posted 1st April 2024
As we navigate through life's ups and downs, it's easy to lose sight of the one thing that remains constant - our strength. Not JUST the physical kind, but the mental resilience that shapes our very being.
This week, a conversation with a dear friend (she knows who she is) got in touch about her osteoporosis eager to find a magical supplement that would rid her of her symptoms. I explained that if something sounded too good to be true - take the pill and all your worries will melt away, type advice - it probably was! I then went on to mention the word 'movement' but before I could even finish saying the word, she had swiftly moved on to another subject, one requiring her to NOT move. We both laughed but it reminded me of a fundamental truth: there are no quick fixes with regards to our health.
There is however, a path to strengthening our bodies and minds in ways we might not have considered before - through strength resistance training (SRT) - and that's something I'd like to discuss in today's article.
More Than Just a Workout
Imagine giving back to your body, showing gratitude for its unwavering support and finding your anchor in the midst of chaos. Strength resistance training isn't merely another task on your to-do list; it's a commitment to prioritising yourself, perhaps for the first time in a long while. This journey is about realising that the most profound transformations often begin with the simplest of steps.
Three Pillars of SRT: Mind, Body and Starting!
Mind Over Muscle: Our reality is shaped by our perceptions and SRT directly challenges this, proving that physical strength is as much about mental endurance as it is about muscle. The endorphins released during a workout go beyond pain relief; they saturate our minds in a sense of accomplishment and wellbeing. Consistency, even when it feels mundane, builds a foundation of resilience and strength that mirrors back at us over time.
Giving Love Back to Your Body: In a world where self-sacrifice is often glorified, making time for SRT is a radical act of self-love - In fact any movement is! It's a reminder that our bodies deserve care and attention to remain robust and supportive as we continue into our 30's, 40's, 50's and beyond. This practice strengthens our bones, empowers our muscles, and reinforces our capacity to thrive.
Starting Is the Hardest Part: The initial step towards incorporating SRT into our lives can feel daunting. Yet, something as simple as laying out your workout clothes the night before, or following the advice of James Clear's in 'Atomic Habits' to sleep in them, can be the nudge you need. The key is to make it as easy as possible for your future self to say yes to a workout and remember, you will never regret a workout. Read that again.
Your Path, Your Pace
For those who cherish independence and flexibility, there are myriad resources available to kickstart your SRT journey. Whether it's a 30-minute session on YouTube, 'investing' in a PT or a personalised routine, the important thing is to make it work for you.
So as we continue to move forward, I invite you to keep in mind that our bodies are stronger than we think they are.
Continue to lift yourselves up and focus on the good - because that's what grows - and continue to show up for yourselves, one workout at a time.
With all my love,
Stefanie x
