“Do you even lift, bro?” The cry rings out on college campuses across North America. Throughout the continent, 18 to 25-year-olds have discovered the joys and benefits of forcing heavy objects to defy the laws of gravity by making them go in an upward direction.
ARNOLD YUNG/THE VARSITY
For the uninitiated, I am speaking about lifting weights.
Driven forward partially by the internet zeitgeist — but mainly by the overwhelming desire to be attractive to people of corresponding sexual orientation — “lifting” has become a pastime that transcends creed, race, gender, and other lines that have traditionally divided university-aged people.
“Lifting allows the human soul to relax,” says third-year student Isham Zeitoun. “The gym is a social setting. You get to meet new people and interact with different cultures.”
Indeed, the social aspect of lifting is perhaps one of the most important contributing factors to its popularity. People discover it, gradually find that they enjoy it, invite their friends to join them, and the cycle repeats itself. Lifting with friends has the added benefit of keeping one accountable. Even on days when you simply do not care to exercise, your lifting partner or partners will insistently push you to the gym.
With this in mind, the easiest way to start lifting is to tag along with a friend who already does. It’s almost certain that if you ask around your social circles, you’ll find at least one person who lifts weights regularly. You may be surprised at who it is. Ask this friend if you can accompany her to the gym on her next expedition.
The most common way to go about lifting is to rotate between muscle groups with every trip. Common groups include chest, defined by the bench press; arms, curls; shoulders, no immediately recognizable workout comes to mind; back, dead lifts; and legs, defined by squats . During each session, one should perform a few sets of three or four different workouts for the day’s designated muscle group(s). Every lifter has a different routine — staggered with rest days — so schedule according to what feels comfortable for you.
Hart House and the Athletic Centre also offer many services and lessons to newcomers to lifting weights, creating another option for those just getting started.
No matter how you choose to get into lifting, remember that safety comes first. When in doubt, always lift less, and have a spotter keep an eye on you, in case you need help during potentially dangerous exercises.
So what are you waiting for? Grab some shorts and get to the gym.
It’s leg day.
