Soulful Strength Yoga

Group Strength Training at Soulful Strength Yoga


Before opening SSY, co-founders Frank and Alexis Lech have spent years coaching clients at Ignite Fitness: our personal training studio just down the street, voted Best Fitness Center in Apex in 2025 by Suburban Living Magazine.

Since 2018, we’ve helped people of all backgrounds get stronger safely and consistently – including many who had never touched a barbell before, nor thought they would.

Our goal is education, confidence, and real progress over time.

Group Strength Classes at SSY / Ignite Fitness

Intro to Barbell

Fridays at 12:00p with Cara Jo

A beginner-friendly class designed to teach the foundational barbell lifts in a smaller, supportive environment.

These sessions are meant to be attended once (rather than ongoing) as an introduction to barbell training before joining our larger group strength classes.

Across two rotating sessions, we’ll cover:

  • Squat + Bench Press
  • Deadlift + Overhead Press

You’ll learn:

  • setup and technique
  • how to safely use a rack and barbell
  • breathing and bracing
  • common mistakes and modifications
  • how strength training programs are structured

If you are not yet ready to use a barbell, modifications will be provided along with mobility and strength exercises to help you build toward the movements safely and confidently.

This is a great starting point if:

  • you’ve never lifted before
  • you want more hands-on coaching before joining a larger class
  • you want to improve confidence and technique first
  • traditional gym environments feel intimidating

Cara Jo, USA Powerlifting Coach & Referee

SSY Barbell Club

Sundays at 9:00a with Frank (90 minutes)

SSY Barbell Club is built around one of the most proven and foundational strength training methods: the 5×5.

The core lifts of the program are:

  • Squat
  • Deadlift
  • Bench Press
  • Overhead Press
  • Barbell Row

We’ll occasionally include accessory work when appropriate, but the emphasis stays on progressive strength training with proper rest, coaching, and technique.

Program Structure

We meet Sundays at 9:00am for 90 minutes, alternating between two workouts:

Workout A

  • Squat
  • Overhead Press
  • Barbell Row

Workout B

  • Deadlift
  • Bench Press
  • Pull-Ups (or Lat Pulldowns)

Participants work in small groups of up to 3 per station to allow adequate rest between sets while keeping the class moving efficiently.

While the program is referred to as “5×5,” not every lift follows that exact structure, and we will often supplement the above training with additional sets of exercising utilizing Kettlebells, Dumbbells and other strength training equipment.

  • Deadlifts gradually build to one heavy set of 5
  • Pull-ups are typically performed for 3 sets to technical failure

How This Can Fit Into Your Training

1. Add Strength to Your Current Training

If you already exercise or lift weights but mostly stay in higher rep ranges, this class gives you a dedicated opportunity to focus on building maximal strength with heavier loads and longer rest periods.

2. Use It as Part of a Full 5×5 Program

If you already follow (or want to follow) a traditional 3-day 5×5 program, our Sunday sessions rotate through the same A/B structure.

We’re also happy to help guide your programming outside of class.

As space allows, we hope to eventually add a second weekly session on a weekday evening.

3. Learn the Fundamentals First

If you’re newer to barbell training, we strongly recommend starting with Intro to Barbell on Fridays at noon before joining the full program. If this doesn’t fit your schedule, call/text Frank at 919-740-3460 and we’ll try to find an alternative time! Based on demand, more Intro to Barbell classes may be added to the schedule in the future.

Who This Is For

These classes are designed for:

  • yoga students looking to build strength
  • experienced lifters wanting more structure and coaching
  • adults who want to feel stronger and more capable in everyday life
  • people who have felt intimidated by traditional gym culture

You do not need experience to start – just need consistency, patience, and willingness to learn.

Strength Training at SSY

We believe strength training should be:

  • coached well
  • approachable
  • progressive
  • sustainable
  • challenging without becoming ego-driven

All Barbell Classes will take place at Ignite Fitness, located steps from Soulful Strength Yoga.

Intro to Barbell: 414 Upchurch St, Suite 001

SSY Barbell Club: 420 Upchurch St, Suite 001

These classes are included as part of your SSY unlimited membership, or sign up with your class pack or $18 drop-in.