Why I lift

The question why I lift is not an easy one to answer, especially since I’ve been doing it for so long. It’s just become so much a part of my weekly routine that sometimes I feel I have lost all connection to the deeper reasons behind my endeavor. I am not a bodybuilder, and some days frankly I wonder if I should just give it all up and sip coffee and read the paper. But deep down I know it’s important to keep at it, and recently I’ve explored possible reasons for my obsession with lifting weights. I’ve narrowed down my reasons to the following:

1. It gives me purpose. Although there are certainly loftier ways to spend my free time, lifting weights is a goal-oriented experience that gives my life purpose. I look forward to new lifting records, and having a linear progression to my near and long term goals is satisfying, especially when professional, personal or other goals are not met. It’s the one thing in life that depends solely on me, and any failure is self-induced, yet easily correctable.

2. It’s healthy. More studies have been released lately on the benefits of strength training over cardiovascular exercise for aging adults. It not only strengthens muscle and bones, but has benefits for heart and brain health, and even appears to prolong life. Of course cardio and lifting are not mutually exclusive, but strength training is one of the best ways to counteract the ravages of aging.

3. It improves quality of life. Whether it’s moving the couch, carrying my tired daughter at the end of a long hike, or bringing in all the groceries in one trip, being strong has positive externalities that carry over into everyday life.

4. It’s a confidence booster. Meeting difficult goals you set for yourself, and liking how you fit in your clothes and skin makes you feel good. In the last couple of years, I’ve been told by several peers that my commitment is inspiring to them. Being a motivating factor in life for other people makes you feel better about yourself.

Some may think that my obsession is driven by vanity or or bodily esthetics, and although I freely admit that there may be a hint of truth to this, it is not the primary, secondary or even tertiary reason to why I lift. I lift for some of the same reasons why others run, do yoga (which I’m also a fan of), or even do gardening. It fixes the mind, body and spirit, and is one way to keep life meaningful.