The feeling of lifting heavy is almost unbeatable
There are few things that boost self-confidence as much as surprising yourself with what your body is actually capable of. Many people who train for maximal strength not only experience increased physical capacity but also a sense of inner calm and harmony – something we at Workout Brands truly recognize.
We want more people to experience that amazing feeling of being strong and capable. To get there, we need to courageously face our fears and test our limits. Starting to lift heavy weights might seem a little intimidating at first, but with training, it quickly becomes more comfortable – and that satisfaction is truly worth it.
Here are some basic tips for those who want to get better at lifting heavy, no matter which type of strength training you’re focusing on.
1. Prepare your body
Your body is the foundation for all lifts, so make sure to give it the best possible conditions. Sleep, nutrition, mobility, and proper warming up all play crucial roles. Before you take on the heavy weights, keep these in mind:
- Fuel up with energy. Make sure your blood sugar levels are stable before training. Whether it’s a simple sandwich or a pre-workout shake doesn’t matter much – the important thing is that you have enough energy without feeling too hungry or too full. Your brain needs fuel to send strong nerve signals to your muscles.
- Warm up. Warming up is not just about preparing your body, but also about getting your mind in the right place for the workout. Start with dynamic stretching to loosen up the joints and muscles, followed by a brief cardio session to boost circulation. Finish by practicing your technique for the upcoming lifts with lighter weights to activate the right muscles.
2. Focus on the mental side
Your mental focus is just as important as your physical preparation. Use your warm-up as a chance to gather your thoughts and check in with how your body feels. Notice where your balance is and identify areas that need to be loosened up. Better body awareness leads to better control – and that’s an invaluable advantage when lifting heavy.
3. Create the right tension in your body
Once you're both mentally and physically prepared, it's about finding the right tension. A heavy lift requires your entire body to work together, from your core to your arms and legs. Tense your body, find stability, and make sure you feel ready before starting each lift.
4. Prioritize technique
Technique is crucial for using your strength efficiently and lifting safely. A correct movement pattern will not only help you lift more but also reduce the risk of injury. The more you practice lifting with proper technique, the more natural it will feel – and the better results you will achieve.
5. Train your body to handle heavy weights
Your body adapts quickly to new challenges, and this also applies to handling heavy weights. By regularly lifting heavy, you’ll not only get stronger, but you’ll also become better at activating the right muscles and maintaining stability. A good tip is to hold the weight at the top of the movement for a couple of seconds in exercises like deadlifts or squats. This helps your body get used to the load and improves your strength.
6. Be goal-oriented
Structure and clear goals are the key to success in strength training. Plan your workouts and make sure each training week has a clear direction. When the workouts build on one another, you’ll see results faster and feel more motivated.
With these principles in place, you can take your heavy lifts to the next level. Dare to challenge yourself, be patient, and enjoy the journey. Good luck!
