By ERICH RETZ
Sheridan High School Student
The Sheridan Student Column is brought to readers by Sheridan High School’s 10th grade English class, taught by Abby Williams.
Photo provided
Lifting can be a difficult task for many different reasons, even though working out can be one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
If you work out correctly and consistently, it can improve your mental and physical health in many different aspects. I love to work out to build my strength and to keep myself in really good shape. I am planning on competing in a powerlifting competition in the next few months. I want to help people find that working out can not only be fun, but extremely beneficial.
Some days, I will admit, I do not want to go to the gym, but it’s all about making a commitment to yourself to keep going and to be consistent. This does not mean you have to go every day; it’s more about finding the pattern in your life that works best for you. Finding a lifting partner that you get along with, and have a similar schedule to, can be a bonus when working out. This will not only keep you accountable, but you can make some great friendships, just like I have experienced. Lifting really can be one of the most enjoyable things you do throughout your day.
Your mental state plays a huge role in working out and lifting. When you first start working out, you are going to be sore and not conditioned enough. This is why a lot of people quit in the first few weeks. You have to push past that and keep going. It will get easier. You will start to notice a difference in your muscle fatigue, making it harder for your muscles to get tired. There is this thing called “beginner gains.” It is definitely a real thing. In your first year or so, you will notice huge improvements in how much weight you can move. Once you get past this stage, your gains will start to slow down. That is why I stress strongly about making it a habit in your life early.
Life will begin to get in the way of your lifting. You should always try to work around this problem. This could mean getting up earlier before work, or late at night. This is an easy excuse for not going but having that workout partner whom you can lean on for help can be important during these times. Finding a good gym that you can pay for, has enough equipment, and is open during the hours you desire is important. If you are ill, I do think you should stay home, but make sure it is a priority to work out when you start to feel better.
My lifting journey started during my freshman year of football. I wanted to get bigger and put on muscle, so I wasn’t as little. I began lifting with Cameron Hovey, one of my good friends from football who has moved on to college football, shortly after I got my gym membership. Cameron and I became good friends and would lift together every day, and this is one of the main reasons I say having a lifting partner in the gym is so important. He helped me gain experience, kept me motivated, and pushed me to come to the gym.
It has been one of the most beneficial things I’ve ever done in my life, and I want other people to experience the same.