Helping others helps YOU
I became pretty serious about working out after my freshman year of college. (By serious I mean more than just using the stair-master and the ab machines like I did in high school!)
I was lucky because I had the opportunity to work with a personal trainer once a week. Thanks to him, I learned all about the world of weight lifting. He undoubtedly changed my life.
From that point on I consistently went to the gym every summer and as much as I could throughout the school year. When I moved home after graduating, I was going to the gym all the time. I loved it! I loved feeling strong and knowing I was doing something good for my body. Making the decision to become more active has drastically improved my well-being over the last few years.
Going to the gym also gave me a confidence I didn’t have before. Even before any physical difference was noticeable, I started to feel much healthier and balanced. I also overcame “gymtimidation” - ya know being a little afraid to head into the scary weights section with giant men grunting. This concept has come up a few times between me and my friends who are new to the gym.
Last week my friend asked me if I wanted to workout together. She’s been wanting to learn more about weight lifting and asked if I could teach her.
99% of the time I work out alone. Going to the gym is my time to blast my music, focus on me and enjoy what I’m doing for myself. However, I knew this could be fun and a really great opportunity for my friend, so of course I said sure!
But I was nervous.
Could I actually train someone? Would I be able to make sure her form is correct? Would I even be able to teach her how to do these workouts? Alright I’ll pick the moves out ahead of time. But would I be able to answer her questions? The thoughts went on and on.
Although I’m pretty well versed in lifting and have gained a lot of experience over the years, I know there’s still so much to learn when it comes to fitness. But I helped her out anyway and honestly, despite the hesitations, I’m so glad I did.
After about a half hour, she said to me “Wow this is great. I already feel more confident being here. You’re such a great teacher! Sorry I’m probably slowing you down but this is so helpful.”
How freaking awesome is that?
Knowing that YOU’RE helping someone feel more comfortable and confident in who they are and what they’re doing is one of the best feelings ever.
I’m the type of person who wants everyone to have confidence in the gym or their workouts, no matter what type of workout it is. I want everyone to feel strong and empowered in their lives. This single gym session, although it was only two hours or so, gave my friend more confidence in her abilities than she had before. It gave her ideas for workouts in the future, what equipment to use, and even how to navigate the different areas of the gym.
But not only was she benefitting from this experience, so was I!
Sharing my time and knowledge to teach someone was an opportunity for me to solidify MY abilities as a lifter and a “coach” (I used that in quotes because I’m not really a coach, but the ability to communicate like one is a skill that’s great to have.) Coaching someone else made me think about my workouts in a new way. It reminded me of how and why I workout the way that I do, rather than me just going through the motions and checking boxes for reps and sets. It strengthened the knowledge I had. She essentially was my accountability partner for the night. Although I was the one coaching, we were both learning and growing! So what if the workout took a little longer?
Keeping your gifts and talents for yourself is a waste!
Your skills and abilities are not meant to stay in a bubble! Your knowledge should be shared. I get it - maybe in the professional world you might think your skills should be kept a secret. And of course there are moments of competition in your life. I’m not saying to tell everyone your great idea for a product or your business secret off the bat. Sometimes it can seem like someone is taking advantage of you or simply wants you to get their job done for them (recognizing that takes intuition and practice). But more often than not, helping others and cheering them on has no effect on your success. In fact, helping others solidifies your skills even further. And honestly, helping someone out feels good. (Especially if they react similarly to how my friend when did when she learned how to properly squat!)
If someone asks for help, jump right in. If they’re asking you for your expertise or and extra set of hands, they already know you can do it and would do it well! They value you.
A willingness to help those around you fosters fulfilling, healthy and overall happy relationships. If you have the time and resources to give someone a hand, it really can’t hurt.
