What do the words “weight train” mean to you?

Over the last 25 or so years, I estimate I’ve spent somewhere between 3,000 and 3,500 hours lifting weights. I’ll go through streaks where I am either weight training on an aggressive schedule or I avoid it like the plague. Interestingly enough, I’ve noticed that when I am “on” weight training, the rest of my life seems to flow much better. Conversely, when I’m not weight training, I seem to run into many more bumps.

Because of this, the words “weight train”  are a metaphor for me. Weight training isn’t about building muscle on my body. It’s not about physical fitness. It’s purely psychological and emotional. It’s about strength of mind. It’s about self-empowerment. It’s about confidence.

Although I have gotten to the point that I recognize the connection between weight training and the psychological/emotional side, I am still not certain which comes first. Does weight training make me feel better or is it that when I feel better, I am more likely to weight train? Yes, I am aware of the physiological changes with exercise but there is more to it than just that.

The purpose of iWeightTrain is to share my thoughts regarding inner strength. Please note that names given and situations & circumstances described will be modified/fictionalized to protect the innocent (and me!). 🙂