I started using the Ladder app last week, and here is my review.
To back it up a bit, I do not love weight training.
I do not love picking up big, heavy, metallic-smelling weights and hoisting them aloft.
I’ve been going to the gym with Linda every Thursday for a few years and using the machines, but I’m not getting any stronger. It’s probably because I only go once a week, and the machines aren’t designed for a 5’2” woman with narrow shoulders, so I always feel like my form is “off” on them. Plus, the weight increments are weird.
Plus, I always just want to go home.
At home, I have dumbbells, a few kettlebells, and some resistance bands. Sometimes I’ll pick them up, but I don’t know what I’m doing.
I’ve tried looking at Instagram and YouTube for plans, but… Eh.
A million years ago, I had a trainer, and that was great, but it was expensive, so I could only go once a week, and that’s not enough.
Since I’m an Obliger by temperament, I need an accountability partner to do things I don’t want to do. I’ll only go to the gym if I’ve made a date to meet you there.
Otherwise, I’ll find an excuse to stay home and read.
But I NEED to lift weights.
I heard about this app called Ladder.
Somebody I follow on Instagram uses it. I looked into it. I watched some YouTube reviews and how-tos. It got great reviews. Plus, it had a 7-day Free Trial.
You start by picking a “team” based on what you want. I wanted to do my workouts at home with dumbbells. I didn’t want to have to go to the gym.
I wanted something beginner-friendly, so Team Ignite with Coach Stevie was the best match for me.
She talks you through the whole thing. She demos everything. She’s enthusiastic and encouraging— not cringey or obnoxious.
All I needed were dumbbells and a bench. I didn’t have a bench, so I got a small foldable one on Amazon for $150
After the 7 Day Trial I bought the Pro Annual Plan for $179.99. This breaks down to $14.99 a month for a year.
The sessions are only 30 minutes long and include a warm-up and cool-down.
The app is robust. It has stuff I haven’t explored yet and might never use, like meal tracking.
There’s a Chat room where you can get your questions answered. (Haven’t been there yet, either.)
There’s a Journal feature where you can track your weights and monitor your progress.
There’s a feature where you can send encouraging emoji explosions to people who are working out at the same time you are. (I’ve had quite a few of these sent my way! It’s silly, but fun.)
There are Badges to earn (I earned the Labor Day Badge the other day). I’m a sucker for a badge.
After 6 weeks on a team, there is an “Open” period during which you can try out another team and coach and switch if you want.
I have 9 workouts under my belt so far, and I really like it. But the true test will be: Can I stick with it, and what will my results be?
Stay tuned.
Inspiration Location 