I’ve always taken a “why mess with a good thing?” approach to my workout routine. I’m a runner, and I supplement that with TSS workouts a few times a week, especially the newest Sculpt classes to mix it up. But when I started hearing about the benefits of strength training—especially why it’s so fundamental for women’s health—well, consider me influenced. How to get started…was another story.

If I’m being totally honest, the whole idea of strength training intimidated me. I was unsure about the proper form for lifting heavier weights, I really didn’t want to risk hurting myself and throwing off the rest of my routine, and I had no idea where to begin. It all felt daunting.

Then, the Sculpt + Strength Challenge from TSS came out, and I knew this was the perfect opportunity to give strength training a try. You can do anything for two weeks, right? Even within the first few days of starting the challenge, I noticed a shift. Strength training finally felt approachable to me. No guesswork, no stress, just a program I could follow—shout out to Bree, who isn’t just a strength training expert, but the perfect hype woman. Plus, I didn’t have to start all over again with a new workout routine. I already like my workout routine! (See above). Sculpt + Strength seamlessly layered strength training with the rest of my workouts…making everything else I loved feel even better.

If you’re a planner (it’s me, hi), be sure to watch the intro and the exercise + form breakdown videos before your first Strength class. Trust me on this one! These videos laid the groundwork for getting started, and gave me a baseline understanding of strength training for beginners, prior to my first class. All super helpful in building up my confidence.

Afterwards, I felt (mostly!) ready to tackle my first cross training workout…and it went really well! The Strength class was beginner friendly and included elements of TSS workouts I already felt comfortable with; for example, it was a beat-based class, like the Sculpt workouts I’m used to taking. Bree, the strength training instructor, is a total pro and makes sure you’re doing things the right way. She’s super positive—she knows her way around a good pep talk—and she breaks everything down for beginners in such a clear, approachable way. I never felt lost or overwhelmed. By the end of class, I was feeling pretty comfortable with all the new moves, and ready for more.

Over the course of the two-week challenge, I started to experience some of the benefits of strength training, and got more and more into it. Initially, I was sure I’d prefer the Sculpt workouts, but the Strength classes were easier to follow than I’d expected, and they ended up feeling equal parts challenging and fun. I loved that I could customize the workouts, based on how I was feeling on any given day. 

I really appreciated how Bree broke down the different strength sequences, slowly building on each one as the challenge went on. If you’re new to strength training like me, this makes the classes so much easier to follow. Bree was great at integrating tips throughout the workout, and emphasized listening to your body and going at your own pace. Plus, she’s really encouraging—this might seem silly, but it’s that kind of energy that got me through to the end of some of the tougher workouts. What can I say, I thrive with good coaching!

Midway through the challenge, I was hooked. People talk about loving the feeling you get when you pick up those weights, and it’s so true—you just feel more powerful and confident, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. I was enjoying all the Strength workouts so much, I even convinced my family to start taking these classes with me (you’re welcome, family!)

At first, I hesitated! I wanted to “stick to the plan.” But I decided to trust it—and I’m so glad I did. That recovery session was exactly what my body needed. By the next day, I actually felt energized again. I wanted to push hard the next day, and I could, because I’d given myself the time to recover.

That experience taught me something huge: sometimes you’re more tired than you realize, and pushing through isn’t heroic—it’s counterproductive. This integration helped me catch that early, avoid burnout, and get better results long-term. This has totally changed my mindset. But now, I see how important low-impact, low-intensity days are. They help me stay consistent, avoid injury, and support my overall health—not to mention, they feel amazing.

Over the course of the two-week challenge, I started to experience some of the benefits of strength training, and got more and more into it. Initially, I was sure I’d prefer the Sculpt workouts, but the Strength classes were easier to follow than I’d expected, and they ended up feeling equal parts challenging and fun. I loved that I could customize the workouts, based on how I was feeling on any given day. 

I really appreciated how Bree broke down the different strength sequences, slowly building on each one as the challenge went on. If you’re new to strength training like me, this makes the classes so much easier to follow. Bree was great at integrating tips throughout the workout, and emphasized listening to your body and going at your own pace. Plus, she’s really encouraging—this might seem silly, but it’s that kind of energy that got me through to the end of some of the tougher workouts. What can I say, I thrive with good coaching!

Midway through the challenge, I was hooked. People talk about loving the feeling you get when you pick up those weights, and it’s so true—you just feel more powerful and confident, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. I was enjoying all the Strength workouts so much, I even convinced my family to start taking these classes with me (you’re welcome, family!)

I began the Sculpt + Strength Challenge feeling mildly terrified, and I ended it absolutely loving the way I felt, physically and mentally. I definitely felt stronger in my body—I noticed a difference in endurance on my runs—but more importantly, I got a confidence boost from knowing I’m capable of tackling challenging, intimidating workouts. Two important takeaways: don’t compare your strength training journey to anyone else’s. We all progress at our own pace. And two, be sure to celebrate your progress! Trying something new like this is big.

Learning to love strength training was not on my 2025 bingo card, but now I’m a convert. I can already feel the difference cross training is making in my stamina, which is paying off for running and Sculpt classes. I’m looking forward to the full strength workout plan launch. 

So, if you've ever felt like strength training was out of reach or just too overwhelming to start, trust me—I’ve been there. These Strength classes might change your perspective, too. Pick up those weights and see how it goes! Bree and I will be cheering you on, every step (and squat) of the way.