Could you tell us how your adventure with sport started?
I have been into physical activity since I was a child; however, sport was not my passion. The breakthrough took place when I met my fiancé. He impressed me with the consistency which he trained with. He took me to the gym for the first time. I would have never gone there myself, I was too embarrassed.
Why did you choose this form of activity?
At the beginning, I was primarily focused on the visual issues. I wanted to build my muscles, have an athletic figure and feel satisfaction with training, the more so because I was doing it with my beloved one. I discovered that I was quite strong over time. And that's what made me really happy –overcoming my own weakness in lifting heavy weights.
Is a weightlifting girl still a rare sight in the gym?
Not necessarily. Currently, there are more and more training girls and interestingly, they are not a minority at the gym. However, it is true that it is a minority that is focused on developing strength. Heavy weightlifting by women is not that common, so sometimes it causes interest, admiration, but also probably some disbelief. Why should a woman make such an effort? But I am focused on myself, and everyone can have their own opinion, I don't have to take it into account.
You are a Polish studies expert, so I can't help but ask – do you usually listen to music or audiobooks during the practice?
Training is such a segment of time when I focus on the exercises, breathing and muscle tension. I am always accompanied by music, which gives me a solid dose of motivation, but also power. The time when I'm alone with a book requires, as does training, focus and commitment, so I don't mix one with the other.
Who would you recommend this form of activity to? How not to give up at the beginning when it's the hardest?
I would certainly recommend it to people who love challenges, who are not afraid of difficulties and hard work. Surely, strength training requires self-discipline, consistency, dedication and time, but everything can be done within your scope. Nobody has to take part in the competition right away. In my case, competitions are still in a phase of plans. It is worth taking someone with you for the first training. Common motivation is definitely essential.
Source: Promotion Centre, University of Lodz