Posted on November 14, 2016 by Kate Halsall

overcoming weakness

(image: https://pixabay.com/en/caricature-man-weak-effort-812270/)

As personal trainers we hear this a lot – “my arms are so weak” , “am I the weakest client you’ve ever had?” and so on. As no one person is the same as the next, why would we be comparing ourselves to others – we shouldn’t be! And if you’re worried about your arms being weak – there’s surely something that we can do about it!? To recite a Skunk Anansie song “weak as I am” – we are all weak in one way or another – at least to start with but here  are some strategies for overcoming weakness.

Define “Weak”

FYI – the dictionary lists 7 different definitions! Here’s just a few:

  • not strong; liable to yield, break, or collapse under pressure or strain; fragile; frail
  • lacking in bodily strength or healthy vigour

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/weak

However, a lot of the time in the fitness environment, weakness is associated with:

  • the inability to go ahead and lift the equivalent of our own bodyweight or run a sub 1 hour 10k within a couple of weeks of starting training!
  • a reference to a lack of willpower i.e. a weakness to resist certain foods, drinks or lifestyle perks we enjoy
  • an ineffectiveness to achieve what we set ourselves or to try something new.
  • identification of a lack of muscle strength i.e. weak glutes or weak core.

Overcoming Weakness

For me personally, the phrase “weak” just sounds negative – and we don’t do negative in personal training! I’d like to remove the saying unless we are actually referring to a TRUE weakness i.e. a lack of strength in a specific muscle or muscle group. So realistically speaking, a perceived weakness is recognising that we’re not as strong at something. Therefore, we’re actually recognising a goal or development opportunity! What’s more, it’s recognising a specific goal that is relevant to you with an obvious means of measurement for achieving it.

How Can You Overcome Weakness?

  • Remove the word weak and any negative feelings surrounding this – instead acknowledge this is an area you would like to improve.
  • Set yourself realistic goals to improve this area. If your goal is a physical one then set yourself a training programme focused on improving this area. For example, if you would like to improve your running but can’t run yet, then start of with a run-walk programme; if you feel like your arms are weak, speak to a professional about designing you a balanced upper body programme and so on.
  • If your ‘weakness’ is a mental weakness such a wanting a glass of wine when you feel stressed, then why not keep a behaviour diary. We often have habits and behaviours which may be associated with a particular negative behaviour or trait – keeping a diary can help to identify these habits and behaviours.  Then you can look at ways to improve or change them.
  • Have a positive mental, ‘can do’ attitude and surround yourself with positive people who will help you achieve your goals.
  • See one of our other blogs http://www.m8north.co.uk/blog/goal-setting-set-yourself-up-for-success/

Are YOU Weak?

The truth is that everyone has to start somewhere. The actual weakness is never starting at all. So if you’re one of our gym members, class participants, clients, or someone who follows us for recipes, workouts or motivation – NO. You are not weak.