⚖️ How Heavy Is That Weight?

A new way to look at it.

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Let's talk about what you're carrying today. We've been taking a holistic approach to fitness for a while here at StrongWithDana, but today I want to talk about something I've experienced many, many times throughout my career.

That moment when the weight you lifted just a few days ago suddenly feels so much heavier for no reason.

The thing is... the same weight is going to feel different day to day. And there's a very good reason why. It doesn't mean you're not building strength. It also doesn't mean you're losing muscle.

One common way to look at this situation is "your body keeps the score." Yes, your body knows exactly what it's dealing with every day, whether or not you have the conscious awareness of what might be impacting how strong you feel. But here's another approach. Think of this as a "yes, and..." for the body keeping the score.

What you're carrying is really just THAT heavy.

Stressful situations like a recent difficult conversation, a poor relationship, financial uncertainty, and general anxiety have short-term impacts on your strength, but it's not because your body "can't handle" what you're lifting anymore. It's because the strength you gained in your last workout is going to carrying something else.

That isn't a flaw or a mistake. The things you're carrying are valid, worthy, and important to work through... just like a workout. How heavy it feels has more to do with its actual importance to your mind and your body, and your body is acting accordingly. This is not the moment to judge yourself or get upset for not being able to do what you did before. Instead, accept that what you're carrying just weighs that much. Even if you're just waiting for a text back.

The difference you feel day to day in the gym is your body letting you know that your energy is divided. It might mean you need a little more recovery, or it might mean that you need to process some emotions or work through something in therapy. Whatever it is, it's all part of the ongoing dialogue we have with ourselves when we show up for our bodies.

It's a good thing. It's not weakness, it's intelligence.

With you as we validate our bodies,
Dana