Three years ago, I was weak and skinny. When I hit rock bottom, I decided it was time to go to the gym.
Fast forward three years, and something life-changing happened. I was on a bus when I saw an older, overweight man struggling to get on. He couldn’t lift himself to climb the two small steps. I immediately jumped in to help, supporting his weight—at least a hundred kilos—so he wouldn’t fall. And in that moment, I couldn’t help but think: "Could I have done this three years ago?" I honestly doubt it.
Many people think bodybuilding is all about looks or showing off, but there are moments when you realize just how crucial physical strength can be.
Imagine if one of your parents needed to get to the hospital but couldn’t walk even a short distance. Would you have the strength to hold and carry them if they needed it?
Or, think about if you had to carry a loved one in an emergency. Are you physically capable of helping them?
I know a woman who spent her whole life dreaming of motherhood, but when her time finally came, she struggled to carry her own children due to her obesity.
Exercise can mean so much more than just looking good on Instagram. It’s about maintaining your health so that you can lift a little more, walk a little farther, or climb stairs unaided when you’re 70.
Working out with the goal of being strong enough to protect and support your family is a mindset shift many people need to adopt.
When you have a strong purpose, you can push yourself with real meaning. Only when you have a powerful reason can you find the drive to go that extra mile.