For women, the idea of strength training is full of misconceptions. Many avoid it for all the wrong reasons. But, as you’re about to hear, training right is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy for the long-term.

Today I’m joined by two of my favorite trainers, Melissa Paris, and Lacee Lazoff. They are both StrongFirst certified instructors based in NYC. They take a holistic view of strength in which mind and body are inseparable elements. These two amazing trainers practice what they preach. They train regularly (and I mean almost every day) with the same programs and equipment that they work with their clients.

Today we’re talking all about what it means for women to strength train. Specifically, we talk about building and maintaining strength is part of caring for the whole person - body, mind, and soul. As Melissa and Lacee explain, strength training is an essential part of staying healthy for the long-term that can’t be ignored.

Throughout this interview, Melissa and Lacee share so many reasons why it’s crucial to train smarter and not harder. They break down the importance of forming good habits and not being taken in by the current fads in exercise. You’ll hear how to make training part of your regular practice along with effective self-care so that you’ll stay fit and healthy for life.

How do you incorporate self-care into your training? Tell me about it in the comments on the episode page!

 

In this episode:

• How strength training can only really happen when the whole person is being cared for and addressed
• The many reasons why every woman should strength train as part of a program
• Why consistency is one of the most important parts of training and how to make it a part of your practice
• Why performing better reps are so much better and healthier than simply doing more reps
• Effective kettlebell alternatives to popular but less effective exercises
• Shifting perspectives away from focusing mostly on aesthetics towards focusing on overall health
• How and why to incorporate self-care into your daily practices

 

Quotes:

“I don’t think that people can make real strides in developing their physical strength until they really have a hold on their goals, who they are, and consistency in their habits. All those things go hand-in-hand.” [1:55]

“I think a lot of women when they’re in their 20s and 30s need to start looking at it like, I need to take care of myself in a way that the magazines aren’t telling me to do because they’re only focused on aesthetics.” [11:52]

“It’s not easy, but it [looks easy] because we’re conscious of our movement now and we’re conscious of our programs. And it just comes with being a professional at it and doing it every day.” [28:18]

“When you don’t sleep enough, your cortisol level rises. So it’s really hard to lose weight or to maintain any lean muscle mass that you have if you’re not sleeping properly.”  [43:42]

 

Links:

Find Melissa Paris online

Follow Melissa on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

Find Lacee Lazoff online

Follow Lacee on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

NEOU Fitness Hub

The Joe Rogan Experience

Broken Brain Podcast

 

Check out the full show notes for this episode here

Urban Wellness Clinic

Follow Emily & Urban Wellness on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube