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Tuesday, November 8. 2016

Lifting

What the Gym Teaches You About Life


It's an interesting mix of thoughts from lifting hobbyists and pros. Readers know that I am convinced that moving weight is an essential component to fitness even if, or especially if, your goal is not to be a body-builder or a gym rat.


In a way, the lifting part of my fitness program has changed my relationship with my body. I know that sounds stupid, but I don't know how to express that I am aware of, and feel, my physicality more than I used to - even when just sitting in a chair. That feels like a good thing.


Perhaps a reader can explain that better than I can.

Posted by Bird Dog in Physical Fitness at 13:19 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

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Agreed. I have been somewhat physically active all my life, but only started serous weight lifting in 2012. Well worth the time spent for the increased mobility and strength and better balance.
#1 Steve Pierson on 2016-11-08 13:53 (Reply)
Many adults have not explored their limits any way in decades. There is something primal and important to me to push myself as hard as possible occasionally.
#2 NJSoldier on 2016-11-08 14:35 (Reply)
I won't pretend to know anything of what you're experiencing re your weight lifting/exercise regime; the closest I came to really exerting myself physically (except for childbearing) was 30 years ago when I was a jogger. Yes, yes, I hiked mountains and all that, but that was minor compared to running regularly.

Now I'm ancient and realize that even day-to-day routine movements, getting up from a chair, for example, lack their youthful spring. If I don't extend myself beyond the routine, the routine itself becomes debilitated.

So keep at it — keep going beyond what your body "needs," but not so much that the "going beyond" becomes an obsession.
I wish I had half your motivation.
#3 darcy on 2016-11-09 05:00 (Reply)
Oh dear; I forget my several years of almost daily horseback riding, the very best exercise I ever had — English saddle.
#3.1 darcy on 2016-11-09 05:02 (Reply)
Right out of high school I got an apprenticeship as a welder in a machine shop. This was a very physical job, lots of heavy lifting, maneuvering heavy equipment, etc.I was struggling everyday at work. I started weight lifting at that time to help me on the job. Weight lifting has given me a lot of confidence in my physical capabilities. Up until I lifted regularly my friends often beat me in the various sports we played. After gaining some strength and confidence the tables were turned. I was quicker on the tennis court and ice rink and they couldn't beat me when wrestling around any more. That was in the 70s and I am still lifting to this day, not as often or intensely.
#4 Brad Neufeld on 2016-11-09 10:29 (Reply)
Well, I think being stronger is part of being fit, even as you say you are not a body builder. I mean, lets say you can run 6 miles in 40 minutes ... great. But if you can't bench 100 lbs.? Or squat 150 lbs.? It's not my goal, but rather a balance of cardiovascular fitness and strength and hopefully skill and grace at various sports. Strength also helps in sports.

And I read somewhere and just feel it's true that lifting free weights is the best use of time in the gym, payoff per minute.
#5 The Objective Historian on 2016-11-09 17:38 (Reply)

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