Lifting Weights Doesn’t Only Make Us Physically Stronger—It Can Support Trauma Healing, Too

Alyssa Ages’ extraordinary voyage through the worlds of Strongman, CrossFit, and Ironman serves as a compelling narrative, illustrating the profound emotional healing achievable within the realm of weight lifting. In her mid-30s, Alyssa confronted the heart-wrenching experience of a miscarriage, an episode that left her wrestling with vulnerability and a disconnection from her own body, despite her peak athletic prowess.

Even amidst the zenith of physical fitness, Alyssa sensed an emptiness, a desire for something beyond the surface-level attributes of strength. It was in her pursuit of comprehensive recovery that she uncovered the transformative potential of lifting weights, not just as a means of sculpting the body but as a therapeutic expedition to rebuild trust in her body and discover solace amid adversity.

For Alyssa, lifting weights metamorphosed into a symbolic ascent, a journey of emotional elevation paralleling the tangible rise of the barbell. The rhythmic repetition of each lift evolved into a ritual of resilience, a purposeful act of raising not only the physical weights but also the emotional burdens weighing heavily on her heart.

Within the crucible of Strongman competitions, CrossFit arenas, and the challenging terrains of Ironman events, Alyssa discovered a haven of support. The camaraderie among kindred spirits, all striving to push their physical limits, fostered bonds that surpassed verbal communication. The shared commitment to conquering challenges created a community where Alyssa not only felt understood but also uplifted in her pursuit of strength, both internally and externally.

Alyssa Ages’ story highlights the delicate interplay between physical prowess and emotional fortitude. Her journey serves as a reminder that the path to healing encompasses not only the lifting of external weights but, more significantly, the internal burdens that shape our resilience. In the crucible of iron and sweat, Alyssa realized that genuine strength emanates not solely from muscular fibers but from the indomitable spirit within—a spirit that, akin to the weights she hoisted, grew more robust and resilient with each successive challenge.

Returning to the gym after her miscarriage, Alyssa’s perspective on weight lifting shifted. It was no longer about building physical strength but rather about tapping into the palliative emotional capabilities that this form of exercise could offer. Her journey, as recounted in “Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover The True Meaning of Strength,” sheds light on the transformative power of weight lifting beyond its physical benefits.

Trauma specialist Mariah Rooney, MSW, LCSW, recognized the therapeutic potential of weight lifting and co-founded Trauma Informed Weight Lifting in 2018. The nonprofit organization focuses on researching the healing aspects of weight lifting and educating trainers on how to create a more supportive environment for individuals with trauma. This work has uncovered several ways in which weight lifting contributes to emotional healing, offering lessons that extend beyond the gym and into everyday life.

One of the significant impacts of trauma, as explained by Rooney, is the disconnection it creates within ourselves—disconnecting us from our sense of safety, belonging, and connection to the world. Recent research supports the idea that weight lifting can play a crucial role in rebuilding this severed connection by fostering self-trust. Weightlifting, as Rooney describes, presents a constant series of questions: Can I do this? Can I lift that? Can I maintain good form and avoid injury? These inquiries become a pathway to self-discovery, building up a reservoir of self-trust as individuals realize they can overcome challenges, lift heavy weights, and move their bodies in ways they never thought possible.

Equally important is the aspect of agency. In the aftermath of trauma, individuals often experience a loss of autonomy. However, weight lifting provides an opportunity to reclaim agency by allowing individuals to say no when needed, reinforcing a sense of control over their own bodies and experiences.

Rooney further highlights the role of physical sensations in reconnecting individuals with their bodies, particularly for those who may have become dissociated as a response to trauma. The external stimuli provided by weightlifting, such as the pressure of a barbell on the back or the texture of knurling, serve as anchors to the present moment. They enable individuals to physically feel their muscles and joints, reestablishing the mind-body connection that may have been lost.

Alyssa Ages found this reconnection particularly helpful in rebuilding trust with a part of her body that she felt had betrayed her—the core. The act of bracing her core for a heavy deadlift became a symbolic moment of empowerment, a declaration that even the part of her body associated with sadness and weakness could also be a source of strength.

The therapeutic benefits of weight lifting extend to interval training, a key component of many weightlifting routines. Interval training, characterized by short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest, has the potential to widen an individual’s “window of tolerance.” In the context of trauma, where the window of tolerance may be constricted, interval training offers a structured approach to building emotional resilience and confidence. The ability to endure short bursts of intense effort contributes to a sense of accomplishment and strengthens one’s capacity to handle stressors.

For those considering weight lifting as a tool for trauma healing, Rooney provides valuable advice on selecting the right gym. A gym with staff members who have a foundational understanding of trauma and its manifestations, along with signs of general inclusivity, can create a welcoming space. Inclusive practices, from marketing language to gender-neutral facilities, signal an environment that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.

Crucially, Rooney emphasizes the importance of coaches and trainers who approach clients with curiosity rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all mentality. Behaviors that might be labeled as “unmotivated” in traditional fitness spaces should be met with questions rather than commands. This approach is especially vital when working with individuals healing from trauma, as it allows them to progress at their own pace, ensuring that safety and individual needs take precedence.

Engaging in a supportive community is highlighted as a beneficial aspect of the healing journey. The right environment fosters a sense of belonging, helping individuals rediscover their strength both inside and out. The holistic nature of healing through physical activity is underscored, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being.

In conclusion, the narrative of Alyssa Ages and the insights of Mariah Rooney illuminate the multifaceted benefits of weight lifting in the context of trauma healing. From rebuilding self-trust and agency to reconnecting with the body and expanding emotional resilience, weight lifting emerges as a powerful tool for fostering holistic well-being. As Trauma Informed Weight Lifting continues its research and advocacy, it contributes to creating a more compassionate and understanding approach to fitness, recognizing the diverse and nuanced needs of individuals on their healing journeys.