7 lessons lifting has taught me
I like to pick up heavy objects and put them down
I started lifting about 3 years ago, and it has changed my life in more ways than I can count. Sometimes it feels like one big metaphor for everything I do. Here are some lessons I’ve learned.
1. Every day can’t be a PB (personal best).
Progression is not linear. It would be impossible for me to increase the weights I lift every day. There are days when I won’t feel as strong and will decrease the weight, but there will also be days when I set a new PR. Every journey will have ups and downs, but you if stay the course you will see all the progress you have made.
2. If it’s important to you, you make time for it.
No matter how busy my schedule gets, I make time for my workouts because it’s a priority. It’s that simple. There is no such thing as "I just don’t have time to _____.” The fact is that if it matters to you, you make time.
3. Prioritizing sleep.
I’ve always pushed sleep aside until I noticed how it started negatively impacting my workouts. I’ve started to look at sleep as my second workout. My sessions in the gym are important, but recovery is just as important. So sleep damn it! Because it may just change your life.
4. Does it make me uncomfortable? Great, then do it.
Growth doesn’t happen when we’re cozy and feel safe. You need to tear down muscle to build it. So I ask myself, does it make me feel uncomfortable? If so, then run towards it.
5. How to breathe properly
You need to take full chest breaths to perform most big compound movements. This has taught me how to really breathe in, expand my diaphragm, and take a big breath out. Proper breathing can change your stress levels, decrease anxiety, increase sleep quality, and helps with mindfulness.
6. The effectiveness of creating habits
Don’t underestimate the power of forming habits. Will-power only lasts so long. If it becomes a habit, it will make it that much easier to stay consistent.
7. Practicing gratitude.
I think about how lucky I am to have a working body, to be able to move, and to breathe properly. So on days when I don’t want to go to the gym, I think about what I’m grateful for. It’s all about changing your perspective and your mindset. Let’s go!
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