Feeling Strong: Powerlifting and Self-Talk
Last night was my first experience with deadlifting, the third part of powerlifting. It made me think about how many times someone has asked how long I've been doing these workouts, and I immediately respond by saying, "I bench, but not like these guys (and girls!) do," or "I'm starting to squat, but only with the safety bar," as if I cannot acknowledge something positive in myself without a bit of self- deprecation. The thing is, when that bit of self-deprecation goes un-checked, it really does a number on my self-esteem. That being said, my focus for the past couple of weeks has been changing that inner dialogue, and that has made me feel pretty damn strong: "A deadlift sitting down... is still a deadlift." "I fell forward with the safety bar this week...because I added 20 pounds on my back" "That bar moved pretty slowly...it still moved" "I am a powerlifter." The way you speak to yourself matters. 115 for 3 reps ...