Opinion: Lifting weights? Drop the ego.

Ocotober 01, 2008
Gary Smothers
Columnists

Someone is going to get hurt, or at least look silly, at TRAC, UIS’ fitness center.  It could be a star athlete, your favorite professor,…or you.  Maybe the screamer, the grunter, the old guy incorrectly remembering his college age strength—one of these could describe you.  Working out can be an enjoyable activity while also serving as an extremely effective means for those who want to slim down.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that weightlifting can burn just as many calories as playing basketball for one hour.  For some it is a hobby, others a means to improve athletic ability, and for yet others there is no real defined reason.  For guys, well, we want to have the ability to pick up a Volkswagen—several times—in case the emergency need should ever arise.

Observing the clientèle at TRAC reminds one that many of these strength goals will never be achieved. Weightlifters will be relegated to boasting tall tales—coulda, woulda, shoulda stories.  “Back in college I used to be able to bench press (fill in some large poundage), but then I hurt my (list any muscle by its full medical name and you’ll sound legitimate).  Yeah, I should start lifting someday, but...” 

To hopefully aid you in not having to write your own bogus history, take the advice of those in the business.  Stretch; it lengthens the muscles which will prevent you from copping out on training the next day and help to avoid your own coulda, woulda, shoulda story—from either an injury or too much soreness.

Coach Charles Staley, a frequent guest on the TODAY show, states that to better achieve the goals one has in mind (such as lifting a Volkswagen), one should avoid lifting with too much ego. Screaming when trying to lift a weight too that’s too heavy impresses no one, nor does it aid at all in lifting the weight.  Quality should never be sacrificed for quantity.

Stay organized, don’t miss your time in the gym, and don’t hurry—the strength will come if you keep at it. 

Jo DiAngelo, a certified personal trainer in New York, recommends some basic reasoning:  don’t lift too light, don’t lift too heavy, don’t try to be macho, and don’t lift sloppily.

Teri Valenti, a 25+ year fitness trainer at Fit Club South here in Springfield and frequent trainer of “extreme fighters,” recommends, “the biggest thing is to get a hold of someone who knows what they’re doing.”  Whether that is a professional trainer or a fellow weightlifter who knows, who will take the time to teach, not just to show.  Valenti recommends that a weightlifter new to the gym should understand the why of whichever exercise(s) are chosen.  And hydrate.   A lot.  Even 3% too little water will result in weakened lifts and little gains.  Eat wise, have a healthy balance of protein to carbohydrates, and have patience. 

To sum up, check your ego into your locker and use your head.  And, please, no grunting— you might hurt yourself.