Due to a recent injury and an effort to preoccupy my mind with a new challenge, I have been venturing off the treadmill and into the weight room. The human body is an incredible machine with the potential for a lot of endurance. However, until recently I hadn’t really thought to test it’s limits. By hitting the weight racks with my considerably buff and knowledgeable roommate, I have a new found appreciation for muscle ability. Here are a few thoughts, both sane and irrational, that I’ve had during my crash course in lifting technique.

1. Are people judging me for how weak I am or are they proud of me that I’m trying?

You can’t help but feel like a wimp when you finish that last rep of 10 pound bicep curls and the guy next to you is killing the game with 60 pounders. Maybe he’s cheering for me from within, or maybe he’s wondering what I'm doing here.

2. Should I be sweating this much?

It’s surprising how much sweat accumulates from such short bursts of exertion. Is this normal?!?!

3. Can people tell I’m left handed?

Okay so I’m struggling to push these tiny weights above my head, and it’s pretty obvious that one arm is significantly stronger than the other. It is apparent that my arms don’t typically receive any attention outside of lifting my laundry basket.

4. I wasn’t aware that my arm pits could actually be sore.

Aside from my entire body feeling as though i’ve been side swiped by a vehicle, I find it especially unusual that my armpits are feeling such wrath.

5. Am I bending my knees enough?

These movements are so foreign that it is sometimes hard to tell if I’m even doing it right.

6. Falling down the stairs is a legitimate possibility right now.

There is nothing scarier than slowly moving down the CoRec stairs after leg day and imagining yourself taking a dramatically slow tumble to the bottom. Please knees, don’t lock up on me now.

7. Oh my gosh, is that a tiny bicep!?!

I guess I always knew I had them, but until I started putting them to the test, I had never actually seen them before.

8. No amount of lotion can save my virgin hands from these callouses.

They are just a constant reminder of the struggle.

9. I can’t wait to check myself out later!

We’ve all done it before. You go to the gym and then come home immediately and check to see if a six pack has manifested under your shirt on the ride home.

10. One more set, there is a cup of coffee waiting for me.

Waking up at the crack of dawn to hit the gym before class does have it’s perks. I now have time to enjoy my morning.

11. This actually requires some serious focus.

Lifting is a strain on both the muscles and the mind. I find myself unable to think about anything other than what I’m doing. A nice vacation from my thoughts.

12. Screw this, running six miles sounds incredibly easy right now.

There are many times where I have to fight the intense urge to run away screaming from the weights. There is something so comforting about cardio.

13. I hope no one is noticing me on Google images right now.

Skullcrushers? Rear Delt Cable Flys? What does that even mean? I need visualization.

14. I can finally understand why so many people become lifting addicts.

It is pretty rewarding waking up the next day and feeling sore. It means you accomplished something that was difficult. Not only does lifting make you look better, but it makes you feel better too.

Whether you are empathizing or sympathizing with me, I think every lifter remembers the beginning stages. However, seeing results definitely makes it all worth it. New lifters, don’t give up, they tell me it’ll get easier. In the mean time, if you ever see me at the CoRec, don’t be afraid to come over, say hey, and watch me struggle!