Why I Love to Lift Heavy Things

How Weight Lifting Relates to My Writing

I've been weightlifting a lot longer than I've been writing. Like writing, it has not been a part of my life for an extended time. I started weightlifting when I was fifty-five, lost eighty pounds over two years, and wanted to tighten up all the loose skin. I never liked to do activities that were physical in nature. I used to scoff at others that did. I never thought I would enjoy something like this and still be weight-lifting some fifteen years later. I found out later that weight lifting increases the feel-good factor, elevates mood, and stimulates the pleasure parts in the brain. I guess I got hooked on it.

I started weight-lifting and yoga at almost the same time. My transition into weightlifting was smooth. Unfortunately, into yoga, it was painful and injury-prone. I'll say one word—Bikram. I'm still doing yoga, although a different style, so eventually, my body came to terms with it, but that's a story for another day. Back to weight lifting.

1. Lifting weights makes me think anything I might want to write is possible. If I can bench a hundred and thirty-five pounds, I can certainly deal with all the plot holes I've created and re-create my toxic male hero that none of my beta readers like. Weightlifting gives me the confidence to continue to meet each writing task and challenge that comes at me.

2. Every day in the weight room is different. Some days I'm Wonder Woman, ready to take on anything that comes my way, and other days, I can't muster up the strength of a newborn kitten. When I write, it's the same way. Some days the words flow; others, I stare at a blank screen. Some days are better for writing a new story, others better for editing, and still, other days, I should stick with writing book descriptions or hang it up entirely and go to the movies.

3. Stretching is important. Not only do I have to warm up my body before weight lifting, but before writing too. Journaling is a worthwhile activity.

4. Weightlifting undoes some of the harm writing does to one's body. There is a lot of sitting involved with writing. Even with a standing desk, I only spend some time there and still write, sitting down at least half my time. Weightlifting four times a week counters some of the negatives of sitting, hunching, and other computer and typing activities.

5. Besides yoga, weightlifting has profoundly influenced my overall physical and mental well-being. It is difficult to write when you are miserable all the time. A bit of angst can be good for writing, but depression is like quicksand and keeps you from writing. Weightlifting has improved my mood. Supposedly it increases your dopamine and serotonin levels.

Using your brain is good, but as someone seventy years old and a woman in danger of getting osteoporosis, nothing is better than weight-lifting. You are never too old to get started and don't need a gym. You can also sign up for Arnold Schwarzenegger's free fifteen-minute workout if you’re feeling frisky.

This could be a good purchase if you want to emphasize your health this month. Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body, and Defy Aging by Ben Greenfield. It is definitely worth purchasing the hardcover over the digital. I consider it an encyclopedia of health. It is not the kind of book you'll read cover to cover, but one you will refer to repeatedly. Even though I've had the book for three years, I still refer to this valuable resource.

Please comment below. Have a great week!