor and absolutely loved it!
My love of teaching fitness came together.
Almost thirty years later, I still love training! I am currently personal training and a business owner of Fitness by Michelle FITNESS BY MICHELLE – Fitness by Michelle.
If you’re already strength training, keep on going! The benefits will just increase as we age. If you haven’t strength trained before, I encourage you to start with two times a week with a day rest in between. Two sets of 10-12 reps. You can train at a gym or at home. Go get that confidence!
At home full body workout. You can do these exercises with the weights and BOSU or you can complete them with a band and on the floor with a mat.
MICHELL TICKNER
Michelle resides in the beautiful city of Temecula located in Southern California where she is founder and business owner of Fitness by Michelle. Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, a YogaFit 1 Certified Yoga Instructor, and is Certified in Structural Integrated Fitness Training. With over 25 years of being in the Fitness Industry, Michelle brings her passion, knowledge and experience to making health and fitness a lifestyle that is attainable and promotes health and happiness.
Michelle is a mother of two and a soon to be grandma. Time is precious and limited, being a single mom really helped her to relate to the issues so many have with finding time for themselves while balancing family and work. Inspiring others to do this without it being expensive or time consuming is her passion.
In living the lifestyle she promotes you can find Michelle walking or doing yoga on the beach, strength training, hiking or biking on trails. She also enjoys traveling, fashion and spending time with family as much as possible while living the Southern California lifestyle.
