I’m still trying to get a feel for things when I lift as I’ve only been at it solid for around 4 months after an extended break (about 10 years). When I was younger, it was no thing to throw a bunch of weight on the bar and try to lift it. Now that I’m older (32) I have to put thought into everything, like “how heavy is this” or “can I lift this” or “am I going to get hurt?” I get these things in my head and I hold back. I don’t push like I used to.
My bench press has actually started to go backwards because of my mind. I had set a goal that I should have reached by now, but due unknown factors. probably the height and width of my bench, I haven’t. When I deadlift, I tend to hold back out of some fear that I’m going to hurt my back. When I squat I fear that my knees are going to buckle. This is somewhat justified as I’ve had both knees worked on and before surgery, they’d buckle at random and I’d fall down. The funny thing is, the more I worry about getting hurt, the worse my form gets and I do end up getting hurt.
How does one get over the apprehension and truly push themselves? Do I make sense?
Grow a set and stop being wimpy. It’s that simple, make a choice and tough it out. Lifting weights and challenging yourself to do mire should be a fun, joyous event, not something to dread.
I’m 42 and I have had 11 Orthopedic surgeries 5 on the knee, a laminectomy (sp?) on my L2-3 vertebrae, 3 ankle surgeries including a fusion and work on both my RC’s, my wife thinks I’m an idiot but I enjoy lifting now more than I did before I got hurt. If you give in to injuries and self doubt at 32 you are pretty much screwed.
I would suggest baby steps, start light and gradually work up to a point where you feel you are pushing yourself, this can take weeks or months, but who cares, powerlifting isn’t going anywhere, and unless your goal is to be one of those record breaker guys, what’s the rush? Take your time and enjoy yourself.
Thanks for the answers. Pretty much what I expected, but thought maybe someone else might have had similar problems & could share with me. I certainly don’t dread lifting weights - I look forward to it most days and feel guilty if I have to skip a night.
It’s one of the few things in life I really enjoy doing. I’ve been taking it slow, but I don’t want to hurt myself and have to stop for an injury. I fear that if I stop, I won’t start back up again.
I’ll try harder to put less thought into it & just lift. Thanks!
The psychological challenges are part of what makes this sport so great. I’m coming off major rotator cuff surgery and am scared shitless to bench again. Especially since I tore my cuff benching in the first place. But I’m strangely excited to learn how to push through this fear and learn to trust my body again.
[quote]junaitari wrote:
So, I’m just a pussy with a screwed up mind?
Thanks for the answers. Pretty much what I expected, but thought maybe someone else might have had similar problems & could share with me. I certainly don’t dread lifting weights - I look forward to it most days and feel guilty if I have to skip a night.
It’s one of the few things in life I really enjoy doing. I’ve been taking it slow, but I don’t want to hurt myself and have to stop for an injury. I fear that if I stop, I won’t start back up again.
I’ll try harder to put less thought into it & just lift. Thanks! [/quote]
I’ve had tons of injuries btw. Wht don’t you read Wendler’s new article? I’m not trying to be mean, but sometimes you need to suck it up.
I’ll give that a shot.