Repurposing Life

I felt that at least one of you here might benefit from what I’m going to share. Over the weekend I chose to put my years-long desire and proclamation to action in the activities of weightlifting. Let me just say that this morning I hurt, but in a way that actually makes me smile. I recall this type of pain in my younger years, when I used to lift regularly. I’ve been out of the practice for some time, so it is no surprise that my body is recoiling and aching at the lofty ambitions of the mind. However, they eventually come to work well together with time. I have always enjoyed the pain in growing physically and mentally…weightlifting targets both very well. So even though I hurt, it is welcome and most definitely not a deterrent in continuing the necessary punishment.

One thing I want to make clear is that you need very little money, if any to reach your aspirations in weight training. I have walked around my garage countless times in the 9 years, yet somehow managed to overlook the repurposing of so many tools. I do not have a proper bench, so I’ve repurposed my piano bench to carry the weight of my body for many of the exercises I’ve implemented. Also, an extension ladder works wonderfully in replacing a standard bench press bar. In fact, the spacing of the steps on the ladder allow for amazing wide-grip presses as well as narrow-grip ones. Plus, it can be used for multiple-grip bicep curls, tricep curls, shoulder presses and so on. The only actual weights I have are two 7.5 lb. sand weights, which fit nicely onto any bar, whether the handle of an old shovel or a metal shower curtain rod.

The other item that can be used for weight is a simple 30-40 lb. cinder block. In fact, these are perfect for sliding on the sides of metal shovel handles, iron rods or thick, wooden-broom handles. The sensation may feel a little wobbly at first, but with time you can find a slower motion that renders the cinder blocks motionless as they hang. Not to give any lesser mention to the fact that the same setup is perfect for bent-over chest rows and dead lifts. If nothing else, you might surprise yourself by the creativity you conjure in repurposing common items for your physical benefit. All this being said, I still have yet to find a superior substitute for natural resistance than in the simple motions provided by pushups and sit-ups. Your own body weight can be used to your benefit in a multitude of exercises, no repurposing required.

The main point I wanted make in sharing this thread was that you don’t necessarily need money or time away from home in order to improve your physical health (which many of you know I’m sure). You simply need to look at the things you do have in a slightly different way. Your body will tell you if what you are doing is working as it should. As of today I haven’t felt such a positive strain and pumping of my chest and biceps in almost 10 years. All it took was a little positivity in the approach, rather than finding excuses and complaints over not having equipment so commercially deemed as necessary for attaining physical fitness.

May you all find health and happiness in your own repurposing adventures!

Peace and Love always.