Gear Up for Strength

Welcome to your HSS setup guide - where strength begins with smart choices and simple tools.

To get the most out of your Her Strongest Self classes, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. Nothing fancy, just the essentials that support safe, effective movement and help you feel strong from the very first rep.

 What You’ll Need

• A non-slip exercise mat: I love to support small business and love my Willow Yoga Mat.
• A set of small loop resistance bands: I've used this set for years.
• At least 3 sets of dumbbells: I really rate Hex Dumbbells, such as these ones here. Fitness Superstore is another great place to look for dumbbells or check out Facebook MarketPlace for deals too. 

Why 3 Sets of Dumbbells?

We train across a range of movements and muscle groups, so having multiple weights helps you challenge yourself safely and effectively. Here's how to think about your setup:

• Heavier dumbbells are ideal for lower body exercises like squats and lunges, as well as single-arm work where your body can handle more load. These might be in the 10 - 12.5kg range, depending on your strength level.

• Medium-weight dumbbells are great for upper body movements like presses and rows, and for higher-impact work where control matters. Think around 6 to 8kg.

• Lighter dumbbells are used for isolation exercises like front raises, lateral lifts, and any movement where precision and control are key. These might be 4 to 6kg or even lighter.

As an example, I personally use 12.5kg, 10kg, 7.5kg, 6kg, and 5kg dumbbells to cover this range.

 How to Choose Your Weights

We typically work in low rep ranges - 4 to 6 reps for most exercises, occasionally up to 10 for bilateral lower body movements. When testing weights:

• Try the movement and aim for 4 to 6 reps.
• If you breeze through without struggling on the last 2 reps, it’s time to go heavier.
• If your form breaks down or you can’t complete the reps, go lighter and build up.

 Where to Shop

I’ve added links to trusted retailers and products I personally recommend. Some of these will be Amazon affiliate links, which means I earn a tiny fee if you choose to purchase through them - at no extra cost to you. To view my full Fitness Edit, which includes supplements that I take, go here. Every click helps support the HSS community and the resources I create for you. Thank you for being part of it!