training. And not the “I’m not
using pink dumbbells, I up-
graded to the magenta ones”
kind. Actual heavy weight train-
ing. With weights that creep
up toward and even well above
your bodyweight (gasp). If you
ask me, there is nothing more
badass than the feeling of mov-
ing something heavy from one
place to another or even just
up and down. Strength training
will teach you all sorts of things
about yourself. Like the fact
that you are more capable than
you think. That hard work and
tenacity pays off. That small
changes can yield great results.
And it can introduce you to a
whole bunch of other badass
women who feel that way, too.
4. It’s okay to ask for help. En-
couraged, actually. You’re not
expected to know everything.
Seek out a trainer or coach at the
gym. Ask questions. Sign up for
training or try out a few classes
to help yourself get situated.
5. Be friendly. Make eye contact
and smile at people. Tactfully
ask one of those head-down-
and-work people a question (pay
attention, here, don’t do it when
there’s the possibility that she’ll
drop something heavy on one or
both of you - when she’s at the
end of her workout is probably
best) or offer her a compliment
(trust me, it’ll be very much
appreciated). Don’t turn it into
social hour (see #2) but ac-
knowledge that you’re sharing
this space with other people who
have a common interest. I’ve
been pleasantly surprised by the
gym friendships that I’ve de-
veloped over the years that just
started with a knowing smile.
Now that you know these 5 tips,
there’s really nothing left to it
but do it. Go forth & conquer.
Do you want more cliches? Take
a look at your schedule and
write in when you’re going to go.
Commit to it and tell someone
for accountability. You can even
contact me and tell me! If you
don’t already have a gym mem-
bership, step 1 is to start scoping
out gyms in your area but if you
already have one that you’ve
been paying for but not using,
NOW IS THE TIME! You’re al-
ready a badass and you know it,
now let’s extend that to the gym,
too, shall we?
About the Author
Esther Avant is a certified Nutrition Coach and Per-
sonal Trainer at Esther Avant Wellness Coaching. She
specializes in helping altruistic women make lifestyle
changes to lose weight and live their healthiest, hap-
piest, and most confident lives so that, in turn, they
can be there for others who need their help, love, and
compassion. She is passionate about helping women
realize that they deserve to prioritize themselves and
that they have the power to make positive changes
in their lives. She gives her clients all the tools they
need to fight overwhelm and make realistic, long-term
changes. You can find out more about her at www.
estheravant.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
estheravantwellnesscoaching, on Instragram at www.
instagram.com/esther.avant, and on Twitter at www.
twitter.com/esther_avant
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