What Your Personal Trainer Wishes You Knew: No Need to Apologize at the Gym

At Iron and Mettle, our goal is to be a judgment-free space where women come to get strong AF. We specialize in personal training for women in San Francisco, and we see the same thing happen all the time:

Clients apologizing.

They apologize for being new.
For needing to modify.
For not feeling strong that day.
For being human.

Let us be clear… you don’t need to apologize for any of it.

This blog breaks down what we really think when clients say “sorry” and why you never need to feel guilty for just being yourself.

“I’m totally new to this”

Welcome!!! We love beginners. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching someone pull their first deadlift or complete their first barbell back squat.

That moment when your eyes light up and you realize, “Wait... i’m way stronger than I realized". That’s what we live for.

We’ve taught thousands of women how to lift weights. It’s literally what we do best. We’re glad you’re here and we absolutely do not care that you’re new to this!

“I’m scared to try that”

Some nerves are perfectly normal before trying something for the first time. As trainers, we’re patient and will never rush you to do something you aren’t ready for. We're always happy to pivot if something doesn't feel right - it's our job.

We’ll encourage you to get outside your comfort zone in safe and meaningful ways. You don’t need to be fearless - just willing to try your best.

“Sorry my form isn’t perfect”

Weight training is a skill, just like learning to play guitar. It takes intentional practice and sometimes we mess up. That’s OK.

While we always coach and practice good form, sometimes it’s not perfect and just like life, that is OK. We’re expert coaches with an arsenal of cues and form tips to help you move safely and learn as you go.

The goal is never perfection. It’s about getting better each workout, with each lift. That’s what makes strength training so rewarding is that you’re always working on a new skill or refining an old one.

“I might need to modify”

There is no one-size-fits-all movement for every person and every body. Different phases of our lives may require different movements. Maybe when you’re pregnant you use a sumo deadlift stance instead of conventional, or maybe when your hip arthritis is flaring up, we focus on upper body instead of squats.

We are always happy to modify around life phases, injuries, or just general aches and pains. Our goal is to lift weights forever - so we can go out into the world and do the things we love to do forever.

“I don’t feel like working out today”

If you show up, we’ll take care of the rest.

Not everyone is motivated to work out all the time - even us, as trainers! Sometimes just getting to the gym is the hardest part. That’s the beauty of personal training. The sessions are already scheduled and on your calendar, so all you have to do is show up and let us handle the rest.

Progress doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from support.

“I need to take a break”

Whether it’s a week off, a month away, or just a few missed sessions, you don’t need to earn your way back. Life isn’t linear and neither is strength. You’re not starting over. You’re picking it back up. And that’s something to be proud of.

At Iron and Mettle, we’re in this for the long haul. We’ll help you train through the ups, the downs, and everything in between!

Looking for personal training for women in San Francisco?

Iron and Mettle is a women’s strength training gym in Noe Valley. We offer personalized coaching in a welcoming, empowering space... Whether you're brand new or looking to get strong after 40, we’ve got you!

Ready to get started? Click here to learn more about our personal training options.

Curious about how strength training supports long-term health? Check out our post on The Benefits of Strength Training for Women.

Want a deeper look at how we structure training? Read: Understanding Our Programming.