Wander & Wonder

The importance of weight training for women has gained a lot of recognition in the past few years, and for good reason. Building strength is about so much more than aesthetics—it supports bone health, improves metabolism, reduces cardiovascular risks, and even lengthens lifespan. I first learned about weight training during a physical education class when I was 16 years old. My PE teacher encouraged us to incorporate it into our fitness routines, and I decided to give it a try. I went to the gym for a while, but I didn’t enjoy the smell, the sweat, or waiting for weights to free up. I wanted a solution that made weight training more accessible and enjoyable. That’s when I discovered Sydney Cummings’ YouTube channel.

Sydney’s channel is a goldmine of free workouts, offering a mix of current active programs and old playlists that cover every fitness level and goal. Whether you’re looking for a structured multi-week program (with 3-5 new videos each week) or want to do a specific type of workout, she’s got you covered. Her approachable style, the variety of exercises, and her focus on gradual progress makes it easy to stick with her routines. Her sessions typically require just a pair of dumbbells and a mat, and she offers clear instructions and modifications that make her workouts accessible to everyone, from beginners to advanced lifters. Over time, those workouts became more than just part of my fitness routine—they became a key component of my overall well-being. I even started doing them with my mom, and to this day, we video call each other weekly to work out together.

While Sydney Cummings offers cardio workouts, I like to incorporate running, swimming, or stationary bike for my cardio days. My current routine is 3 days weights and 3 days cardio, with one rest day. But this schedule is not very rigid, just a guide to organize my exercise and a goal to aim for!

One last thing to mention is what I really admire about Sydney as a trainer: her ability to inspire! In every workout, she weaves motivational quotes and encouraging reminders into her workouts, like her famous phrase, “Show up for yourself.” Those simple words have stuck with me, not just for fitness but for any difficult situations or challenges that arise.

Doing these workouts has showed me the value of consistencey and progress. I can’t tell you how many times I didn’t feel like working out or felt that I didn’t have enough time to workout. Starting is always the hardest part, but once you begin, you find the momentum to keep going! And the sense of joy and accomplishment at the end makes it all worthwhile.

I really encourage you to give these workouts a try, especially if you haven’t found it convenient or fun to go to the gym. All you need is a yoga mat, a few dumbbells, and the willingness to show up for yourself. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Go check out Sydney Cummings’ channel 🙂