Grief sucks. I wish there were a more elegant way to describe the feeling or feelings experienced, but “grief sucks” will do. And the suckiest thing about grief, for me, is it comes in waves and hits unexpectedly. For instance, I could be in the fruit aisle looking for peaches, and the next thing I know, the realization that the person I am grieving is no longer here hits out of nowhere.
Grieving is a tumultuous experience that can manifest physically and emotionally. And coping with loss is like a long ride that, unfortunately, you never get off of; it just gets easier to manage.
Therefore, healthy outlets to channel overwhelming emotions are essential during this time. I choose fitness, specifically weightlifting, to help me process my recent loss. Weightlifting has helped me hit my fitness goals and improve my mental well-being because I can release all my emotions.
Why Weightlifting Works for Me
When I first started working out during the pandemic, I avoided weightlifting. I assumed it would cause me to bulk up, which I didn’t want, considering weight loss was the goal. And how wrong I was; I lost weight, toned, and my mental health improved. So, I chose it to be my outlet for this hard time.
Furthermore, weightlifting is extremely therapeutic when viewed through the lens of grief. The rhythmic clinking of weights and the controlled movements provide a structured and focused activity that diverts my mind from the constant reel of sorrow. During my heavy lift days, the grief takes a backseat, which allows for a temporary reprieve from my pain.
Physical Release of Emotion
Weightlifting offers a tangible and immediate release for the pent-up emotions accompanying grief. Why? The act of lifting heavy objects demands a physical exertion that parallels the emotional weight one carries. The controlled aggression required in weightlifting provides an outlet for anger, frustration, and sadness, allowing me to channel my emotions constructively.
However, most workout sessions nowadays end in crying, deep thought, or screaming, which I am learning to be OK with.
Routine as Stability
Grief disrupts the normal cadence of life, leaving me adrift in a sea of emotions. Unfortunately, this throws off my daily schedule, and for those who know me, I live by schedules; I always have. So, establishing a workout routine introduces an element of stability for me. One, it gives me a reason to get out of bed; I have a goal, and I know that if I don’t work out, I am probably not getting through my day. Next, the repetitiveness of the exercises and the gradual progression in lifting weights create a stabilized force for me. Working out offers a sense of control that is often elusive during grief.
Mind-Body Connection
Weightlifting isn’t just about building physical strength; it fosters a profound connection between the mind and body. Concentrating on proper form and executing movements with intentionality promotes mindfulness. I become attuned to my body, allowing a deeper understanding of my physical and emotional states. It allows me to navigate my grief better, therefore helping me process it.
While grief may be an uninvited guest in our lives, how we cope with it is within our control. Working out is my outlet because it provides a structured routine, physical release, and a clearer path to process. I find my refuge in the gym (or garage), however temporary, from the weight of my grief. In the iron, I discover a silent companion that aids in healing, one lift at a time.