u/No-Simple-3274

I’m a former cardio junkie finally realizing how important strength training is in my 40’s. I’ve been taking quite a few Body Pump classes lately because I dislike lifting on my own (at least in this beginner phase), and find that I cannot lift very heavy at all. I’m splitting between 2lb., 5lb., and 8lb. weights for most of the exercises. I’ve got 10 lbs. on the squat track with the bar. Granted, I have some autoimmune challenges that do affect connective tissue and muscles, I feel like these lighter weights are really hard! I mean, the Body Pump tracks are like 4-8 minutes long with very few pauses/breaks, and SO MANY REPS. Who can lift heavy for that long? Is this really considered good strength training? Or is it better to lift heavier weights with fewer reps and not take these classes? All I hear these days is that women need to be lifting heavy. That’s impossible to do for 6 minutes straight, and sometimes the single reps are so fast due to the pace of the music. I definitely think I can tone up and get stronger with Body Pump, but I’m wondering if long-term this type of strength training isn’t ideal. Thoughts?