At Made Possible Personal Training here in St. Petersburg, Florida, we see it every day. Women walk into our gym thinking they’re “not strong” or that lifting heavy isn’t for them. But give it a few weeks, and a little coaching, and they realize just how much they’ve been holding back.
And the research backs that up.
In a recent study, over half of gym-goers underestimated how much weight they could lift for 10 reps. Most women were staying way too safe, with only 12 to 28 percent choosing a weight heavy enough to bring them near real fatigue. That means the majority were doing what felt “hard” but still had plenty left in the tank.
Here’s the thing: strength training isn’t about going all out or maxing every set. But if you’re flying through your reps and could knock out five more without breaking a sweat, it’s time to check in. Could you go heavier? Could you push just a little further?
Progress in fitness comes from challenge. That little spark of struggle in your workout? That’s where change happens. Whether you’re training in our semi-private personal training sessions, lifting in a group class, or coming in for 1-on-1 coaching, we’re always watching for the moment you’re ready to level up.
And it’s not just about building muscle. When you train with purpose, you build confidence. You start to see that the same strength you bring to the gym can carry over into real life; whether that’s carrying groceries, chasing grandkids, or just walking taller through your day.
So the next time you walk into a session, pause and ask yourself: Could I go a little heavier today? You might surprise yourself.
Ready to train smarter, not just harder?
Come see us at Made Possible Personal Training in St. Pete. We’ll help you find that next level and feel good doing it.
Call 727-537-9854 or Sign up for a free assessment to get started!
