Getting Stronger... my July Journey

blog post

Aug 2

Written By Lisa Mastracchio

I got stronger in July…

But before I share my journey, I want to come out and say, I’m not sharing this to boast or brag.

I don’t try to hit goals to be praised or commended by others.

My reason to reach certain goals doesn’t stem from outside validation, but rather a very deep desire to just get better.. for me!

So basically, I wanted to take you behind-the-scenes on how my strength-training program shaped my mind and strengthened my body in hopes it can inspire you to tap into the same!

Some of you might know already that I have a personal trainer… a coach who pushes me and keeps me challenged by targeting my weaknesses. It’s what keeps me “on my toes” so to speak. I know how to create programs of course, but it’s really fun to be coached by another, where I don’t have to think too much… I’m thinking you understand this!

My Training Program:

My latest training program was a 5x5 which essentially means 5 reps and 5 sets. With only 5 reps, the load is heavy. It basically means you can’t squat or lift or press more than 5 times. I’ve never done training like this before, but I knew of the benefits. This strength-based programming isn’t about fat loss or hypertrophy. Instead it’s about pure strength.

And that appealed to me of course.

Over the course of 6 weeks, my weights would progressively increase. All was calculated and very precise.

Is this type of programming for everyone?

NO.

Definitely not.

It’s slow… rest periods between sets is 3-5 minutes. That length of rest can seem boring for some. But because of the high intensity and recruitment of the central nervous system, this rest period is a MUST.

Also, it requires exact loads. No guesstimates. No trying this weight or that. It’s calculated with precision week after week.

And finally, it requires commitment. You can’t skip a week and pick up where you left off. Every week builds from the one before. Rest days are necessary. And extra workouts are not recommended either.

So as you can see, it’s not a “typical” workout that most people would necessarily enjoy.

BUT….I did.

I hit personal records I had never done before, from deadlifts, squats, bench press to weighted pull-ups. I hated the pull-ups… but did them anyway. I thought I wouldn’t like the bench press much, but turns out I did!

Squats scared me cuz… well once you’re down, you gotta get back up!

And deadlifts of course were my favorite from start to finish.

Was I scared?

Yes. I remember heading to the gym thinking of “what if’s” the whole way there.

What if I get hurt?

What if I can’t?

What if X,Y, Z?

So the mindset piece in this type of training is just as important, if not more than the actual workout itself!

Lessons I learned….

We are ALL stronger than we think… we all underestimate our capabilities.
Having another person or coach believe you can do “the thing” is a game-changer.
Being super consistent and disciplined isn’t easy but always pays off.
Our minds are powerful entities that drive our action and inaction.
Once you achieve a goal, there’s another one just around the corner… in other words, there is no finish line in fitness.
It’s pretty cool to lift heavy at 51.. not gonna lie! 😉