I love my new weight training regimen. I’ll start this post with my recent experiences, then discuss how lifting weights might help you too!
My 59-year-old body feels amazing, just from doing an hour of weight training at the YWCA three times a week. Monday Wednesday Friday.
I’ve only been doing this a month, and it’s already made such a difference! I feel the biggest change in my chest muscles, which are significantly more toned. But all my major muscle groups are firming up.
Biking and Dancing, Oh My!
I usually ride my bike on cardio days. My route includes a long steep hill, where I had routinely hopped off and walked my bike to the top. Now I can ride all the way up.
Last Sunday I attended an ecstatic dance wave at Asheville’s “dance church.” Most of the music mix was super high energy. My feet fast-stepped. My arms flailed. My knees and ankles, which would have cried uncle in the past, held strong. When the music finally slowed down, I could have kept going fast. For the first time ever!
Did I mention that I’m 59? And a half?
Friends and Benefits
I’m eating more food, but my belly is flattening. Before, when I looked in the mirror, I felt some shame at being a bit of a pudgeball. Now I’m starting to feel better about how I look. I’m walking in the world with more confidence.
I’m a spiritual guy, and of course I know that consciousness matters most. Still, a fit body gives me more energy to do my spiritual practices. And enjoy every aspect of my life more!
I have quite a few friends, male and female, who have weight routines. They assure me that the positive effects last. One good friend, one of the most spiritually awakened people I know, has been lifting weights for fifteen years. He can’t imagine how he’d get by without his workouts.
How About You?
Why am I telling you this? Partly to share my joy! And so you know that if you’re in a funk, or depressed, or low energy, weightlifting might help. I just googled “does weightlifting help depression?” Harvard, Psychology Today, and the New York Times say that it does.
I don’t experience much depression, but have noticed more spring in my step since I started lifting weights. I love it when my body makes happy chemicals!
Cost and Time Concerns
If cost is an issue, and you have health insurance, check your benefits package. Blue Cross Blue Shield NC gives me a sweet deal: unlimited workouts at the YWCA, and several other facilities, for $29 a month.
If your objection is time, multitask. I listen to business podcasts while I work out. One part of my brain learns how to create an awesome online membership, while another counts reps and rest intervals. Both parts do their job just fine.
Easy Does It
Finally, take it easy when you start. If in doubt, start with a lighter weight and work your way up from there. Better a slow safe strengthening than a heroic muscle tear!
I’m not trying to be a fitness evangelist, just passing on information that I hope will be helpful. I like to share what excites me, and weightlifting is high on my list right now. Whatever your age, and whatever shape you’re in, your new and improved body aweights you!
Leave a Reply