Approaching weights with integrity

I commonly observe two general attitudes towards lifting weights in the general population: 

1- They are afraid of them and work with weights way below their capability to stay “safe” or “not get bulky”.

2- They ego lift and compromise good technique (and their bodies) to lift weights much heavier than they could otherwise.

Both scenarios lead to bad outcomes and ultimately no long-term results.

In the first, the stimulus utilized is not sufficient to create adaptations, the individual gets a mild tonic effect from the exercise sessions and probably never develops good technique or tries to learn how to lift because they “succeed” without having to do it. The individual eventually gets bored, with no significant results other than spending a few extra calories, and ultimately quits so-called lifting. 

In the second case, the ego lifts, the individual approaches the heavy weights without respect for them and his or her body will perform all sorts of compensations to get around the fact that it is just too heavy for the person at that stage. The person will “feel the workout”, and also develop pains, ingrain bad technique into their muscle memory and eventually get injured. That, in its way, also leads to poor results with the forced interruption of training for often long periods of time.

Here is an alternative: focus on a few high-efficiency, full body, complex movements. Practice them and make them as perfect as possible, explore variety within their framework. 

Learn HOW to lift, how to tense the right muscles, discover your body through these lifts. Use heavy weights (heavy for you) with calm and rely on your good technique, come out of your sessions fresh and energized. Have a professional teach them to you and watch the results in strength, mobility, resilience and well-being for years to come.

Embark on a journey of strength and resilience, I can guide you.