I’ve been involved in weightlifting, or some type of strength training, for roughly eight years now. When I started my journey, I was insecure, on a mission to lose weight, and lost in what I wanted from life. Now, I’m a confident, self-assured, strong individual and am happier with who I am and where I am at in life than I ever thought possible.
Weightlifting has made me stronger than I’ve ever been in every way. It is a strategic sport that requires patience, relentlessness, determination, perseverance, and confidence. Learn these attributes for the sport and you can carry them into every aspect of your life. I won’t sugar coat it; you’re going to work harder than you ever have, and grind more than you knew you could-and let’s be honest, probably more than you wanted to. But in the end, you will be stronger, both physically and mentally, and have a sense of accomplishment, pride, and confidence in yourself. .
Though it sounds cliché, weightlifting truly has changed my life and who I am. From uplifting my roots in California, moving across the country to North Carolina, and back, I’ve endured and enjoyed experiences I never saw possible for myself. I’ve learned hard lessons, especially regarding people and friendship, and simultaneously realized how truly special some people are. Dan and Yashi Rose, along with the people that make up the Harrisburg Weightlifting Club, are some of the most special people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.
Though my journey has been 8 years long, the most impactful changes have come in the years I’ve been with Dan, even though I’ve been a remote athlete for roughly 90% of it. A lot of coaches out there can make you strong, Dan is no exception, but he has a lot of experience on his side that might give you more of an edge. His programming is more challenging than any programming I had experienced which has allowed me to hit totals to qualify for national level meets. What really separates Dan from the rest though, is who he is as a person and how he treats his athletes. I reside over 2300 miles away and I still lean on Dan as a lifeline. He has stood in my corner when I doubted myself, both on the platform and in life. He’s been on the receiving end of a thousand-page emails, venting about personal issues, and been there to pull me aside before a national meet to reassure me that I belonged and deserved to be there. He tells me what I need to hear, pushes me to want to be and do better, and makes me feel like family. The entire crew is the same way. Everytime I come back or reunite at a meet, it's as if I am coming home and there is no better company.
Long story short- if you’re someone that struggles with having a purpose, depression, loneliness, insecurity, whatever it is that might ail you, or if you just want to be stronger, try picking up a bar-with the Harrisburg crew if you’re able to. You’ll be amazed how it will transform you. There will be times you doubt yourself- stick with it. Grind in silence and take one step at a time and or lean on your crew for some extra motivation.