Summers fly by so fast!
You are busy coordinating summer camps, work schedules, vacations, seeing friends, and trying to make the most of every sunny day.
Where do you fit in?
If you don't have a plan, its easy to end up
putting yourself and your workouts last on the agenda,
wasting time searching and deciding what to do,
feeling overwhelmed,
tired,
and depleted.
Let me help you take care of you this summer.
In my Backyard Workout Club, I'll give you:
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A plan. A simple and consistent strength training routine you don't have to think about.
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Time. Be with your body and show it some love twice a week for just 30 minutes.
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An opportunity to make an intentional commitment to yourself. Make the decision to invest in your mental and physical health this summer.
"Anne has a gift for bringing a gentle energy and flow to strength training. She gives so much variation and flexibility in the programming that anyone of any fitness level will find it accessible and be motivated to keep going."
~ Robin
Saying yes to a regular strength training routine this summer is saying yes to
Confidence and energy to tackle your favorite summer activities and adventures.
Regular deposits for your future self - stronger bones, improved balance, and mobility as you age.
Comfort and trust in your body just as it is today.
The details
Who
Backyard Workout Club members are:
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Looking for a fun and flexible way to fit strength training into their life.
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Beginners to more intermediate lifters who are comfortable completing workouts at home (with help from clear programming and video demonstrations.)
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Individuals who want to find a relationship to movement and exercise that is NOT rooted in diets and weight loss.
What
Two 20-30 minute strength and mobility workouts delivered to you via a custom app each week.
Connection to a community of like-minded folks looking to build strength at home with a focus on caring for your body without diet-culture nonsense.
You'll be invited to join our private Facebook group where I will share movement tips and you can ask questions and connect with others.
Sample workout structure:
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Dynamic warm-up with muscle activation and mobility (5min)
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Circuits of 2-4 strength and conditioning movements (15-20min)
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Lower body: squat, hinge, and lunge variations
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Upper body: push/press and row/pull variations
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Core strengthening including resistance bands and body weight movements
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You will need:
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Dumbells or kettlebells: A lighter set that you are comfortable lifting overhead and a heavier set for lower body movements.
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A large loop resistance band (like this one) and something to anchor it to (a post, tree branch, table leg, or your heaviest weight can all work)
When
Starting as soon as you join, you'll receive two workouts every Sunday to complete at your own pace throughout the week.
Price
$60 for 10 weeks of workouts.
Feel strong and cared for in your body this summer.
"Anne's focus on functional fitness, reasonable expectations and empowerment has been exactly what I needed to feel comfortable getting back into a strength routine. Anne is really knowledgeable about why she chooses the movements she does, and is proactive about recommending modifications to alleviate discomfort or accommodate injuries/preferences. Anne's programs really quieted any concerns I had about being too far behind or not capable of improving, and I'm so happy to be back in a place where I'm feeling strong and capable again."
~ Chelsea
Meet your coach
Hi, I'm Anne (She/Her). I've spent most of my career researching education and public health initiatives, but I was ready to get away from data and spreadsheets and have an impact on people in real life.
I believe that strength training is one of the best things you can do for your overall well-being and quality of life. AND lifting weights can be really fun, especially in a community of kind and supportive people.
I became a NASM-certified personal trainer and founded Gentle Strength because I want strength training to be more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, body size, past experience, or gender identity.
I get that not everyone has the time or interest to get to the gym multiple times a week and I hope that the Backyard Workout Club will provide an accessible and fun entry point to strength training at home this summer!
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How often will we meet?Gentle Strength Small Group Training includes two training sessions per week on most weeks. The exact number of sessions will vary by month based on days in the month, holidays, and planned breaks. There will typically be 6-9 sessions each month, averaging around 7 sessions per month over the year. I will maintain and share a calendar of session dates updated at least a month in advance (the current calendar is here.) For personal training clients, training frequency is entirely up to you! We can meet anywhere from mulitiple times per week to once a quarter. I also offer single personal training sessions with no further commitment.
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Can I just drop in for a class or two?Genterally, no. These are multi-week programs structured to progress over time in response to the individuals in the group. My goal is to build a sense of trust, comfort, and community among a consistent small group of people. Some of my programs, such as Neighborhood Workouts through Falcon Heights, do have drop in options. I also offer a complementary 20 minute consult to anyone interested in meeting me or seeing the space before committing to a program.
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Do I have to commit to one time slot?I ask that participants commit to primarily attending one time-slot. This helps to build community and trust within each small group. However, there is some flexiblity if things come up and you need to switch class times occasionally. Just contact me beforehand to confirm that there will be space.
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What if I miss a session?While I hope this program helps participants to get in the groove of a consistent strength practice, I know that life is unpredictable and things will come up. I’m here to help you keep moving in whatever way works best for you. I will offer a few options for missed sessions: I can provide a programmed-for-you at-home workout with whatever equipment you have available (including bodyweight). If you can make it to a different group time in the same week, send me a message and you can switch times. Most months, I will schedule a monthly open gym session on a weekend date that you can attend to get in the workout you missed.
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What if you have to cancel a class?This is a one-woman operation and I, unfortunately, do not have substitute coaches available at this time. If I have to cancel a class, I’ll send everyone an at-home workout option. If I need to cancel more than two classes during a month, I will do my best to schedule a make-up session at a time that works for as many participants as possible. If the make-up session doesn’t work for you, or I am unable to schedule a make-up session, I will offer a discount of $20 for each cancelled session to an upcoming monthly payment.
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What do I need to bring/wear for in-person classes?The FIT Lab has all the equipment we will need for class, no need to bring any. Bring a small notebook or your phone to track your workouts. Writing down your reps and weights is helpful to see your progress and plan future workouts. Bring a water bottle. Wear comfy workout clothes you feel good in. Shoes: I prefer to wear minimal/barefoot style shoes while lifting weights, but any type of athletic shoes will work just fine.
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How do I pay for training?Small group and semi-private training programs have a flat monthly payment rate. I will send you a recurring invoice to pay online by credit card or PayPal. Once you have made your first payment, your montly payments will recur automatically. After your first three months, you can cancel your suscirption at any time with at least 30 days notice before your next payment. For personal training, I offer subsciptions or pay-as-you-go options. Apply to discuss what will work best for you.
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Do you have payment plan options or discounts?If you are unable to pay the full cost of a program up front, please contact me and we can discuss options.
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Are your programs refundable?When you join a small group program, I ask that you commit to at least three months of training, which is non-refundable. After that, you can cancel at any time with at least 30 days notice before your next monthly payment. I will make exeptions upon request for unforseen illness, injury, or family emergencies.
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How do I cancel my training package?If you are on a monthly recurring payment plan, you can cancel at any time (after your first three months) with at least 30 days notice before your next payment. Email me at anne@gentlestrength.info to cancel. If you are cancelling a group training program package, this will open up your spot and you may not be able to re-join.
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What are your COVID/Illness Protocols?We’re all in this to feel strong and healthy in our bodies - the last thing I want it to spread any illnesses around! I hope we can all be cautious and respectful to reduce risk of illness. These are some guidelines for us to follow, please let me know if you aren’t comfortable with this or have suggested changes: Participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In-person classes will be capped at 8-9 participants. There will sometimes be other trainers with personal training/small group clients in the space with us. Use courteous gym hygiene - wash hands, wipe off equipment promptly, be aware of others’ space. Masks are not required, but are welcome. If you have any symptoms (congestion, fever, headache, etc), please stay home, rest, and take a COVID test. Once you are feeling well enough to workout and have tested negative, you can return to class. If you have been in close contact with someone who has has tested positive, please wear a mask to class for at least 5 days after contact and test for COVID. If you get COVID (or any illness really!), stay home from class until you are feeling fully well and testing negative.