Overcome Personal Challenges
First and foremost, having to lift something heavy (repeatedly) is a physical challenge in and of itself. You’ll quickly be humbled by what you can and can’t do. But through diligent practice, you’ll develop a deeper connection with your body and muscles. What’s more, you’ll notice that as you put in more work, your abilities grow. This training doesn’t just require strength, but mental toughness. Resiliency is built in the process, which cultivates a certain determination. I’ve found that there are some deeper lessons you’ll learn that will help you outside the gym: Life requires us to be fluid and adapt, to trust our instincts, and push our abilities to achieve a goal.
You Will Get Stronger
Like anything related to fitness and health, there are no shortcuts. Genuine strength and carving out a new body with visible muscles does not come easy or quickly. But, the beauty of weight training is that you can see almost instant results in the “pump†after lifting. This is when muscles swell (especially when you use higher reps and shorter rest periods) thanks to a temporary surge of blood, water and other metabolic byproducts like lactic acid that build up in and around the cells. I like to think that it serves as a preview of what your muscles will look like if you keep up the good work. But more than aesthetics, your muscles actually become more effective—that means that everyday physical tasks get easier, and consistent training will increase the amount of weight you can lift.
A Boost in Confidence
The more you do something, the more familiar it becomes and the easier it is to do. I found that once I was comfortable lifting weights and felt like I knew what I was doing, I was no longer intimidated by walking over to the weight racks at the gym. I had my routine down and could happily grab the dumbbells I needed and get to work. I’ve even shared a squat rack and helped spot a fellow gym-goer. Of course, as you notice positive changes in your body, you’ll find that you’re a whole lot more confident. And while feats of strength are no longer necessary in the modern world, knowing that you’re strong enough to move some furniture or carry a large bag through the airport certainly helps you stand a little taller. In fact, the theory that regular strength training increases one’s confidence was scientifically proven to be true.
