Every day life applications.

In the beginning of my powerlifting journey, I was blessed with great people around me willing to help. I had no idea that back squatting had so many ques and instructions. You see, when you back squat there is a certain way to hold the bar on your back. If you hold it to high, when you put more weight on it, it can damage your spine. So my friend taught me how to properly hold the bar so when it was time to add more weight, I’d be able to handle it without causing damage to my body. 

One day my friend and I were working out together. We get through the sets and he just looks at me. I said “Uh oh” that’s his crazy look. Like he’s about to tell me to do something that I’m not going to want to do but I’m going to end up doing anyway because I asked for his help and I know it’s only to make me stronger.

He says, “I’m going to add more weight. This next set. Go through it like normal, but when you get to ten I want you to hold the weight at the bottom. Now. Don’t look at me like that. Don’t worry about not being able to get back up. Just hold for as long as you can and when you’re ready to get up I’ll help you.”

We add more weight. I get the bar just right. I get under the bar. I lift the bar and start walking away from the rack. This bar is heavy. I’m already thinking about getting to ten and how bad it’s gong to hurt.

I get to 6 and now I’m nervous. My legs already hurt. I’m already tired, but he’s behind me telling me to keep going. He’s behind me telling me “Up” every time it looks like I want give up. He’s behind me encouraging me so of course i have to keep going. I get to 9. 

He says “brace yourself. Deep breath. I’m here. I have the weight. You just hold the bottom.” 

I get to the bottom. I can see him behind me. I know he’s there. I know he said he’s got the weight, but he’s saying I can do it and I want to prove him right.

I’m still holding.

I’m breathing heavy.

I don’t know how I’m going to get back up, but then I remember he’s behind me. I can’t see him anymore because he squatted down with me. He’s at the bottom with me. I remember he said he’ll take the weight if I can’t get up, but I want to get up. He even told me how he’ll take the weight. This weight will make me stronger. I can do this. 

Okay time to get up.

I’m starting to get up. I can hear him yelling. “You got this. Get up. You got it!” Slowly I begin to rise and guess what? He didn’t touch the weight.

I turn around, with a huge smile on my face, and he says, ” I told you you could do it,” and walks away like it was no big deal.

Every day there is someone fighting for you whether you know it or not. Every day there is someone rooting and cheering you on. You are stronger than you will ever truly know. So the next time you feel like giving up do me a favor and take a deep breath. Remember your why. Remember you are not alone.

Written by Jessica Brown