We're thrilled to announce the launch of our latest partnership with Awaken Performance Rehab: a series of at-home strength training exercises designed specifically for women runners. Strength training is so important for women runners because it helps prevent injuries, enhance performance, promote better posture and running form, and makes us stronger, more efficient runners. With more exercises scheduled to join the series soon, our goal is to empower women to seamlessly incorporate simple yet effective strength training exercises into their running routines. These exercises require minimal equipment and can be performed in the comfort of your home. 

While we were filming this series, it struck us that although at-home workouts offer convenience and flexibility to accommodate busy schedules, there are so many benefits to joining together with other women to strength train. In this blog, we explore all the reasons why we cherish the camaraderie and motivation that group strength workouts offer, and why we strive to facilitate these group training sessions whenever possible! 

1. Motivation Amplified

Embarking on a solo strength training session might feel lonely and overwhelming, with only your inner cheerleader pushing you forward. However, in a group setting, the encouragement and motivation of the other women training alongside you can help propel you through to the finish. Picture this: you're in the middle of a strength session, surrounded by fellow women runners, all cheering you on, and each exercise is guided by trainers who know their stuff. This camaraderie doesn't just create accountability (i.e. I better show up because the rest of the group will definitely be there 😅), but it also turns your "I can't" into "watch me!" The group vibe has this magical ability to inspire you to tackle new challenges and achieve feats you may have never thought possible.

2. Form Refinement and Injury Prevention

One of the greatest benefits of group strength training is the opportunity for real-time feedback and form correction with a trainer. They're there to catch every squat, lunge, and curl, ensuring your form is on point and your posture is picture-perfect🏋️‍♀️. With the watchful eyes of trainers and peers alike, you can receive invaluable guidance on proper technique, posture, and alignment. By honing in on these finer details, you help reduce your risk of injury and maximize the effectiveness of each exercise, laying a solid foundation for long-term strength and resilience on the trail.

3. Variety Breeds Consistency

Imagine you are at a group strength training session, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, the trainer busts out a whole new set of exercises and equipment! For women runners who are used to the repetitive rhythm of pounding the pavement, this variety is a breath of fresh air, targeting muscles that may be underutilized during running. By infusing your routine with new challenges and exercise, group training helps keep things interesting, giving your body new opportunities to grow and improve performance! Including more variety in your workouts will also help curb boredom and monotony that so many runners struggle with in the gym, keeping you coming back for more! 

4. Community Connection

In a world where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections, group training offers a refreshing opportunity for genuine human interaction and camaraderie. For women runners, this sense of community can be particularly empowering, fostering friendships, support networks, and a shared passion for training. Whether swapping running tips, celebrating milestones, or simply sharing a laugh, the bonds forged during group workouts extend far beyond the confines of the gym or studio.

5. Empowerment and Confidence

Perhaps the best part of group strength training for women runners is the profound sense of empowerment and confidence you get from training alongside other women runners. As you smash through your goals, your crew is right there beside you, cheering you on like your own personal fan club. With each high-five and fist bump, you're not only becoming a stronger athlete, but you’re also cultivating a belief in your own capabilities that will transcend the walls of the gym and make you a more confident runner out on the trails. Suddenly, those challenges that once seemed daunting? Yeah, they don't stand a chance against your new found resilience and unshakeable determination.🌟

For women runners who are ready to unleash their inner powerhouse and dive headfirst into the magic of community, group strength training sessions is where the real fun begins. You're surrounded by a crew of fierce, fabulous women, all on a mission to crush their goals and cheer each other on every step of the way. 💪 With the power of the group behind you, there's no limit to what you can achieve. From pushing through tough workouts to celebrating victories big and small, every moment is a chance to grow stronger, both physically and mentally. So, lace up those kicks, gather your squad, and sign up for some group strength training sessions to become stronger runners together.

Announcement: Be on the lookout for group strength training sessions in Buffalo, NY hosted by Middle Trail Running and Awaken Performance, launching in the coming months!