It’s very easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of PR’s and goals. Trust me, I get it. I love pushing it to the limit in the gym and seeing what my body is capable of. My trainer Sean and I are always eager to hit it hard, knowing that the time was spent well. What is often lost in translation is the deeper meaning behind strength training and development.
I have personally seen and experienced how one’s life is dramatically transformed through the pursuit of strength. The development and growth of one’s physical abilities transcends the gym and has a profound effect on the rest of one’s life. The increased discipline creates a chain reaction of positive change that leads to a happier, healthier and more productive life. StrongFirst has a wonderful motto: “Strength has a greater purpose.” As a future StrongFirst candidate, this message resonates with me deeply. Getting stronger in the gym has had the following effect on my life:
- Increased self confidence and feelings of self worth: As a kid who was bullied during elementary and middle school, building strength gave me a much better self-image. This helped me overcome my social anxiety.
- Increased discipline: Committing to a program to completion helped me not only reach my goals, but learn to stick with the process even when I got bored or it got challenging.
- Community: I’m now around like-minded individuals who push me to get better every day. I’m constantly learning, improving and refining my processes. I can honestly say I’ve become a better man as a result of my team.
- Mental health: Consistent strength training has helped me calm (at least a little…) my anxious mind. This has helped my performance in every aspect of life. I’m now in the right frame of mind to pursue one of my passions, helping others.
I love helping my clients reach their health and fitness goals, but there’s so much more to it. The process of putting in hard work to improve yourself will start a lifelong journey that will help you create the best version of yourself. If you don’t believe me, pick up a few weights and see what happens. You won’t regret it!
To your lifelong health and success,
-Demarco Crum, CPT
