The Joy of Lifting
One problem with working in the bodybuilding industry, is that the focus is relentlessly on…well, bodies. A lot of people lift because they want a leaner, more muscular, better-looking body. Nuthin’ wrong with that: I certainly enjoy my body (and so does my husband).
But there’s so much more to it than that – especially for me, as a woman. Quite honestly, it’s seriously cool to be strong. I love being able to increase the weight and/or number of reps that I do for a particular exercise. I was decidedly unathletic as a kid, and pretty much started at “-10.” Thus, it’s awesome to be able to do things that I never thought I’d be able to do: it’s been a tremendous confidence booster.
And I have to admit: I love seeing the looks on the faces of the teenaged jocks when I ask to work in at the dip station…after slipping into a dip belt and attaching a good-sized plate.
Believe it or not, the free weight area is a very welcoming place for women. When I first started training seriously, I was the only female in my gym working there. I felt very small and at the same time, very conspicuous…and I didn’t like it one bit. I realized, however, that the only person making me feel that way was me – which made me all the more determined to work through it. It didn’t take long, either. I discovered there’s a lot of camaraderie on the training floor, that I never experienced when I was restricting myself to the machines. Eventually, going to the gym was like being on “Cheers” – everybody knew my name. I made a lot of friends there – which had a practical side too, as I was never at a loss for a spotter.
As the years have passed, I’ve seen continuous improvement. The progress hasn’t been linear: there have been minor setbacks and plateaus, too. The trend, however, is undeniable. I can see it in the numbers and the pictures – and in the way I think and feel. Measuring my progress in years, rather than weeks, gives me tremendous satisfaction – I feel like I’ve truly earned the right to be the person I’ve become. Overall, lifting has been an incredibly rewarding experience – personally, and now professionally.
Frankly, to me the “body” part is just a fringe benefit.
Sometimes I think it’s a little odd that I’ve been able to derive so much from simply picking heavy things up and putting them back down again. But when you think about it: muscles are really no different than brains. I would not want to be weak, anymore than I would want to be stupid. Sure, not everyone can be equally smart – or strong. But we can all “study” and develop what we have – and be that much better for the experience.
April 12, 2008
From another women who enjoys lifting and constantly challenging herself (and the fringe benefit “body” that comes with it), you have truly captured the essence that brings about the passion to keep training.
Awesome !!! Thanks
June 7, 2008
Way to go Elissa! I must say the women who have taken to the free weight area are far happier for it than those who avoid them.
There is the same type of “Cheers” environment at my gym along with other trainees who are working hard for the same goals. That is why I like going to a commericial gym far more than doing it at home.