3 Tips to Start Strength Training: Advice from a Certified Personal Trainer

July 21, 2025

Starting strength training as a mom can feel like stepping into a whole new world. With endless information online and intimidating gym setups, it’s no wonder many women feel unsure where to begin. But here's the truth: strength training doesn’t have to be scary - it can be simple, empowering, and completely life-changing.


At ABC Fit Collective, we believe that moms deserve fitness that fits into real life. Whether you're postpartum, navigating your toddler’s nap schedule, or just carving out a little "me time," strength training can help you feel stronger, more confident, and ready to take on whatever motherhood throws your way.



So if you're ready to get started but don’t know how, these three tips from our certified personal trainer with over 10 years of experience will set you up for success.

1. Start Slow

The most important part of building a sustainable strength training routine is consistency; not intensity. That’s why we encourage you to start slow and focus on creating a schedule you can actually stick to.



Here’s how to ease in:

  • Begin with 2-3 workouts per week that feel manageable
  • Focus on compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, pull-ups, and shoulder press
  • Don’t be afraid to use machines - they’re perfect for beginners and help you build confidence and form (They typically have instructions on how to use them, which is helpful for beginners)


Remember: You don’t need to lift heavy or train every day to see results. Progress happens when you show up regularly and train with intention over time.

2. Go In With a Plan

Walking into the gym without a plan can be overwhelming, especially when you’re new to strength training. Having a clear workout strategy can boost your confidence and make your sessions more effective.



Get prepared by:

  • Writing out your workouts before heading to the gym
  • Purchasing a beginner-friendly fitness program that you can follow step-by-step
  • Working with a personal trainer to get customized guidance and accountability


At ABC Fit Collective, our virtual coaching and on-demand programs are designed to remove the guesswork. We’ll help you move safely and confidently, even if you’re starting from scratch. Not to mention, working with a coach will help you optimize the little time you do have to work out so you get the most out of your efforts.

3. Get a Buddy

Everything is more fun with a friend. Having a workout buddy not only makes strength training more enjoyable, but it also keeps you motivated and consistent… plus a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. 



Ways to find support:

  • Invite a friend to join you for a weekly workout
  • Join small group training sessions for community and coaching
  • Use the gym as a place to meet like-minded people who are also on a fitness journey (classes at the gym are a great way to meet other moms)


When you’re part of a supportive fitness community (like ours), you’ll be more likely to stick with your routine and celebrate your wins along the way.

Strength Training Tips for Moms

  1. Prioritize Consistency Over Perfection - Just showing up is a win.
  2. Track Your Progress - Keep a notebook or app to record your lifts and reps, this will help you gauge your strength over time.
  3. Mix It Up -  Alternate between machines, free weights, and bodyweight to stay engaged.
  4. Use Proper Form - Learn foundational movement patterns first. Don’t rush to add weight like squats, deadlifts, presses, rows, planks etc. 
  5. Ask for Help  - You don’t have to figure it out alone. Expert guidance makes all the difference.

The Bottom Line: You Deserve to Feel Strong

At ABC Fit Collective, we specialize in helping you build sustainable strength routines that fit your life. Whether you’re lifting dumbbells in your living room or stepping into the gym for the first time, we’re here to guide and cheer you on.


💻 Ready to get started? Check out our 1:1 coaching or explore our Virtual Gym for beginner strength programs created just for moms at abcfcollective.com

Connect With Us On Social!


Share This Post!

Woman squatting with baby on shoulders in a park, both smiling, wearing pink activewear.
By Kritie Alicea November 30, 2025
You're standing in your bedroom, staring at your workout clothes that have been gathering dust for months. Your baby is finally napping, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you have a moment to yourself. You think, "Maybe today's the day I start working out again."  But then the questions flood in. Is it too soon? Will it hurt? What if I make something worse? What if my body just... can't do this anymore? Should I just jump back into workouts I did pre-pregnancy? Mama, if you've had these thoughts, you're not alone. The journey back to fitness for moms after having a baby is filled with uncertainty, fear, and a whole lot of conflicting advice. One person tells you to wait six weeks. Another says you should be "bouncing back" immediately. Your body is telling you something completely different. We've worked with over 300 pregnant and postpartum mamas, and here's what we know for sure: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But there is a path forward that honors your body, respects your recovery, and helps you feel strong again. Let's talk about what that first workout after baby really looks like, and how to start your postnatal fitness journey safely and confidently.
Woman in red tank top doing a plank on a pink mat with another person in the background.
By Kritie Alicea November 23, 2025
If you’ve been eyeing your running shoes and wondering when you’ll feel ready to hit the pavement again, you’re not alone. Getting back to running postpartum isn’t just about time, it’s about rebuilding strength, stability, and connection from the inside out. During pregnancy, your core, pelvic floor, and hips go through massive changes. Before you return to impact (like running), it’s key to rebuild your foundation. Think: reconnecting to your breath , realigning your posture , and reactivating the muscles that support every stride.  At ABC Fit Collective , we focus on three pillars: Alignment, Breath, and Core. These are the foundation for every move you make, especially when it comes to getting back into high-impact exercise safely and confidently.
By Kritie Alicea November 17, 2025
Can we be real for a second? Black Friday is usually about running around looking for the perfect gifts for everyone else on your list. The kids. Your partner. That friend who's impossible to shop for. But here's a question we want you to ask yourself this year: What about YOU, mama?  When was the last time you actually put yourself on your own shopping list? When did you last invest in something that supports your wellness, your fitness for moms journey, or just makes you feel good? If you're drawing a blank or feeling that familiar twinge of guilt, we get it. We've seen it in the faces of the over 300 pregnant and postpartum mamas we've worked with. This Black Friday, we're flipping the script. We're here to remind you that investing in yourself isn't selfish. It's necessary. And with all the incredible deals happening right now, there's never been a better time to prioritize your health, happiness, and self-care. Because when you take care of yourself, you show up better for everyone else too.
By Kritie Alicea October 26, 2025
Hey mama. Let us guess: you’ve got your kid’s Halloween costume picked out, the snacks packed, the calendar color-coded… and your own well-being? Somewhere buried under a pile of laundry and crushed Goldfish. We see you. And we know you’re juggling a lot. Maybe you’re feeling touched out, burned out, and wondering how everyone else seems to have their life together and a solid workout routine. (Spoiler: they don’t.) But here’s the truth—you don’t need to do it all. You just need to start treating your own needs like they matter.  Because they do. That’s why we’re here to remind you that fitness isn’t another thing to check off your to-do list. It’s your ticket back to you . It’s your reset button. It’s self-care that lasts way longer than a bubble bath. (Though we’re pro those, too.)
By Kritie Alicea October 19, 2025
Let’s just get it out there: leaking pee during jumping jacks, sneezes, or surprise laughs is incredibly common after having a baby. And if it’s happened to you, you’re definitely not alone. But here's the deal, mama: common doesn’t mean normal.  We hear from mamas all the time who feel embarrassed, confused, or even resigned to living with it forever. They’re told it’s "just part of motherhood," or to "do more Kegels" and hope for the best. Spoiler: there's more to the story. Let’s break it down together — with zero shame, total honesty, and a whole lot of support.
By Kritie Alicea October 12, 2025
If the word "core" immediately makes you think of crunches, planks, and chasing a six-pack… we get it. That’s what most fitness culture has taught us. But mama, we’re here to blow the lid off that outdated definition.  Your core is not just your abs and it's definitely not something to "snap back" or flatten after baby. Your core is a deep, powerful system of muscles that stabilize your entire body, support your spine and pelvis, and connect your upper and lower halves. And for moms? It’s mission critical. Let’s dive into what your core really is, why it matters so much in motherhood, and how to rebuild it smarter (not harder).
By Kritie Alicea October 5, 2025
Let’s take a deep breath together, mama. No really. Inhale… and exhale.  Feel that? That breath you just took isn’t just relaxing - it’s powerful. And in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery, breath isn’t just a tool. It’s a superpower. Breath is the "B" in our ABC Method for a reason. It connects your mind to your body, helps regulate your nervous system, supports your core and pelvic floor, and prepares you for one of the most intense physical events of your life: birth. Let’s talk about why breath matters so much, and how to start using it as your secret weapon.
By Kritie Alicea September 28, 2025
Let’s talk about something unsexy but totally game-changing when it comes to feeling good in your body again: alignment. You know that achy lower back that kicks in halfway through the day? Or the neck and shoulder tension that magically appears after wrangling your toddler into a car seat? That’s not just motherhood, mama. That’s misalignment. Postpartum bodies are incredible, but they’re also navigating big changes - from shifting organs and weakened cores to the daily circus act of holding a baby on one hip, pushing a stroller with one hand, and trying to drink cold coffee with the other. It’s no wonder your body feels like it’s yelling at you.  The good news? You can absolutely do something about it. And it starts with understanding alignment.
Woman doing bicycle crunches on a mat outdoors. Wearing a sports bra, shorts and sneakers.
September 21, 2025
Let’s just say it: if postpartum recovery had a blooper reel, crunches would be the star.
By Kritie Alicea September 16, 2025
You just saw those two pink lines, or maybe you’re a few months into pregnancy and staring at your sneakers wondering: Should I even be working out right now? Is it safe? Will it hurt the baby? Shouldn’t I be resting instead?
Show More