Occasionally, I get asked why I started strength training with a barbell, and why I enjoy it so much. It started nearly three years ago when I wanted to learn something new to do in the gym. The barbell was scary to me. I didn’t know what to do with it and I thought, maybe it would help me to get stronger and look better. Since then, it’s become more than that for me.
- I like structure and routine; a plan with logical progression. Barbell strength training gives me that. I need that right now, more than ever when it feels like there are things that I like to control are out of my control.
- I like progression, but having it balanced with rest days, reset weeks, and de-loads. Barbell strength training gives me that. I’ve learned to be okay with the quieter days like this past month has been.
- I’ve learned the value in failing and having a “bad” day. On the flip side, I’ve learned how to celebrate the highs and “good” days. Ultimately I have learned how to give myself the “five minutes” (sometimes more, sometimes less) to feel the lows and to celebrate the highs, but then I keep on doing what needs to be doing. Barbell strength training helped me to hone that perspective.
So, here I am, 4 weeks into healing and this last week has had almost zero pain and swelling, I have increased endurance and a continued learning curve on how to be active even with an injury. Maybe it wasn’t a New Year’s Day hike, but on 28 December, when the weather wasn’t snowy or icy, the mud wasn’t ridiculous and the temperatures more moderate, I got out for a walk on the driveway on crutches. I started out with 1/10th of a mile, then made it to the end of the driveway and back, almost 6/10th mile. It took me an hour but I ended up with 1.1 mile, and definitely one of the more challenging miles I’ve done! 
As for the New Year and not being able to hike on the day, I gave myself 5 minutes, then got out to the gym next day and was able to hit personal bests on Larsen Press for a new 1RM, 3RM, and 5RM. Even with an injury and a variant on Bench Press that eliminates the use of leg drive, I’m getting close to my regular Bench Press numbers. I’ve been also doing seated overhead presses and these challenge me in a new way. I’m loving seeing these weights also increase.
Nineteen more days until the cast comes off. I have a choice each day how to handle it. I choose strength of mind, of body, and of heart with my faith, friendships and family as support.
Onward.
Love, Dianne
