I recently discovered a unique way to learn how to trust myself when I push myself out of my comfort zone: by filming my lifts.
Although logging onto social media would have you believe otherwise, a major reason people film their lifts is so they can identify areas of their technique that need improvement.
Of course, some people do it just for the attention. I’ll admit, I’ve been having fun uploading some of my own videos to Instagram. I like getting likes and gaining new followers.
But I’ve recently discovered another beneficial reason to film my lifts – it’s helping me learn how to push myself when I train.
Even though I’ve only been consistently filming my workouts for a couple weeks, I’ve noticed a recurring theme.
Whether I’m doing a heavy compound lift such as back squats, or a simple exercise such as bicep curls, I say the same thing to myself after watching almost every video: That looked way too easy.
Mental toughness has always been a struggle for me. Both in and out of the gym, I doubt myself frequently. I don’t always have a lot of confidence in my capabilities. Just like everyone else, I fall victim to listening to that stupid, nagging voice in my head. You know, the one that tells you you can’t really lift that weight or run that extra mile or hold that plank for just a few more seconds.
I know how hard it is to make that voice shut up. That stupid voice is a pain in the ass. I’m not sure about you, but she’s been holding me back in my training for way too long.
And that’s where I believe reviewing the videos of my workouts has helped. Not because I like watching myself on camera. (I don’t. I look exhausted and pale in every single video.) But it’s because witnessing myself not really struggling that much helps me understand that I am capable of lifting heavy weights. I can easily press heavy dumbbells over my head. I can effortlessly stand up after I sink into a squat with a heavy barbell on my back.
Okay, so maybe it’s not always totally effortless. But it is much easier than I think it is in that exact moment.
Each time I review one of my videos, I can remember thinking about how tired I felt or how out of breath I felt while I was doing the work. But then I watched myself afterwards and I would say, That didn’t look like it was difficult at all. I should have gone heavier.
So far, it has been working. Yesterday morning, I not only hit a rep PR of 6 on my back squat at 128lbs, but I then did two more reps at 133lbs and a heavy single at 138lbs. To say I was ecstatic is an understatement. This is the most I’ve back squatted ever since I started training by myself!
Having to lift by myself has contributed to my hesitation when lifting weights. I can’t always workout when my husband’s home, so I usually don’t have a spotter around. I do know how to bail. I’ve bailed squats before at Crossfit. I’ve already had to do the roll of shame after some failed bench presses at home. But I still had been nervous to try harder, until I saw for myself how easy some of my lifts have looked.
I’m really excited that something as simple as filming a set of back squats in my cold, dark garage helped me develop a little more confidence in myself. Sure, it may be a bit more effort than just giving myself a pep talk. But if it will help me be more confident every time I step up to the barbell, I’ll take it!
