When the Dumbbells Are Too Heavy
Friday Flutter Report 4.24.26
If you’re new here, on Fridays I write about one action from the week that made an impact. The goal is to remind myself (and maybe you) that even the small, random things can make a difference.
A short and sweet note about “readiness” and changing your approach
Despite being involved in sports my entire childhood, lifting weights is still a relatively new endeavor for me. It’s taken a full year for me to not actively hate a barbell. (Still not a fan, but the emotion has downgraded to a mild dislike).
Yesterday, all the bars were taken, so I grabbed a set of dumbbells with the intent of holding them on my shoulders during my squats. The problem was the weight I wanted to squat with was heavier than what my biceps can curl. I could pick up the dumbbells, but couldn’t lift them up to my shoulders.
My coach saw me struggling and told me to rock back and forth a few times to get some momentum in my arms and then, when my momentum is moving forward, yank the dumbbells up like a clean (lifting term).
Worked like a charm.
It made me realize that I am ready for the heavier weight, I just needed some help and a new approach.
That little win got me thinking about all the other projects that are swirling around in my head that I haven’t been able to articulate just yet. The ideas are ready for action, I just need a new approach and some new perspectives.
Moral of the story: Whatever you’re working on, you absolutely can figure it out (and don’t be afraid to ask for help).
Also, get to class early enough to get a bar.