Lifting weights or exercising is a physical, mental, and emotional journey. Any activity, whether running, strength training, or boxing, will push your body to its limits, and you'll learn valuable life lessons that will better you as a person. In this blog, we'll explore some life lessons I've learned from lifting weights at the gym and how they can help you become resilient and "bounce back" in life.
1. Consistency
One of the most important lessons I've learned when lifting weights is consistency. For example, I wanted a one-rep bench max of 350 pounds. During this time, my bench max was about 300 pounds.
Consistency over time allowed me to reach a one-rep bench max of 350 pounds. There were days when I did not want to lift weights because I was tired from work, home life, small projects, and other things that needed my attention, and I continued to go to the gym.
The same goes for any goal you set - financial, marital, or even mental health goals like not feeling hopeless or no longer feeling anxious. Consistently doing things to better yourself is critical to achieving what you want out of life.
2. Hard work and effort pays off
Recently, I watched a short reel on Instagram. The person in the video said, "The gym is one of the few places in the world where there is a direct correlation between what you put into the gym and what you get out of it," and I agree.
When you lift weights, you get what you put in. The harder I worked in the gym, the more progress I made in getting stronger. This lesson applies to life as well. If you put effort into something you are passionate about, and this could be becoming a better parent, teacher, or supervisor- you'll reap the rewards.
3. Failure is part of the journey
In lifting weights, failure will happen, and I've failed plenty of times at the gym. Some days I couldn't lift as much as previous days. Sometimes I thought I was ready for a new personal record and failed miserably.
From failing so many times at the gym, I have learned that failure is necessary for growth. Failing in life lets you know something is not working, and it can motivate you to change what you are doing that's not leading to the desired result. It teaches you to push through challenges and learn from your mistakes.
This attitude can be applied to our marriages, relationships, businesses, etc.
4. Patience is a virtue
It takes time to see visible changes in your body from lifting weights. When I first got into weight lifting, I remember going to the gym for the first time and looking in the mirror, and I thought to myself, "Am I big yet?" and I needed to be patient with myself.
This lesson applies to life as well. From the job promotion to saving money for a down payment toward a new home, you must be patient and remember that good things come to those who wait.
5. It's okay to ask for help
Lifting weights can be challenging, especially if you are lifting heavy weights. But asking for a spotter or someone to give you feedback on your form makes all the difference in your fitness journey.
Some time ago, I felt uncomfortable asking for help, a spotter, or a "lift-off." And this was happening because of my ego. Eventually, I learned that asking for a spotter was okay, and it did not mean I wasn't strong or capable.
This lesson applies to life as well. Today, there's comfort in asking for help at the gym, work, and home life. Having supports can help you navigate challenges and achieve goals in life.
Lifting weights at the gym or, in general, exercising can teach you valuable life lessons that apply to everyday life. So the next time you're at the gym remember that you will learn many life sessions that develop resiliency in your personal life.
Shariff Ruffin wrote this article, and please credit him if used without his permission.
For support, Shariff Ruffin can be reached at info.therapyforchange@gmail.com
