Have you ever walked into a gym and thought, I have no idea what I’m doing?
Or maybe you know strength training is beneficial, but you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve tried it before and it didn’t feel effective—or you were worried about getting hurt.
If any of that resonates, you aren’t alone. And we’re here to help.
A Strong Start Workshop (Free)
On January 17, 2026, we’re hosting a free workshop:
“A Strong Start: An Orientation to Strength Training & the Gym.”
This workshop isn’t about New Year’s resolutions, and it isn’t just a sales pitch for EVOLVE. It’s designed to help you feel comfortable starting strength training—one of the most powerful things you can do for your body—at any gym or facility.
Why we’re doing this
I’m Dr. Brian Kinslow, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and strength coach (since 2008). Over the last 15+ years, I’ve seen resistance training play a huge role in:
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Injury rehab and resilience
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Sport performance
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Long-term health and physical capacity as you age
When I started in this field, the fitness conversation leaned heavily toward cardiovascular exercise, especially in Flagstaff, where we have amazing outdoor access.
I get it. Most people would rather be on the trails than in a gym.
And there are plenty of other reasons people hesitate to strength train:
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Fear of injury
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Concern about “getting bulky” or unwanted body changes
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Not knowing what routine to follow
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Feeling confused by terms like sets, reps, or hypertrophy
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Worry that lifting will hurt endurance performance
On top of that, many people have been given flat-out misinformation—even by healthcare providers. I’ve seen patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis being told that lifting heavy is dangerous (it isn’t; strength training is one of the best tools we have for bone health). I’ve also seen people with arthritis told that loading will make things worse (it won’t; resistance training is a core part of every osteoarthritis guideline).
Side note: I’ll be using the terms “strength training,” “resistance training,” and “weight training” interchangeably.
Starting strength training can feel intimidating. Even as it becomes more mainstream, myths and fears still hold a lot of people back. Part of our mission at EVOLVE is to change that—and make strength training more accessible.
What we’ll cover
This workshop will give you a clear, practical starting point, including:
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Why strength training matters
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Key terms, concepts, and principles (in plain language)
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How to use common gym equipment
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A simple framework to train all major muscle groups
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Essential movement patterns and exercises you can practice right away
Logistics
The workshop will be a mix of short teaching segments, discussion, and light movement. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a notebook.
While we will touch on how resistance training can support the injury rehabilitation process and reduce injury risk, this workshop won’t be specifically about injuries. You don’t have to be pain-free to attend, but we recommend that you’re able to get up and down from the ground and manage light weight objects (10-15lbs) without too much discomfort.
It’s completely free—no strings attached. If you want help beyond the workshop, EVOLVE does have services that can support you, but that isn’t our goal on January 17. Our goal is simple: help you feel more confident getting started (or getting consistent) with strength training.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out using the form below. We can’t wait to see you there.
