Bring on those heavy circles! Weightlifting isn’t just for super-serious athletes–it’s a great form of exercise for those looking to get healthier for multiple reasons:
- Weightlifting is one of the easier forms of exercise to get into. There's a lot of variety but also a lot of sameness. Going to the gym and lifting weights doesn't require much in the way of experience or talent. You don't have to have the coordination to kick a ball or the endurance to run a ton of miles. All you need is a good set of instructions and the willingness to try.
- Once you start lifting, there are usually a lot of people to help you along. It’s been my experience that many gym folk are happy to help people who are just starting their weightlifting journey. Maybe misery loves company, or maybe they’re just excited about getting healthy.
- Weightlifting produces obvious physical results … fairly quickly. I only started weightlifting last September. In nine months, I've seen some pretty dramatic changes. Whether you're training for a sport or to achieve a desired physique, weightlifting yields some pretty nice results.
Let’s break those reasons down…
Weightlifting isn’t as scary (or confusing) as you fear.
Lifting weights is straightforward–you pick up objects and battle with them against Earth's gravity. However, the way you train can be as simple or as complex as you'd like. You can stick to free weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls) (add image links) or try out some of the fun machines most gyms offer.
Still, it can be intimidating sometimes.
Seeing some lovely gentleman who is beet red, lifting a rainbow of weights, all while screaming and sweating can often dissuade those interested in trying this activity. Even navigating a gym can be quite the adventure. You have no idea where equipment is and who is currently using it. I've been an athlete my whole life and it's only after coming home from college that I can somewhat make my way through the YMCA wellness center.
Remember, if you're at a gym and you're doing the best you can, people really can't say anything. At least from my viewpoint, if you're in the gym, you're doing far better than most people. Even if you don't look like a super jacked athlete (yet), you're still showing self-discipline. You should be proud of yourself.
“It's ok to suck at first–we all did.”
I've been an athlete for 12 years, and I was horrible at weightlifting.
Last year was my first year as a collegiate athlete. I've been swimming for over twelve years but had little to no experience with throwing around heavy circles.
The first month was a humbling experience. I didn't know what I was doing and oftentimes couldn't finish the workouts. While I did learn proper form, it still took several weeks to master them.
However, even after coming home and knowing how to lift, those big scary gym guys are happy to help you. I once had this big beefy guy switch spots with me so I could use the squat rack. He also was more than happy to spot me (for those who don't know, that's to make sure I don't drop the weights on myself) when I asked. It was a little scary but overall a very nice experience.
If I had one piece of advice to those who want to start their lifting journeys, it would be to find a partner, preferably one that can serve as a mentor. It was only when I found one of the seniors on my team and followed her around that the workouts started getting more manageable.
If you know anyone who does weight training or exercises regularly, ask them for help. Again, from my experience, most people are just happy you're trying.
Also, it's easy simply to get started at home! This is a great option for people who have had a bad experience at a gym, or who are shy about going out in public.
Lifting creates dramatic physical changes.
My body has changed more in 9 months than it has in 12 years.
I've been swimming for over twelve years, so I grew up having muscle. However, in the year I lifted at college, doing weight-bearing exercises for the first time, my body changed dramatically. Many of my pants and shorts no longer fit (or filled out) and my shirts hung quite differently.
All exercise is good, some are better suited for different people. I just personally love the satisfaction of building bigger muscles and saying I can lift a certain amount of weight.
It’s not always easy to lose weight, but building more muscle will make for a healthier you without having to fight with diets.
If you want to change the way you look and feel, try lifting for a few months and see where it takes you.
Time to Get Moving!
Try a simple lifting program for a month and see what results you get!
Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash