Lessons of The Squat Rack

Oh, the squat rack. My trusty ol' friend.

We've had some good times over the last 14 years. You've always been there, through the good days and the bad. You've seen me at my best and at my worst.

I've experienced pain here. I've experienced frustration, failure, doubts, fear, and discouragement....

But also many moments of excitement, joy, pride and accomplishment.

I've overcome fears in this rack. I've pushed through when I've wanted to give up. When I've felt like I might puke, couldn't breathe, or that my legs would give out...what I've discovered is that I'm almost always stronger than I think.

I've learned a lot here in this rack.

I've learned to persevere, to not give up, to push through the pain, and to trust myself...but also to know when it's best to pull back.

You've seen me grow and evolve throughout the years. From when I was squatting 95 pounds years and years ago and feeling SO strong...to now being able to squat almost twice my bodyweight.

When all the other girls were on the cardio machines, I was over here at the squat rack, pushing and challenging myself, week in and week out, determined that I would grow, that I would get stronger. Determined to beat that girl looking back at me in the mirror.

And it paid off.

This is why I love lifting weights. Because when you stick to it and stay disciplined, you can accomplish things you never would have thought you could. It's an amazing thing to discover what your body is truly capable of.

Some women will never experience this...they will never "get" it. They will think I'm crazy. I feel sorry for them. I wish more women would get off the elliptical and come join me over here on the "dark" side. Come learn the lessons of the squat rack.

You won't regret it.

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