Strength training is about more than just your muscles, bones, joints, metabolic health, and longevity. There are some key experiences that can really mean a lot when it comes to how we feel and experience life mentally and emotionally.
Strength training also helps us...
Redefine impossible for ourselves
Our mind limits us often far before our body ever does. When we build up to trying the next weight up, we go straight from 'I'm not sure I can do it' to 'I've done it'. That's a powerful moment right there, that's not really about the weight we just lifted, it's about starting to evolve our identity - who we believe we are. It's a vote for a different identity and who we want to become.
Over time, we can start to believe different things about ourselves. Each small victory feeds into our self-esteem and that confidence carries over into other areas of our lives.
Get more comfortable with discomfort
Lifting weights, in particular, can serve as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Engaging in this form of exercise not only strengthens the body but also fosters a mindset that embraces risk-taking and resilience. Working out is never going to be the easiest or most comfortable thing to do. Lifting weights can be a way to start to feel safer in taking risks, trying something new and failure, as well as being with the more uncomfortable sensations of a higher intensity effort in/from the body.
This process can gradually instill a sense of safety and confidence in taking risks beyond the gym.
Creating a mind-body connection.
Strength training encourage a deeper connection between your mind and body, as each lift, each rep, requires focus and intention. This mindfulness (aka being in the moment), can help reduce stress.
We start to listen and learn to the body's messages more and perhaps even feel safer to experience the body's sensations. This also includes our boundaries. We start to learn when our mind says no vs when the body says no, and communicate when that happens. Compared to our workplaces, or relationships, saying no in the gym is often much lower stakes/consequences. It can be a way to practice saying a 'no' that might feel very unfamiliar or uncomfortable in a place that feels safe.
Value ourselves
When we schedule the time to work out, the underlying message we are sending ourselves is that 'I matter, I am worth spending time on'.
Showing up, no matter when actually then does or does not happen, is actually learning how to show up for ourselves - knowing we might never have been taught that in the past (in fact, we might have been actively taught to deny or suppress our own needs in favour of other's comfort).
Connect to others
This is specifically why we do small groups, with a maximum of four people. Our social connections are a vital pillar of our health, and it's my aim, mission and desire to help each of us feel the energy of others who are undeniably and consistently on our side, and who get why you're doing what you're doing. As we grow our little family at the hub in the new year, we'd love to welcome you through the doors also.
I want you to be seen, heard, valued, and feel at home.
Check out our new intro offer available now (and into 2025) - a trial 2 weeks to get you started, without commitment, to get a feel for what we do and how we can help you.
Comments