Nervous About Your First Strength Class? Here's Exactly What Happens
Walking into a new class can feel daunting. Especially a strength class. You might be picturing a room full of people who already know what they're doing, heavy weights clanging, and a coach shouting across the room while you try to work out which end of the kettlebell to hold.
If that's what's been stopping you, we want to take the mystery out of it. Here's exactly what happens when you start classes at AW.
Before your first class
Book our 2 week intro offer for a guided start. You won't be thrown straight in: it starts with a 30 minute 1:1 Foundations session with one of our coaches. It's just you and your coach, so you can learn the basic movements, ask questions and get a feel for the studio before anyone else is in the room.
We'll go through how to lift safely, how to pick a weight that's right for you, and what to do if something doesn't feel right. By the time you come to your first class, the studio won't feel like a stranger.
When you arrive
We're a small, women-only studio, up a flight of stairs next to Aunties Street Food on Tottenham High Road. Ring the bell and we'll come down to get you.
There's no crowded gym floor, no one watching you, and no one expecting you to look a certain way. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
During the class
Our classes are capped at 7 women, so your coach can actually see you.
Every movement is demonstrated before you do it.
Your coach checks your form and gives you options to make each exercise easier or harder.
You choose the weight. There's no pressure to lift more than you can.
If you have an injury, you'll be given alternatives so you can still train safely.
How it ends
Each class finishes with a stretch, breathwork and a moment to reflect. Many of our members say this is their favourite part: a chance to notice how far they've come, even in just a single class.
"But everyone else will be better than me"
This is the worry we hear most. The truth is, our classes are full of women at every stage, from complete beginners to women who've been lifting with us for years. Everyone started somewhere, and there's a real sense of community. You'll quickly find there are regulars who make you feel welcome.
"Before joining, I felt intimidated to go to group exercise classes, but here, classes are small, warm and friendly, and I have made some wonderful pals!"
— Petra H., Google review
"As a woman in my late 50s, I've finally found a friendly and genuinely supportive fitness space that I actually look forward to going to."
— Melinda C., Google review
"I did the intro offer and it was unlimited classes for 2 weeks and I was able to try all of them and there wasn't one I did not enjoy. Now I am hooked!"
— Cecilia S., Google review
Try it for yourself
Our 2 week intro offer gives you a 1:1 Foundations session, then unlimited access to every class on our timetable for 14 days, starting from your first class. It's the easiest way to find out which classes you love, with no contract and no automatic rollover.
Not sure if classes are the right place to start? You can also book a free personal training consultation to talk it through.