Strength training is everywhere right now. From social media feeds packed with heavy deadlifts to influencers promoting their latest “get strong quick” programs, the buzz around strength is louder than ever. In the rush to lift heavier, are we stopping to ask: Why am I doing this? More importantly: Is this the right path for me?
Strength for Women and Men: The Science
The benefits of strength training are undeniable. Research shows that regular resistance training improves bone density, boosts metabolism, reduces injury risk, and enhances mental health. For women, lifting weights can be a game-changer in combating osteoporosis and improving hormonal balance, especially around menopause. Men benefit from preserving muscle mass and maintaining testosterone levels as they age. Starting early certainly gives you an edge — the earlier you begin building strength, the longer you can maintain it — but the beautiful truth is that it’s never too late. My dad, in his 80s, is proof of that.
Getting Started: What to Consider
If you’ve never lifted a kettlebell, don’t let the hype push you into the deep end. Start slow, focus on technique, and listen to your body. Programs abound, from gym-based strength training to at-home bodyweight routines. What works for one person might not work for another. What I’ve found is that blending weighted functional movement with yoga builds a more sustainable practice — one that supports your daily life, not just your gym stats.
Access special, strength focused videos as a Signature Member. This membership offers unlimited studio and Zoom classes, access to my video library, and more.
Social Media Buzz: What It Misses
Scrolling through Instagram, you might think progression means endlessly adding weight to the bar. The message often is: lift heavier, or you’re not improving. This insistence on linear progression can be damaging. I’ve seen so many people push themselves too hard, only to end up injured and quit altogether.
What quick-fix narratives miss is sustainability. True strength isn’t about maxing out; it’s about showing up consistently, moving well, and honouring your body. Thinking of progression as a Chakra ‘wheel’ instead of a straight line offers a more holistic view. In yoga, the chakras represent different aspects of our being, all interconnected. Strength is no different. Mobility, stability, endurance, and recovery are equally important as the weight you lift.
My Journey: Finding Balance
I’ve been on and off the gym wagon myself. These days, I do two 20-30 minute weighted sessions a week. My inspiration? My parents. Watching them in their 70s and 80s incorporating resistance bands and weights into their morning yoga routines is incredible. My dad dislocated his shoulder last year, and seeing him patiently rebuild his mobility and strength has been humbling. He didn’t chase quick fixes — he trusted the process.
A Different Approach: Empower Program
That patient, mindful approach is what I bring to my Empower program. It’s not about chasing numbers; it’s about becoming ‘chakra strong’ — multidimensional strength that integrates yoga, functional movement, and breathwork. We meet once a week in person for an hour, with a second 30-minute session on Zoom (live or recorded). It’s about connection, intention, and sustainability.
I’m sharing three videos from my Empower program with my Signature Members. Try them out and see how a mindful approach to strength feels in your body. Let’s stop letting trends dictate our journey. Choose strength. Choose balance. Choose sustainability.
Share Your Thoughts
Have questions about getting strong? Drop me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
Email: info@chandniyoga.com