I wanted to learn how to lift weights because I wasn't feeling as strong as I wanted to. I was taking classes at the YMCA (TRX, body pump), but was beginning to plateau, and I wanted something more. I worked with a trainer a couple times initially to get over the intimidation of the weight room. This journey began mid-October 2013.
I've never felt like a very strong person (running doesn't build a whole lot of strength) and I had subscribed to the belief that women should do lots of reps at lower weights (never, ever over 10#) to build long, lean muscles. I didn't want to be bulky.
Weight lifting has changed my body image beliefs. I want to lift as heavy as I possible can. I want to do a lower amount of reps at those heavy weights. I want strong muscles, and I cringe every time I hear the word "tone" in reference to women's muscles. If being strong means I go up a pant size, I'm okay with that (and my jeans are getting a bit snug). I hope that as my body image becomes healthier, I can pass that on to my daughters. It's really important to me to teach my daughters to love and respect their bodies and to be grateful. I want them to think positively about themselves and I think that one of the best ways to teach this is by example.
I have loved the challenge of lifting. I'm very much still an amateur, and I have so much left to learn. But that may be the best part. There's more to learn, there's more weight to add, there's so much. It's so exciting! Gratitude is another thing I feel in conjunction with weight lifting.
My big goal when I started was to have my three lifts (back squat, dead lift and bench press) add up to 300#. I had to scale back a couple times to really make sure my form was good and it took longer than I thought, but today, an additional 5# on my back squat sealed the deal! My numbers are still pretty small - it can be very humbling and a little depressing to see what other women can lift, but I have to choose to focus on my personal gains, and slow and steady I'll work my way up. Slowly getting stronger, slowly lifting more. And I'll take every gain and PR I get! Mental affirmations are a vital part of lifting to me. I don't know how many times I've told myself, "I'm strong," as I've felt challenged, but if I don't believe that I'm strong, I will fail and could get an injury.
I definitely recommend weight lifting to everyone, however, when it comes to exercise, I believe that it's most important to do what makes you happy. It doesn't really matter what it is that gets you moving and brings you joy. Weightlifting, and running once or twice a week is really working for me right now. I encourage anyone reading this to find something that gets them moving and brings them joy, and if you've already found it, celebrate! Don't be afraid to try something new. It's not worth it to let our fears hold us back.
Now it's time for me to set some new goals and continue working and sweating.
