I was never really into playing sports or going to the gym as I never really enjoyed it.
A few years ago I joined the gym for a number of personal and health reasons, but still couldn’t really find any particular activity I liked – I found classes quite dull and repetitive. I have had so many friends show me pictures of fit-fluencers saying they wanted to look like them, and that never sat right with me, it wasn’t what I wanted. When I saw Polina’s ‘strong not skinny’ poster and it was honestly like a lightning bolt moment. That’s what I wanted. I wanted to be strong.
I never fully anticipated getting to where I am now. I didn’t realise what weightlifting had the ability to do – two years down the line and my life feels so much more structured. I feel more confident, and not just in the gym. More confident in myself, my abilities, my own strength and most importantly more confident in my mental resilience. I found something to focus on, something that forced me to be more disciplined and encouraged me to eat properly and address long standing sleep issues. I wanted to be good at it, and to be good at it I had to do these things.
I know a lot of people suggest exercise to aid with mental health and for a lot of people that maybe isn’t the answer but for me it has really helped with focus and as a positive outlet for stress and anger. It won’t make my problems go away but helps me to come to terms with them. I’m calmer and just feel better within myself.
I’m proud of myself and how strong I have become. I’m excited to see how far I can go and to keep reaching new peaks, to keep learning and pushing myself to new limits. I may have met my goal of getting stronger, but I’m not finished yet.