Strength training and weightlifting are an essential part of my daily routine. The gym is where I go to clear my mind after long hours of research, recharge, and challenge myself physically. What started as a way to stay active has grown into a discipline I am deeply passionate about.
My Training
My training centers around progressive overload — gradually increasing the weight, volume, or intensity over time to continuously build strength. I focus on compound movements that recruit multiple muscle groups:
- Squats — the foundation of lower body strength, building the quads, glutes, and core
- Deadlifts — a full-body pull that develops posterior chain strength and grip
- Bench Press — the classic upper body push for chest, shoulders, and triceps
- Overhead Press — building shoulder strength and stability
These are complemented by accessory work — rows, pull-ups, lunges, and isolation exercises — for balanced development and injury prevention. I follow a structured program, track my lifts, and plan deload weeks to manage recovery.
The Parallels with Research
I have found that strength training and academic research share more in common than one might expect. Both require consistency — showing up day after day, even when progress feels slow. Both demand patience through plateaus, where you have to trust the process and make small adjustments rather than overhauling everything. And both reward the ability to push through discomfort with focused effort.
There is something deeply satisfying about hitting a personal record on a lift. It is a tangible, undeniable marker of progress — much like finally getting a model to converge or seeing experimental results align with your hypothesis. The feedback loop of effort, adaptation, and growth keeps me coming back.
Beyond the Physical
Beyond building strength and endurance, the gym provides structure to my day and a clear mental reset. After an intense session, I return to my research with sharper focus and a calmer mind. It has taught me that taking care of the body is not separate from intellectual work — it fuels it.