About a year ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to the Sweat app. It is a fitness app created by women, for women.
Until then, my preferred method of working out was going on long walks or doing yoga. Yes, I was fit but I was not strong. Despite achieving my desired weight, I was still struggling with a lot of things concerning my well-being.
I was hesitant to start strength training initially but then decided to give it a try and see what happens.
And so, I got a couple of dumbbells and resistance bands, put on my workout gear, and started one of the many strength training programs on the app.
I clearly remember the first day of the program. I was struggling to catch my breath, muscles that I did not know existed in my body were aching. And that was when I realised how I had a distorted sense of satisfaction that I was “strong” simply by walking and remaining lean.
Initially, I dreaded the workout. It felt like a chore. But I was determined. As they say, “no pain, no gain.” And I started showing up on my mat, 4 days a week, without fail.
As I slowly progressed with the workouts, I realised that I was beginning to enjoy them. I looked forward to the workouts. The feeling of sweat trickling down my face after an intense workout session was simply exhilarating.
Today, I have completed more than one year of strength training (with a few breaks in between). I click progress photos regularly and I can see the difference.
More than the physical appearance, I observed so many amazing changes in me. In this blog post, I have jotted down 10 changes that I have observed throughout this journey.
- Improved mental health: More than the physical aspect, strength training has helped me feel calmer and more composed. I find it a lot easier to handle tricky situations. I am in a better headspace.
- Strengthened my bones: As much as we wish to remain young forever, the reality is that we are growing older with each passing second. Women especially, are prone to osteoporosis. With strength training, I can feel the difference for sure. My bones feel stronger.
- Confidence boost: Goes without saying, that a fit body works wonders in boosting your confidence. I feel good when I look at myself in the mirror. To see the visible changes is definitely some motivation.
- Improved muscle tone: There is a myth that women lifting weights will make them bulky and muscular. The truth? It doesn’t. Lifting weights has toned my arms and shoulders in ways I never imagined.
- Drastically reduced my allergies: I have been prone to dust and pollen allergies ever since the time I was born. Over the years, I have tried so many tricks and remedies to bring them under control but I could not see any significant improvement. But ever since I started strength training, the frequency of allergies has gone from twice a week to say, once or twice a month.
- Helped in stabilizing my weight: Though the weighing scale is never the only measure of your fitness, I have noticed that strength training has helped me keep my weight stable. There has hardly been any weight gain or weight loss over the past year. Having reached my optimum weight, strength training has only helped me maintain the same.
- Better sleep: Sleep is something that needs to be prioritised by everyone for their overall well-being. With strength training, I have noticed significant changes in the quality of my sleep. I find it easier to fall asleep quickly, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.
- Stimulated hair growth: This was a surprising change that I did not expect would happen. And then I realised that working out means increased blood circulation. And with it, I started noticing a lot of baby hair growth. And now, though I do not have the best hair, it is definitely a lot healthier, thicker and softer than a year ago.
- Improved skin: I never realised what “post-workout glow” meant until after I started working out seriously. Not just post-workout, I can see a visible improvement in my skin tone and texture.
- Improves posture: Another amazing benefit of strength training that I noticed was my posture improved. I stand up straighter without any additional effort.
One year of strength has definitely created a HUGE impact on my overall well-being. I still have not achieved my fitness goals. Fitness is something that is always a work in progress. But I am so glad I took this step forward in getting fitter, healthier, happier and stronger.
Until next time, stay blessed!
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