Lifting is strengthening my SPIRIT!

My body is getting stronger, but what has really surprised me about starting a lifting program is how many aspects of my life are improving.

I started NROL4W about a month ago. I have pretty big social anxiety issues, especially around people I don't know, doing something new. My biggest fear in life is (was) doing something wrong (looking like an idiot). So I was TERRIFIED to start this program, and procrastinated for a few months after I bought the book.

I ended a 5 year relationship 3 months ago and there have been a lot of changes in my life. I had a bad week where I was feeling super sorry for myself and one morning I woke up and said to myself "I'm going to start lifting today". For some reason, in my mind that was me choosing to take charge of my life and ACT.

I was pretty nervous that first day, but after my first session I was off and running. I have made a few mistakes. I have had to ask "big scary men" for help with a piece of equipment I couldn't figure out a few times. Oddly enough, it's not a big deal!

I am now doing things that are so far from the person I was before I started lifting. The ease at which I can small-talk with fellow lifters is shocking to me. I now truly do not care if people are watching me. I have learned that there is not much to do during a rest, so everyone looks around at every one. They are not thinking about how ridiculous I am, I am not that important. I can make unflattering noises and faces to complete a tough set.

There have been changes outside of the gym too. This biggest change is by following the nutrition recommendations, I am now eating waaaaayyyyy more than I have in years. I am loving it. The way I see my body has done a 180. I used to be so focused on the scale. Now, I am finally realizing why people suggest measuring tapes, as the inches are melting away, my clothes are getting bigger, and the scale is going (slowly) up! Now, I find immense satisfaction in my lifts going up, and my definition increasing. I have been a lot smaller a long time ago, but I have never been so happy with my body!

I am so happy I stumbled upon this site a few years ago, because it was surely the lifting crowd here that led me in the right direction.

My only regret is that I didn't start sooner!