By It’s not only about attaining aesthetic goals.
Have you ever asked yourself why lifting weights has become your thing? Or perhaps why you haven’t tried it yet?
I often forget how I began this journey and what was the key driving force to be where I am now.
It’s certainly become a long journey of self-discovery that will never end.
I don’t believe I will ever stop lifting weights; it is part of my genetic makeup, lifestyle and happiness.
Perhaps people wonder why, as a woman, I am pretty much eagerly obsessed with weights & bodybuilding.
First, I wanted to look a certain way, which has now evolved into health and well-being. Now that I’m a lot older (I just turned 44), I am interested in pre-menopausal preparation and mental health.
Most people my age have been through many obstacles throughout life.
Now, it’s all about adding an outlet for frustration and anxiety.
Of course, talking about it and complaining doesn’t do anyone any good. But when you channel this toward weight lifting, you build superior aesthetics and a lot of inner well-being that no other exercise brings.
One: Building confidence and self-assurance as a woman
I don’t have to tell you just how frustrating walking into the so-called ‘mans’ territory of the weights area can be.
At first, I was petrified.
It was nothing but stares, and it didn’t feel very welcoming. Now, I don’t care much at all, and I’m happy to bite when someone takes my machine or thinks they deserve handheld weights more than I do.
You will undoubtedly come across these kinds of characters during your lifetime. But, unfortunately, some people are just assholes.
Building your confidence and self-assurance through lifting weights helps you stand your ground and build resilience.
Two: It puts a damper on my frustration and anxiety
Resistance training improves my mood in the short term and after my workout.
Improvements in mood derive from training.
Training release of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and other feel-good hormones like dopamine.
These consecutively boost your optimism and energy and make you feel much more vitality.
I love to train in the mornings, as it sets me up for streams of positivity.
However, when I don’t exercise, I can tell the difference. That’s why I make an effort to do something.
Don’t feel like lifting weights? What about getting outdoors and walking? Fresh air, sunshine and movement in your body make a huge difference to your mood.
Three: It gives you a lot more awareness of your body
When you weight train, moving is much easier, such as bending down to pick something up or doing simple house or yard work.
You can also find it much easier to play with your children, run around or perform bursts of movement without much trouble.
Weight lifters have stronger neuromuscular connections, which gives us much more control of our bodies.
We also tend to have better balance. Training also helps to limit any injuries, such as fractures. Preparation for pre-menopausal bone loss is very important for women.
When you have much more control of your movements, you are generally more energetic and have more fulfilling and active experiences.
It just makes life a lot better.
I can see myself travelling a lot in the future, which entails many more adventure-like treks and experiences. Why not? If you have mobility and energy, anything is possible — and I got that from lifting weights and eating a clean diet.
Four: It helps you realise just how much control you have
We have control over many things that happen in our life. Everything is governed by decisions to do or not do something. Our path then takes shape from that — no exceptions.
When we take control of our health, we change.
Life is a result of the things we ‘decide to do.’
Aiming to load weights when you don’t feel like it is hard.
But, despite not wanting to, accomplishing that one simple thing changes your perspective on life.
A situation like this occurred to me last weekend.
I didn’t feel like deadlifting, but I went ahead and did it.
Boy, was I glad that happened as the weight I lifted increased significantly more than expected?
When the workout ended, I felt powerful and in control.
We can be lazy and not want to put the work in — but it doesn’t have to be like that. So don’t complain internally; just overcome it by doing it anyway.
Do exercise some common sense with this, though.
When it’s not appropriate, don’t even go there!
Instances like post-surgery recovery, not feeling your best from illness and lack of sleep. I’m talking about that inner lazy person that always rears their head to stop you from achieving those goals.
Don’t listen to that one!
Key takeaways
These are just some important lessons I uncovered during the weight training journey.
Unfortunately, as a woman in the weights area, I find myself quite isolated and in a league of my own.
I wish more women would venture into the playground and keep me company amongst the usual male crowd.
Perhaps if you’re reading this, I hope it might ignite a spark of inspiration to try it and see what weight training can do for you.
Tell me about your weight training experience.
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