Strength Training Lessons from 15 Years of Lifting Weights
Tue Jan 27 2026
If I could go back and talk to beginner-me in 2010, there are a handful of strength training lessons I would absolutely whisper in her ear. Not because I did everything wrong, but because so much frustration, second-guessing, and spinning my wheels could've been avoided with a little context and coaching.
In this episode, I'm reflecting on more than 15 years of consistent lifting, coaching, and learning the hard way. Whether you're brand new to strength training, a few years in, or coming back after a break, these lessons will help you train smarter, progress more confidently, and stop getting stuck in common traps that hold so many women back, especially after 40.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Why chasing "perfect form" can quietly stall your strength progress
How staying in your comfort zone with weights limits adaptation over time
What the research actually says about rep ranges for muscle growth
Why recovery becomes a non-negotiable as we get older
A surprisingly simple way to gauge whether your sets are hard enough
Enjoyed this episode and want more?
If this episode resonates and you're ready to stop guessing in the gym, you can try a free sample of Strong with Steph, my progressive strength training program built specifically for women over 40 who want structure and flexibility.
Try 7 days free at https://stephgaudreau.com/workout
Doors are currently open for enrollment at the time of this episode.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who's lifting (or thinking about starting), and make sure you're subscribed to Fuel Your Strength so you don't miss future conversations like this one.
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If I could go back and talk to beginner-me in 2010, there are a handful of strength training lessons I would absolutely whisper in her ear. Not because I did everything wrong, but because so much frustration, second-guessing, and spinning my wheels could've been avoided with a little context and coaching. In this episode, I'm reflecting on more than 15 years of consistent lifting, coaching, and learning the hard way. Whether you're brand new to strength training, a few years in, or coming back after a break, these lessons will help you train smarter, progress more confidently, and stop getting stuck in common traps that hold so many women back, especially after 40. What you'll learn in this episode: Why chasing "perfect form" can quietly stall your strength progress How staying in your comfort zone with weights limits adaptation over time What the research actually says about rep ranges for muscle growth Why recovery becomes a non-negotiable as we get older A surprisingly simple way to gauge whether your sets are hard enough Enjoyed this episode and want more? If this episode resonates and you're ready to stop guessing in the gym, you can try a free sample of Strong with Steph, my progressive strength training program built specifically for women over 40 who want structure and flexibility. Try 7 days free at https://stephgaudreau.com/workout Doors are currently open for enrollment at the time of this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend who's lifting (or thinking about starting), and make sure you're subscribed to Fuel Your Strength so you don't miss future conversations like this one.