Strength Training – Not Only for Men

Three years ago, I returned from my trip to South America. I had not trained for a long time, except for several treks. At the same time, my two sisters started strength training in the gym and told me they lifted weights and enjoyed it very much.

At first, I was hesitant to join them. I had always assumed that lifting weights was something that only men or boys did, and I didn’t realize that girls like us could handle heavy weights too. But my sisters encouraged me to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did.

From the moment I started strength training, I fell in love with it. Not only did it have numerous physical and health benefits, but it was also mentally stimulating and incredibly fun. Every movement required concentration and precision, and I found myself constantly striving to improve my technique and push my limits.

There’s a lot to learn and concentrate on in every move. You need to think about the progress you want to make and what you want to achieve. In the beginning, we had a trainer who used to make us compete because he knew it would bring out the best in us.

Sigal, my little sister, will always be the strongest, but the truth is she just makes me very proud.

However, there are also negative aspects of strength training, such as fitness trainers and nutritionists who encourage eating disorders and body image problems. This is a sensitive topic for both sexes, but mainly for women.

Additionally, some trainers still believe that strength training is exclusively for men, and that women should focus on certain muscle groups or avoid looking a certain way. I believe that this mentality is harmful and limiting, and I hope to use my experiences to challenge these misconceptions.

Nowadays, I am proud to say that my record for lifting weights is 155 kilos (although my sister has since surpassed me with an impressive 170 kilos). Strength training has become a crucial part of my life, helping me stay calm during stressful periods and boosting my mood when I’m feeling down. More than anything, it has made me feel strong, empowered, and confident in my own skin.