Strength training is not just a way to get better in the gym; it's a way to improve your life. Think of yourself as a character in a video game, where every action you take contributes to the growth of your attributes. For example, if you practice juggling for ten minutes a day, you increase your ability to focus. Who cares, you might think. Well, with this newly improved focus, you now finish your work faster. And if you finish your work faster, you can retire earlier. And if you retire earlier, you can finally catch up on all those seasons of CSI Miami. Sounds like a win to me.

Or let’s consider if you read a new book every week. Your knowledge attribute would rise. With more knowledge you feel more confident and participate in more conversations. More conversation leads to deeper relationships, and deeper relationships lead to a more fulfilling life… or so they tell me (as a reclusive writer, I’ll just have to take their word for it).

Thankfully, you don't have to start juggling axes or slogging through “The Grapes of Wrath” to get these benefits. Strength training can address all these areas and more, making it the most comprehensive tool for personal growth and a better life.

Let’s take a look at the areas we see the most growth in when we commit to strength training:

Discipline:

Strength training demands consistent effort and dedication. To see progress, you must adhere to a regular workout schedule, push through challenges, and resist the temptation to give up. This commitment fosters discipline, not just within the confines of the gym, but in all aspects of life. The ability to stick to a routine and overcome obstacles translates into improved productivity, better time management, and a stronger work ethic. When you commit to a strength training program, you have to execute each and every day. Despite how you feel about the job at hand, you complete it. Because of this, we learn how to separate our actions from our emotions. There is so much in life we might not want to do, but with the discipline we build in the gym, we’re able to get it done regardless.

Mobility:

Strength training isn't just about building muscle; it's also about enhancing mobility and functional movement patterns. When you train through a full range of motion, you improve your body's ability to perform daily tasks with ease and efficiency. Whether it's cleaning the shower, playing with your kids, or ducking under a turnstile to avoid paying the fee for the subway, increased mobility means greater independence and freedom to move through life.

Planning:

Planning is a crucial skill that underpins success in all areas of life. In strength training, effective planning is essential for setting goals, designing workouts, and tracking progress. If you just show up and toss weights around, you won’t get anywhere. But by learning how to create structured training programs and set realistic objectives, you develop valuable skills and thought processes that extend far beyond the gym. You become better equipped to problem solve, prioritize tasks, manage your time efficiently, and make informed decisions about your health and well-being. With a strategic approach to both your workouts and your life, you can navigate challenges with clarity and purpose.

Patience:

One way to practice patience is to order something on Amazon and choose the slowest possible delivery date. Slightly less torturous is strength training. Progress in the gym doesn't happen overnight. It requires consistent effort over an annoyingly long amount of time. As you work towards your fitness goals, you learn to embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and persevere through setbacks. This mindset carries over into countless other areas of life. If it wasn’t for the patience I learned in the gym, there’s no way I would have been able to sit through Oppenheimer.

Okay, I snuck out halfway through to see Kung Fu Panda. But still!

Confidence:

Strength training builds physical strength, but it also strengthens your mental resilience. As you progress in your workouts, lift heavier weights, and achieve your fitness goals, you gain confidence in your abilities. This confidence extends beyond the gym, empowering you to tackle challenges, take on new opportunities, and finally rock those red pants you’ve been too nervous to wear. With each rep, you reinforce the belief that you are capable of doing whatever you put your mind to.

Now you can see that lifting is much more than bouncing a barbell off your chest for five reps; it's a transformative journey that enhances your character and betters your life. By committing to regular strength training, you unlock your full potential, both inside and outside of the gym.