Found Confidence
March 25, 2022 | Words by Brittany Brooks
To celebrate Women’s History Month, every Monday and Friday during the month of March, we’re highlighting just some of the many women that are a crucial part of NCFIT. Today, we highlight Brittany. Brittany holds a CF L2 and is a coach at NCFIT. She’s passionate about Olympic weightlifting and helping others find their strength.
Just about 10 years ago, I stepped into a weight room for the first time.
I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and I didn’t for a second think it would become such a big part of my life. It was a high school summer strength class and I was the only girl there. I remember sheepishly following my friend around and whispering to him “How do I do this?”
EVEN THOUGH I HAD BEEN AN ATHLETE MY WHOLE LIFE, I HAD NEVER PICKED UP A WEIGHT!
Day by day I got a little more comfortable. I was no longer his human shadow. I started understanding, trying, and — to my surprise — enjoying it.
Now I compete in the sport of weightlifting. I go to a special venue to stand on a stage and take six maximal attempt lifts in front of an audience. Me, the girl who was almost too nervous to lift a dumbbell in a strength class.
Nearly every day of the last five years, I have voluntarily walked into the gym, chalked up my hand, and tried to lift the most weight I possibly can. I don’t have to worry about what I look like or how much I weigh, I just think about getting better! All because of that one summer class in high school.
IF I CAN LEAVE YOU WITH ONE THING, IT’S THIS: WOMEN ARE STRONG AND POWERFUL AND WE’RE ALLOWED TO BE MORE THAN WHAT PEOPLE EXPECT US TO BE!
So give the weight room a shot. Maybe it will change your life too.
