(Psstin case you were wondering about those barbell squats,here’s how.)
Its normal to not be good at something when you first start.
Now I realize that it’snormalto not be good at something when you first start.
COREY TOWERS
It meant I didn’t have the skills to do it [yet].
So I learned how to hip hinge.
Then I learned how to root my feet into the ground.
Courtesy of Molly Gabraith
Then I learned how to engage my lats.
Molly Galbraith, 34,@themollygalbraith
2.
Success looks different for everyone.
Courtesy of Jessica Goins
Strength training has also made me so much more confident.
At first, I would use the weights at home or at the very back of the gym.
I was intimidated and afraid of being judged.
Courtesy of Samantha Ciaccio
But now, I’m right in the front with everyone else, giving it all I’ve got!
Jessica Goins, 29,@BodyPosiFitGirl
3.
“Strength training has taught me a different way to love my body and be confident through perseverance.
Courtesy of Taylor Manno
And Ive seen the biggest impact outside of the gym in my day-to-day confidence.
I may not have six-pack abs, but none of that really matters.
Samantha Ciaccio, 29,@strongsamiciaccio
4.
Courtesy of Jess Jimenez
Exercise can be an incredible tool for improving mental health, too.
Taylor Manno, 26
5.
Learning to stay focused and consistent will bring you closer to meeting your goals in life.
Courtesy of Jasmine Carson
Jess Jimenez, 33,@jessjimenezdnvr
6.
Support your body, and it will support you back.
When I’m not strength training, I don’t have the support I need to move easily.
Courtesy of Amanda Wright
But when I’m consistent about my training, I feel strong and supported by my muscles.
Jasmine Carson, 31,@jazzythickandfit
7.
Building physical strength can help you build major confidence, too.
Courtesy of Alexandria Wynter Russell
“Weight lifting has absolutely contributed to the development of my self-confidence.
This increased self-confidence gave me the push I needed to pursue a new path in my career.
Weight lifting has also helped me to develop discipline and patience.
Courtesy of Elena Hernandez-Sixtos
Amanda Wright, 27,@amandawright_edgell
8.
Sometimes you have to make decisions that take you out of your comfort zone.
Do I need to ask for help?
Courtesy of Elizabeth Bettis Photography
Or do I need to do a little bit of self-growth before I can do this?
In any training workout, these opportunities are mirrored for you.
Alexandria Wynter Russell, 30,@alexwynter24
9.
Courtesy of Paula Celik
Lifting weights can help you see yourself in a new light.
“Physically and mentally, I’ve become a stronger person through strength training.
The gym was converted into my second home, and fitness has become part of my identity.
Courtesy of Sheena Bell
Including fitness as part of my daily routine and accepting my body has been my ultimate achievement.
Elena Hernandez-Sixtos, 25,@elenitasjourney
10.
You are capable of handling the challenges that come your way.
Courtesy of Jarlyn Santana
Prior to fitness, I always doubted how strong I really was, physically and mentally.
When I lift weights, I feel invigorated and alive.
It wakes up my senses and gets me pumped to keep moving forward.
It reminds me that just like life, I do not fail unless I stop trying.
Life is not guaranteed to be easy, there are no easy shortcuts.
The trick is to hold steadfast to goals and dreams and keep trying.”
Adriana Morrison, 45,@fitmamita
11.
Taking risks can be rewarding.
But Ive learned the phrase ‘I can,’ and its become my mantra with lifting and CrossFit.
Another big thing for me is that Ive learned its OK to be competitive.
But its OK to want something more than youve wanted anything before and to work hard for that.”
Paula Celik, 26,@call_me_paula
12.
When youre tackling a challenge or working toward a goal, start small and work your way up.
Lifting teaches me to keep going, even though I might struggle a bit (because I have).
Strength training has also expanded my mind about women who lift.
Lifting makes me feel strong, mentally and physically, and more confident in my body.
Don’t underestimate the importance of your mind-set.
I also struggled with being underweight and wanted to be and feel stronger.
I decided later on that onlyIcould make it better for myself, and I started doing workouts at home.
I ended up defeating the mental barrier I thought I could never overcome.”
Jarlyn Santana, 21,@adaptivewithjar
