Strength training is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your body and health. It builds lean muscle, supports fat loss, strengthens your bones, improves your metabolism, reduces injury risk, and even sharpens your mind.
Yet, despite knowing the benefits, many beginners hesitate to get started. The problem isn’t ability, it’s the mental roadblocks and misconceptions that hold people back.
Here are the five most common things stopping beginners from starting their strength journey—and the practical steps to overcome them.
1. Fear of Looking Silly
The Problem:
Walking into a gym for the first time can feel intimidating. Everyone else looks like they know exactly what they’re doing, and you worry you’ll stand out if you pick up the wrong weight, use poor form, or get in the way.
The Truth:
Every single lifter, from the person deadlifting twice their bodyweight to the athlete competing on stage, started out clueless. Most people are far too focused on their own training to pay attention to what you’re doing.
How to Overcome It:
Learn the basics first. Start with bodyweight exercises like squats, push-ups, planks, and hip hinges. These build the foundation for nearly every gym movement.
Book an intro session. At Priority 6, our On Ramp programme teaches technique step by step so you never feel lost. Having a coach guide you gives you instant confidence.
Shift your perspective. Instead of thinking “everyone is watching me,” remember: they were in your shoes once, and they’ll likely respect you for starting.
2. Believing “I’m Not Fit Enough Yet”
The Problem:
Many people delay strength training until they’ve “lost a few pounds” or “got fitter.” They think strength work is only for people who are already athletic.
The Truth:
Strength training is one of the best ways to get fit. It improves muscle tone, increases metabolism, and accelerates fat loss more effectively than endless cardio.
How to Overcome It:
Start light. Your first session doesn’t need heavy weights. Even lifting 5–10kg dumbbells, or just your own bodyweight, is enough to begin.
Think long-term. Being “ready” is a myth. The sooner you start, the sooner your body adapts.
Celebrate small wins. Your first push-up, squat, or deadlift with proper form is a milestone. Each small step builds momentum.
3. Intimidation from Equipment
The Problem:
Barbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, machines, the gym floor can look like a maze of confusing tools. Beginners often don’t know what to use or where to start.
The Truth:
Most strength gains come from mastering just a handful of key movements. You don’t need to know every machine or exercise, just the basics.
How to Overcome It:
Master the “big five.” Focus on squats, deadlifts, push-ups/press, rows/pulls, and carries. These movements cover nearly all your strength needs.
Ask for guidance. A coach can cut through the confusion and show you exactly what’s worth your time.
Keep it simple. You don’t need fancy equipment. A barbell, dumbbells, or even your bodyweight can take you far.
4. Lack of Time
The Problem:
Busy scheduleswork, family, social life, make it feel impossible to add training. Strength training often falls to the bottom of the priority list.
The Truth:
Strength training is one of the most time-efficient ways to exercise. With just 2–3 sessions per week, you can see dramatic improvements in strength, body composition, and health.
How to Overcome It:
Keep sessions short. A well-structured 30–45 minute workout is enough. Focus on compound lifts instead of long, drawn-out routines.
Make it non-negotiable. Treat your training sessions like important meetings, they go in your calendar first.
Think “quality over quantity.” Consistency beats intensity. Two solid sessions a week for a year will outperform a “perfect” plan you can’t stick to.
5. Thinking “Strength Training is Just for Athletes”
The Problem:
Many people believe strength training is reserved for bodybuilders, powerlifters, or young athletes.
The Truth:
Strength is a foundation for everyone. It’s not just about lifting heavy, it’s about living better. From carrying shopping bags, climbing stairs, running after kids, or preventing falls later in life, strength training makes every part of life easier.
How to Overcome It:
Reframe strength. It’s not about competing, it’s about being capable. A stronger body supports fat loss, improves energy, and keeps you independent as you age.
Start where you are. Whether you’re 20 or 60, it’s never too late to build muscle and strength.
Focus on life goals. Want to play with your kids, keep up in sport, or feel more confident in your body? Strength training delivers all of that.
Starting your strength journey doesn’t require being fit, young, or confident. It requires a decision: to show up, start small, and commit to improving. Every single barrier you feel, fear, time, lack of knowledge, has a solution.
At Priority 6, we specialise in helping beginners take that first step.
Our On Ramp Programme is built to:
Teach you safe, effective strength techniques
Fit around your lifestyle and time commitments
Build your confidence so you actually enjoy training
Give you the tools to progress week after week
You don’t need to be ready, you just need to start.
Want to finally break through the barriers holding you back?
Send us a message today to find out more about our On Ramp Programme and start your strength journey with us at Priority 6.
Email Ollie@priority6.co.uk