Practical Strength

Welcome to Practical Strength!

Clemson Extension in South Carolina offers weekly online strength training classes every Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:15 AM (Eastern Time). The program is led by Certified Personal Trainers Camden Bryan, CHES, CPT, GFI, and Ellie Lane, MS, CHC, CPT, GFI, E-RYT from the Rural Health and Nutrition team.

Practical Strength classes are open to everyone, and beginners are strongly encouraged to join. We offer options for each exercise to accomodate various ages, mobility levels, and fitness abilities. You have the choice of completing the workout seated or standing. Trainer Camden demonstrates traditional strength training exercises while Trainer Ellie demonstrates the same exercises modified from a seated position. This approach allows you to see a variety of options for exercise and choose the best fit for your individual needs and goals. The program meets you where your body is and teaches you how to adjust movements as needed to ensure a safe and effective workout.

Practical Strength is a good fit for you if you want to learn the importance of strength training, how to train effectively to reach your fitness goals, and how to integrate strength training and related movement patterns into your everyday life.

Key components of Practical Strength include learning how to appropriately challenge your muscles to build strength, train each muscle group properly, build cohesive strength training sets for all major muscle groups (upper, core, lower, full body), and incorporate safe warm-ups and cool-downs for your physical activity.

The program also breaks down basic strength training concepts, such as sets and repititions, helping you gain the confidence to plan your own strength training workouts and create an individualized physical activity plan to reach your goals. We show you how simple strength training can be with the right guidance, making it accessible for everyone.

Build Strength to Live Life Your Way!

Strength training is beneficial for everyone and it is easier to start and stay consistent than you might think. Regular strength training enhances your quality of life by building stronger muscles and bones, supporting weight management and chronic disease prevention and management, boosting self-confidence, and improving cognitive function.

Practical Strength helps you experience the benefits of strength training each week with a clear, accessible, fun, and safe class. Simple, effective exercises can make a significant difference in how you feel both physically and mentally. Our goal is to leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to handle anything life throws your way.

We hope you will join us soon! We cannot wait to cheer you on towards your strength and health goals!

Contact Trainers Camden and Ellie: healthextension@clemson.edu

FAQ

I am unable to attend live classes - are recordings available? Yes! All classes are recorded and available on-demand. Simply register for the next class date above to gain access to our On-Demand Video Library and practice at your convenience.

How do I join the live class? After registering, you will receive an email from your trainers with the Zoom link to join. This email will be sent one hour before the class begins, at 8:30 AM (Eastern Time) every Tuesday.

Do I need to register for multiple classes to participate regularly? No, you only need to register once. Choose any upcoming class date, and we will send you weekly email reminders from that day foreward with the link to join. You can participate as often as your schedule allows. While weekly attendance is not required, we would love to see you as frequently as possible!

Can the trainers or other participants see me on Zoom? No, you will not be visible to anyone on Zoom. Only Trainers Camden and Ellie will be shown on the Zoom screen, and only their audio and video will be recorded. The program is designed to offer you privacy and comfort, allowing you to focus on your workout without distractions.

Do I need any fitness equipment to participate? No, specific fitness equipment is not required. We offer exercise modifications that use body weight and household items, like water bottles or canned food, as alternatives to traditional fitness equipment. You are welcome to use traditional fitness equipment such as dumbbells or resistance bands if you have them.

Can I ask questions during the class? Absolutely! Questions are encouraged. You will have access to the Zoom chat feature to ask questions and leave comments. Trainers Camden and Ellie dedicate the last 5-15 minutes of each class to address questions, provide resources, and offer support and encouragement. Our goal is to help you feel confident and make strength training accessible to everyone.

Where can I find more information about strength training? For more details, visit: Strength Training - Clemson Extension.