Amy Lewis did the Ladies Who Lift beginners weight training course in November 2013. She loved it, and came back to join the Ambassador programme in January 2014.
Here’s the full text of Amy’s interview:
“Before I did Ladies Who Lift, I had done some strength training with a personal trainer, so I had a foundation.
But in terms of going into the gym by yourself, and being able to train by yourself and use the equipment, I just wasn’t doing it.
I was quite intimidated by the big men that crowd around that area, and I had a definite mental block as well, a bit of fear about what I could do, and needed a bit of guidance. Independent training was a bit of a worry.
I internet-stalked Sally – which sounds a bit weird! – but I watched her videos, I really liked her manner, I really liked her experience.
I liked what the course was all about, the fact that it was focussed on your confidence, and helping you go and do it by yourself; and knowing how to do it, why you’re doing it as well – it was everything I wanted, so I was excited!
It’s been really, really good for me! I came in just wanting to boost my confidence, and I was maybe a little bit worried about having to do everything in front of a big group as well, but the atmosphere was probably the most impressive thing for me; it’s a really supportive atmosphere, everyone’s really with you, with everything you’re doing.
Being able to give that back to people as well; it helps your own confidence watching people, and watching people overcome their own fear of the weight, or fear of not knowing what to do; it’s just really good to observe as well as be observed.
I would say that I know where my limits are, but not in a negative way. Before I think I was trying a little bit of weight and then stopping, mainly because I was scared of what would happen if I tried more weight or if I tried a new exercise. The fear was definitely affecting my progress. So I know how far I can go now, and it’s a lot further than I thought!”
Amy deadlifting 60kg, more than her bodyweight:
If you want to overcome your fears and start lifting big weights like Amy, join the next Ladies Who Lift Beginners course or come to one of our Ladies Who Lift Weekend Intensives for beginners.