FollowA friend recently asked me if lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands is easy because, in my workout videos, it looks effortless.
The truth is, it isn’t easy at all.
Even lifting a pair of 3kg dumbbells (6kg in total) while doing lunges, squats, shoulder presses, or arm raises takes a surprising amount of effort. After every strength training session, I go home with sore arms, shoulders, and legs.
My hands—especially my right arm—are not particularly strong to begin with. I suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow, so lifting weights requires even more effort and determination on my part. Some exercises that may seem easy for others can be quite challenging for me, especially on days when the pain flares up. Yet I continue to show up, do what I can, and gradually build strength over time.
What you see in videos—whether it’s me or seasoned gym-goers lifting weights without wincing—is the result of many hours of consistent practice and hard work. The exercises may look effortless, but they certainly don’t feel that way, especially when you’re starting out.
The good news is that consistency, persistence, and patience do pay off. I can feel my core muscles getting stronger, and exercises that I struggled with when I first began now feel much easier and more manageable.
Strength and resistance training become increasingly important as we age. They help maintain muscle mass, improve balance, strengthen bones, and make everyday activities easier.
The best part is that you don’t need a gym membership to get started. Investing in a few sets of dumbbells in different weights and some good YouTube tutorials are enough to begin building strength at home. If your budget allows, investing in a few sessions with a personal trainer can be worthwhile too. Learning the correct techniques and form from the start helps prevent injuries and gives you the confidence to continue exercising on your own in the future.
The weights may never feel light while you’re lifting them, but over time, you’ll become stronger—and that’s one of the most rewarding feelings of all.
The video is available on my Facebook page.
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