I Quit Competing in Weightlifting. Here's What Happened Next.
Hey lifters, I've got a confession to make: I don't compete in weightlifting anymore.
Gasp! I know, I know, it sounds crazy coming from an osteopath who also owns and runs a weightlifting club.
But hear me out, because this story isn't about giving up on your passion – it's about finding a healthier relationship with it.
My Journey
For years, Olympic weightlifting was my whole world. The thrill of chasing PBs, the dream to wear the green and gold as many time as possible, the adrenaline rush of competition and pushing myself to the limit – it was all-consuming.
But after over a decade of pushing my limits, the joy was replaced by nagging injuries, a relentless training schedule with no real breaks, and a growing dread that overshadowed every session
My body was screaming for a change. There were a whole heap of day-to-day things I couldn't do, like climb stairs or put on my shoes. But my identity as an athlete held me back from making the call that competitive weightlifting was no longer for me. I felt like if I wasn't pushing myself to the limit, I was failing. Sound familiar?
The turning point came when a series of events – a global pandemic, a job loss, my dog being stolen, and a whole lot of soul-searching – forced me to re-evaluate my priorities and what truly was important in my life. I realised that my worth wasn't solely tied to my performance on the platform. I was also a coach, an osteopath, and a human being with a lot to offer beyond how heavy my snatch was. Shocking right.
The Shift
I decided to step back from competitive weightlifting, and then eventually, from training weightlifting altogether. During this time, I had to re-establish what movement even meant for me, or did for my body. I struggled to find joy in weightlifting, but exploring other forms of movement brought back the feeling of being a beginner again. This helped me reconnect with my body, recover from burnout and years of relentless training, and focus on building strength and resilience in a way that felt sustainable.
And guess what? I didn't lose my passion for weightlifting. In fact, it deepened. By stepping away from the pressure to perform, I was able to appreciate the sport for what it truly is – a tool for self-improvement, a source of incredible community, and a celebration of human strength and resilience.
To me, weightlifting is so incredibly transformative, and had I not drowned in the rabbit hole of pushing myself to elite performance, I know I would not be the coach or osteopath I am today. My journey, with all its highs and lows, has uniquely equipped me to help athletes navigate their own paths, avoid burnout, and discover the true life changing power of this sport.
Lessons Learned (And How They Can Help YOU)
My journey taught me some valuable lessons that I now share with my clients and athletes at MWBC:
Listen to your body. Pain is not a badge of honour. It's a signal that something needs to change. Training 9+ sessions a week is also not a badge of honour. There are times when sacrifice may be necessary for high performance, but for MOST athletes, it's not the healthiest way forward.
Embrace a holistic approach. Your physical health is intrinsically linked to your mental and emotional well-being. Don't neglect any aspect of yourself. It's natural to begin to tie your identity and self-worth to how much you lift, but keep space for yourself that has nothing to do with weightlifting. Who are you when you are not in the gym? What do you do for fun away from the barbell? What relationships and connections do you have that exist outside your sport? Don’t neglect these areas.
Find joy in movement. There's more to fitness than just chasing PBs. Weightlifting is beautiful, technical, and challenging. Being a weightlifter doesn't mean you have to beat yourself to a pulp every session. It is okay to go through periods of just training for fun, and not pushing yourself. It's okay to go through periods of being relentlessly focused, just ensure you have the support to keep things balanced on both ends of the spectrum, and be realistic about how this impacts your goals.
Remember, you are more than an athlete. Your identity is multifaceted. Don't let your sport define you entirely. I say this again because it is so important. Outside of this crazy little weightlifting world, no one actually knows or cares how strong you are. They care about your heart, your kindness, how you make them feel. You are not better or worse a human than any other human for being stronger or weaker. You are so much more.
Don't be afraid to pivot. Your goals and passions may evolve over time. Embrace change and allow yourself to grow. If that means changing focus to hypertrophy, strength training, or even getting on the bodybuilding stage, DO IT. You have one precious life; if you are not loving your weightlifting journey, go find whatever it is that sets your heart on fire. I will always wholeheartedly support that.
The MWBC Philosophy
At MWBC, we're passionate about helping people find a sustainable and fulfilling relationship with weightlifting. We prioritise the health and well-being of our athletes above all else. If you're looking for a supportive community and a coaching approach that values you as a whole person, we're here for you.
Ready to level up your lifting journey? Book a free consultation with me to discuss how we can help you achieve your goals in a way that feels good for YOUR body and mind. Ready when you are.
-Coach Caity
