I grew up being taught that modesty was a virtue – girls’ skills, brains, strengths, should be discouraged. I know now that modesty led to downplaying abilities and avoiding taking risks for fear of showing off.
Today I’m celebrating winning another powerlifting trophy. But the most important reason I train strength is to live my best life – be able to have fun with my grandkids.
I used to be afraid to try because I thought I might fail.
In my 30s I played tennis with local gals who took it seriously, practicing and competing. When I showed up on the court I convinced myself that I just wasn’t as competitive as they were. I’m sure they were happy that I quit the team. During those years I participated in running local races, but never won or placed, and gradually running became a thing of the past.
I found courage and ditched modesty.
My son pushed me to join his cycling team in my late 40s. He believed in me, enabling me to believe in myself. It was scary and exhilarating. For 10 years I trained to be strong and fast, and best of all I felt powerful and liberated. This was the beginning…being competitive feels good, modesty is dumb, and fear is a liar.
Powerlifting is my jam now at 70. Challenging my body and yours, and my lovely Iron Ladies to build and maintain strength for the long game.
I plan on training strength forever.
We need to take risks and face challenges. Strength training can be the key to your best life, enabling you to do everything you love forever.
Being empowered physically enhances performance of course, but also improves mental acuity – a younger, healthier brain. This study found that resistance training is more effective than cognitive training in preventing mental decline.
Believe it. We don’t know what we’re capable of until we’re challenged.
Listen – no one needs to do a powerlifting competition, or even train powerlifting. No one NEEDS to compete at anything, but if you have the slightest curiosity about any kind of challenge or competition I urge you to go for it. I promise you won’t regret doing a thing, but you might regret not doing it.
If you get a buzz from training, and you’re getting strong (and stronger), progressing and facing challenges with your coach, that’s your brave!
“Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” Maya Angelou
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Polli
