In the world of fitness, finding your strength isn’t just about physical gains—it’s about building confidence, embracing growth, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. That’s the philosophy behind Strong Woman Era, a strength training guide written by author, fitness content creator, Exercise to Music instructor, and Women’s Best teammate, Saffron Hooton, also known as @saff_fit.
With her passion for empowering women, Saffron has crafted a resource to help women conquer gym anxiety, claim their space, and unlock both their inner and outer strength. In this Q&A, Saffron shares her journey, the inspiration behind her book, and valuable insights to help every woman embrace their own era of strength.
Saffron’s fitness journey: from struggle to strength
For many women, fitness journeys begin in difficult places, and Saffron’s story is no exception. She opens up about how her early experiences with exercise were shaped by a mindset focused on restriction rather than empowerment.
“I struggled with eating disorders throughout my teenage years and always saw exercise as a punishment. Training—as in running endlessly on the treadmill or doing crunches in my bedroom—was just something I occasionally did to keep myself ‘small.’ I didn’t enjoy it.
Something changed during the summer after my first year of university. I had this moment of realisation where, for the first time, I understood I had to do something that would make me feel better in my mind and body. Something fun, sustainable, and fulfilling.
I started lifting weights at home with the focus on seeing what my body could do, rather than fixating on how it looked. I created a few simple routines based on things I’d seen online, and I found myself actually enjoying exercise. There wasn’t all this pressure attached to working out; it was just about joyful movement and growing mentally and physically stronger.
This mindset, something I now refer to as the Strong Woman Era philosophy, continues to influence my training today.”
What inspired you to write Strong Woman Era?
“I know what it’s like to step into the gym, look around the space, take in the music, the machines, and the people, and feel really intimidated. I’ve been there: feeling like I’m not strong enough, believing I don’t belong.
As I’ve grown more confident with training, I’ve realised the impact lifting weights can have not only on your physical health but also your mental wellness.
I decided I wanted to bring together everything I’ve learnt during my years of strength training to create an empowering weightlifting guide for women, to help you overcome gymtimidation, commit to exercise, and become your strongest self, both inside and out.
There’s, of course, the essential, practical information we need to get started on our fitness journeys, but this book is also all about encouragement, motivation, and lifting women up.
Strong Woman Era is a supportive companion, that girl in your corner, telling you that you do belong and you’re so much stronger than you know. It’s the book I wish I’d had!”
What is Strong Woman Era about?
“Strong Woman Era is a pink, powerful guide to strength training for your mind and body. The chapters are designed to accompany you throughout your fitness journey—wherever you’re starting from. Inside you’ll find lots of useful tips, affirmations, wellness practices, and a selection of staple exercises to help you tap into your mental and physical strength.
Every page is pastel coloured and fully illustrated, making Strong Woman Era feel-good and functional. Plus, it fits perfectly inside a gym bag!
Who is Strong Woman Era for?
Saffron’s mission is clear: to make strength training accessible and empowering for all women, especially those who feel like the gym isn’t for them.
"I wrote Strong Woman Era for women who are starting out in the gym, women who struggle with low confidence, and women who think strength training isn’t for them.
This book is for all women who’ve been conditioned to shrink, led to believe they don’t belong, and made to feel like they’re not good enough.
I created Strong Woman Era to be a source of strength and support; you deserve to confidently enter the gym, take up space, use the equipment you want, wear what you like, and be proud of the strong woman you are."
What advice would you give to fitness beginners starting their journey?
“First of all, I’d say shout-out to you for deciding to start—that really is a feat in itself. We’re all on our own journeys, so it’s really important that you grant yourself the space to grow and try to avoid comparing yourself to others.
From a practical point of view, I’d suggest you create a simple training programme (there’s guidance on how to do this in Strong Woman Era) and focus on form. This is the time to get more familiar with a selection of exercises and learn how to train safely. You don’t need to know everything, be perfect, or do it all.
From an emotional standpoint, I’d reassure you that what you’re doing counts, and remind you that it takes time and you should enjoy the process. This is just the beginning!”
The dawn of the Strong Woman Era
To all the women reading this, Saffron has a final message:
"I really hope Strong Woman Era helps you on your fitness journey. This book was inspired by strong women like you, for you, and I’m really excited that we’re spreading the word about just how capable we are.
It’s the dawn of a new era: time for us to build, lift, and thrive!"
Saffron’s story is a testament to the power of strength training – for building confidence, resilience, and inner strength. With Strong Woman Era, she’s created more than just a guide—it’s a celebration of strong women everywhere.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your fitness journey, Saffron’s book is a reminder that you belong, you’re capable, and your strongest self is waiting to shine. It’s time to embrace your Strong Woman Era!
