Weightlifting Overkill? How I Learned to Listen to My Body (and My Mum!)
I've always been a weightlifting enthusiast. The feeling of pushing my limits, building strength, and seeing progress – it's incredibly rewarding. For years, I dove headfirst into intense training sessions, believing more was always better. But a casual conversation with my Mum over a cup of tea sparked a serious question: was my dedication actually doing more harm than good?
I'll admit, her comment initially landed with a scoff. My Mum, while wise, isn't exactly known for her fitness expertise. My reaction was a near-spill of Earl Grey – a testament to how deeply ingrained my 'more is more' mentality was. But her words lingered, a small seed of doubt planted in my otherwise unwavering belief system.
It started with niggling aches and pains. Nothing major, just those little reminders that my body was under constant stress. I brushed them off, attributed them to the intensity of my training, and pushed harder. But the aches escalated. Sleep became restless. My energy levels plummeted. I was sacrificing recovery for the sake of another set, another rep, another workout.
The turning point came when I realised I was losing the joy. Weightlifting had become a chore, a relentless pursuit of an ever-elusive goal. The passion that once fueled my training had been replaced by a sense of obligation and exhaustion.
So, I started listening. Not just to my body, but also to the people who cared about me – like my Mum! I scaled back my training volume, prioritised rest and recovery, and focused on quality over quantity. I incorporated more mobility work, stretching, and mindful movement into my routine. I consulted with a physiotherapist to address some of the underlying imbalances that had developed over years of intense training.
The results were remarkable. The aches and pains subsided. My sleep improved dramatically. My energy levels soared. And, most importantly, I rediscovered the joy of weightlifting. It wasn't about pushing myself to the absolute limit every single time. It was about respecting my body, listening to its signals, and finding a sustainable balance that allowed me to continue pursuing my fitness goals without sacrificing my overall well-being.
My Mum, of course, was right. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your body is to give it a break. And sometimes, the wisest advice comes from the most unexpected sources – even over a steaming cup of Earl Grey. This experience taught me a valuable lesson: progress isn't always linear, and listening to your body (and your Mum!) is crucial for long-term success and enjoyment in any fitness journey.
