fun friday reflection - the road back to 275

I have a fun fact for you about the fitness industry. Personal trainers will often communicate with one another to improve their craft. I can't tell you how many times I have agonized over including one exercise versus another in my programs, for my clients, and even just for myself. Hence, I have had many phone calls with colleagues to discuss programs and plans.

I found myself in this position when calling Melinda, a personal trainer and close friend of mine back in Maine. I expressed my frustration with the struggle to find a good gym to fit my needs, and how I wanted to get back to my personal best deadlift, which is 275 lbs.

And my conversation with her, which was supportive and much needed, reminded me that these things take time, even as a trainer myself. Too often, I get caught up thinking about how I should be able to do more, to lift more, especially as a trainer. This is a pressure I think is often felt but not often discussed, even though as trainers, we know that "difficult" or "challenging" weight looks different for everyone, and we are no exception.

And my reality is that I had a transitional phase in my training for so long that my recent workouts at my new gym have humbled me - hard. I am the most flexible I have ever been with plenty of endurance to boot. I'm amazed about how much my body has changed just from switching up my training style. This is super beneficial to me and my health in many ways.

But transitioning back into weightlifting has provided me with a lot of mental clarity. I missed it dearly. I crave the feeling of focusing on my breath and bracing every time I move in major lifts. It is deeply therapeutic for me.

And I will need to continue to be consistent in my training to reach this deadlift goal. I need to be patient, stay focused, follow my programs, and as usual, eat more protein.

Thanks to Melinda for all of your feedback. God bless you and your work as a personal trainer!

P.S. - On Fridays, I post a series of polls on Facebook and Instagram for "fun Friday" so that people can choose my workout for the day. Why? Because it spices things up for me, and ya'll tend to choose some of the most interesting sets of exercises I have ever seen!