Lifting Weights: How is being weak a good thing?
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses,
in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak,
then I am strong.
Side
lateral raises. Even hearing those three words brings pain, let alone actually
doing them. Last February I started a regular exercise program that involves toning
with hand weights three times a week. I started with 2-pound weights, then moved up to 3-pound
weights, and was certainly ready for 4-pound weights months ago. But I had
added the hand weights to my Christmas list, so rather than buy them myself I
waited to see if I would get them. Sure enough, my daughter and family left
them beneath the tree. But instead of 4-pound weights, I got 5-pounders. I
tried them out the other day and noticed a big difference from the ones I was
used to. I struggled to raise them, especially for the side lateral exercises,
which have given me trouble from the get-go. Although not confirmed by a
physician, I think I have a slight tear in my left deltoid, the triangular
shaped muscle that covers the outer shoulder and uppermost part of the arm.
Even though the muscle complains, I press through to lift the weights, knowing
“no pain equals no gain.” In order to get stronger and build muscle mass, I
must push myself, although sometimes I’d rather call for someone to help me
lift the weight. But of course, I know that would defeat the purpose.
