Crushing Ceilings

 

     Maxing out at the gym is often regarded as a cornerstone of weightlifting and fitness in general. They're a way to test your abilities, track your progress, and give you that motivation boost to keep your mind and body on track.

     When I started going to the gym, I was what many would consider "victim-weight." At only 140 lbs at 6', I had little fat, but also little muscle. One of my most neglected and underdeveloped muscle groups was my chest.

     Fortunately, after a month in the gym, and eating a bit more every day, I packed on some muscle. After feeling comfortable and even repping out my previous PR of 95 lbs, I decided to plan a max day. 

     At the end of the week, I walk into the gym, do some pec stretches for the first few minutes, grab plenty of water, and then make my way to the bench. I warmed up with a few light sets, and decided to put 105 on the bar. It felt light, and even did it for reps. That's when I decided to bump the weight up further. 

     I had 115 lbs on the bar. I wouldn't have thought I could do this weight this soon, but I was only reading the rewards of my hard work up to this point. I rested for a few minutes, then lied on the bench and prepared for the weight above my head.

     Why does this matter so much to me? The fitness industry has long been oversaturated with steroid users, deceptive influencers, and unsafe lifters. I wrote this to share my experience and pride in pushing myself, and not comparing what I do to other people.

     Don't think your progress isn't good enough to share. I started at barely being able to move the machines at my gym, to now pushing weight I couldn't have budged a month ago. 

     Your body is capable of much more than you believe, but at the same time, don't get discouraged if your body doesn't advance the same as others. Consistency is the only way to guarantee success.