If I ever get asked what my favorite exercise at the gym is, the dumbbell shoulder press is right up there. It’s fun, a pure show of strength, and easy to progressively overload.
I had a great session yesterday. I got in late, so I focused on compound lifts and threw in some supersets. When I started my 30kg dumbbell shoulder press, I had an epiphany about how much I’ve grown. Flashbacks hit me, back when I was using 15kg dumbbells.
Fast forward to last year, I was stuck at 20s, partly because my gym didn’t have heavier ones. When I tried a new gym, I told myself I’d go for 25kg, and surprise, I lifted it for 8–10 reps. I was stunned. I had gotten stronger without even realizing it.
Then a couple of months ago, I was joking around with some guys at the gym about trying 30s. I gave it a shot and got 2–3 reps. That’s when it clicked, I might actually be strong enough. It became my working set. Now, anytime I’m doing shoulder press, I go for the 30s. Yesterday, I hit 6–8 clean reps. Just a year ago, I was struggling with 20s—now I’m comfortable with 30s.
Growth is a beautiful thing. And the truth is, it only happens when you do the difficult things. It doesn’t come from comfort. People at the gym know me for always saying, use a weight that challenges you but still lets you keep proper form.
Next stop: 35kg shoulder press.
Anyway, dear reader, here’s your cue, take the leap. Take the step. Do the hard work. It’s the only way you grow. It sounds ironic, but it’s the reality.
Till next time.
▶️ 3Speak
