Dooley Noted: 12/28/14
Today, I saw these two lovely ladies working together to lift a water jug.
They carried it from the front of the store towards the back, both nearly falling over.
They both hyperextended through the back and looked as if they were in agony.
Not only were they unsafe, it took two of them to lift around 40 pounds of weight. This is around an 18 kilo kettlebell – or the average 3-4 year old.
It seems the only time women (as a population) consistently lift weight is when we lift our babies and toddlers. Repeatedly, I see women defaulting to men to pick up heavy things.
I could write all day long about the benefits of strength for weight loss, increased metabolism and maintenance of bone density.
But really, I want women to lift weights because we must do it in life. And if we don’t train for life, we get hurt in life.
When you are faced with lifting heavy things, use your body efficiently to pick things up safely.
Deadlift or squat to pick up that water jug. Bear hug that jug and brace your gut as you lift it up.
Don’t suck in. This destabilizes your spine. Brace as if preparing to bear down.
Women were built to pass a child. We are strong enough to pick up heavy things safely – and all on our own.
If you currently can’t lift a water jug, consider training for it.
Dumbbells and kettlebells come in an array of weights. Start where you can lift weight safely and then move up.
If you need help in New York, come to Catalyst SPORT. We would love to help you get stronger in life.
If you are outside New York, find an RKC or SFG trainer to help you learn safe lifting techniques.
Get strong to be safe in life.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley