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Why All Women Should Lift Weights
After a year of strength training, my life improved in ways that far well beyond physical strength
Introduction
Though my life took many unexpected turns during the pandemic, one of the most unexpected for me personally was the day I found myself on a friend’s patio squatting 125 lbs in front of a giant portrait of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
For many people, 125 lbs isn’t a huge load, but given where I started, it was enormous. I spent the first 27 years of my life playing harp, studying science, and reading (too many) books. Every so often, I would flirt with the idea of working out by doing planks and cardio. When I was hit with Lyme disease arthritis at age 25, my already minimal fitness routine was reduced further, since I could barely comb my hair or open jars.
And yet last year when a friend suggested to a group of us over lunch, “Why don’t we all go to the gym and get strong together?” I said yes. Even though I could barely lift the 35 lb barbell and didn’t know what a deadlift was, I said yes. And it’s proven to be on the best decisions I’ve made during the pandemic for reasons that go far beyond pure physical strength.
I believe everyone has something to gain from strength training, though I feel the benefits I discovered through it- fundamental strength and coordination…
