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If you haven't read the 4 post befor this go back and read them first and I think you will get more out of this post.
Strength. It’s a word we often associate with muscle, endurance, and physical power. But the truth is, strength is so much more than that. It’s about resilience, growth, and the courage to push beyond what’s comfortable. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored stories that highlight how the pursuit of physical strength can lead to a stronger life—one filled with lessons that go far beyond the gym.
When I chose the name Freedom Strength and Fitness, I wasn’t just thinking about lifting weights or hitting personal records. I was thinking about what strength truly means. Physical strength is important, yes—but the journey to get there is where the real transformation happens. It’s in the struggle, the setbacks, and the moments of doubt that we discover who we really are and what we’re capable of.
In the first post, we talked about the power of setbacks. I shared how, after suffering some serious injuries during my career, I learned that every setback made me a better athlete, a better coach, and a better person. Those injuries taught me resilience, patience, and the value of perseverance. They reminded me that true strength isn’t just about what you can lift—it’s about how you rise after you’ve been knocked down.
In the second post, we explored the dangers of staying in your comfort zone. I’ve seen many people, like my clients Sammy and Megan, face the choice between pushing beyond their comfort zones or staying where it’s safe. Sammy embraced the discomfort, faced her challenges head-on, and grew stronger because of it. Megan, on the other hand, struggled to break free from the comfort zone, and as a result, saw her progress stall. The lesson here? Growth happens when you’re willing to step outside of what’s familiar and embrace the unknown.
The third post was about the value of honest feedback. I shared a story from my time competing in the East Coast Nationals, where a tough critique from a respected judge forced me to confront the flaws in my technique. It wasn’t easy to hear, but it was exactly what I needed to improve. That experience taught me that criticism, when taken constructively, is one of the most powerful tools for growth. It’s not about being the strongest person in the room; it’s about being willing to listen, learn, and get better.
Then there’s Lily’s story—a reminder that strength isn’t just about the physical, but also about the emotional and mental transformation that happens along the way. When Lily first came to one of our group strength classes, she struggled with self-confidence and was incredibly hard on herself. It was tough to watch her hold back tears out of frustration, but I also saw a glimmer of persistence.
With the support of her husband, our class members, and a bit of guidance from me, Lily began to improve. Slowly but surely, she realized that she was stronger than she thought. I’ll never forget the moment she confidently approached the barbell and said, “I want to try it.” She lifted more weight than she ever imagined she could, and I saw a transformation in her right then. It wasn’t just about lifting heavier—it was about believing in herself.
Lily didn’t stop there. She pushed herself further, joined our powerlifting class, and eventually competed, winning a gold medal. Fast forward to this week, and Lily just hit a new personal record on the bench press—145 pounds. The smile on her face after that lift was a testament to her journey, a journey that turned self-doubt into empowerment. That’s why I love teaching people how to be strong. The iron is just a tool, but the real beauty lies in how it changes you from the inside out.
When we think about strength, it’s easy to focus on the physical—the weights, the muscles, the numbers. But the journey to physical strength teaches us lessons that apply to every aspect of life. It teaches us resilience, patience, humility, and the importance of continuous growth. These lessons are the foundation of a stronger life.
At Freedom Strength and Fitness, our mission isn’t just to help you build muscle or lose weight. It’s to help you discover the strength within yourself—the strength to overcome obstacles, to push beyond your limits, and to grow into the best version of yourself. Physical strength is just the beginning. The true power of strength lies in the freedom it gives you—the freedom to face life’s challenges with confidence, the freedom to pursue your goals without fear, and the freedom to live a life that’s not defined by limitations.
As Henry Rollins said in his poem The Iron:
“The Iron never lies to you. You can walk outside and listen to all kinds of talk, get told that you’re a god or a total bastard. The Iron will always kick you the real deal. The Iron is the great reference point, the all-knowing perspective giver…Always there like a beacon in the pitch black. I have found The Iron to be my greatest friend. It never freaks out on me, never runs. Friends may come and go. But two hundred pounds is always two hundred pounds.”
Rollins’ words capture the essence of what strength really is—a constant, unyielding measure of our progress and our potential. The Iron doesn’t lie, and it doesn’t care about our excuses. It’s a reminder that true strength, whether in the gym or in life, is earned through hard work, persistence, and the willingness to confront our weaknesses.
Strength is more than what you can do in the gym. It’s about the lessons you learn along the way—the lessons that make you not just physically stronger, but mentally and emotionally stronger as well. Whether it’s overcoming setbacks, stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing honest feedback, or discovering your inner strength like Lily, the journey to strength is a journey to a better life.
So as you continue on your path, remember that every challenge you face, every moment of discomfort, and every piece of criticism is an opportunity to grow. Embrace the journey, because it’s not just about building a stronger body—it’s about building a stronger life.