As an emergency medicine physician, I know firsthand the physical and mental demands of working in healthcare. Long shifts, unpredictable emergencies, and the emotional weight of caring for patients can take a toll. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that my ability to perform at my best in the ER isn’t just about my medical knowledge or clinical skills—it’s also about my physical and mental resilience. One of the key factors that helps me stay sharp, focused, and energized is weightlifting.
For me, lifting weights isn’t just a hobby or a way to stay in shape. It’s a discipline that enhances my endurance, sharpens my mind, and gives me the strength—both physically and mentally—to meet the daily challenges of emergency medicine. There’s a strong connection between physical fitness and professional performance, and I’ve experienced it firsthand.
The Physical Demands of Medicine
Most people don’t realize just how physically demanding a career in emergency medicine can be. Unlike office-based specialties, ER physicians are constantly moving—standing for long hours, responding to traumas, assisting in procedures, and sometimes even helping move or stabilize patients. Over time, the wear and tear on the body can add up, leading to fatigue, muscle strain, and even chronic pain.
Weightlifting has helped me build the strength and endurance necessary to meet these physical demands. Strength training has improved my posture, reduced the risk of injuries, and helped me maintain the stamina needed for long shifts. When I finish a grueling workout, I know that I’m preparing my body to handle the stress of emergency medicine more effectively. I’m less prone to fatigue, and I recover faster from physically demanding days.
Mental Strength and Stress Management
Beyond the physical benefits, weightlifting has been a powerful tool for managing stress. The ER is unpredictable—one moment, I might be treating a minor injury, and the next, I’m making life-or-death decisions in a high-pressure trauma case. The emotional highs and lows of medicine can be overwhelming, and without a proper outlet, burnout is a real threat.
For me, the gym is that outlet. Lifting weights provides a structured way to channel stress and reset my mind. When I step into the gym, everything else fades away—there are no beeping monitors, no urgent calls, no life-threatening emergencies. It’s just me, the weights, and the challenge in front of me. The focus required to execute a lift with proper form, the discipline of following a structured training program, and the satisfaction of pushing past limits all contribute to a mental clarity that carries over into my work.
There’s also something deeply rewarding about strength training. Medicine can be unpredictable—despite our best efforts, outcomes aren’t always in our control. But in the gym, progress is measurable. When I lift heavier weights or complete a tough workout, it’s a tangible achievement. That sense of progress reinforces the mindset that effort leads to improvement—a lesson that applies just as much in the ER as it does in the weight room.
Preventing Burnout and Increasing Longevity
Burnout is a major issue in healthcare, and emergency medicine is one of the most high-risk specialties. The constant pressure, long shifts, and emotional toll of patient care can wear even the most dedicated physicians down. Many doctors struggle to maintain a balance between their professional responsibilities and their own well-being, which can ultimately lead to exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction.
Weightlifting helps counteract this by providing structure, routine, and a sense of personal investment in health. It’s a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. I’ve found that on the days when I train, I’m more energized, more patient, and more focused. Strength training doesn’t just benefit me physically; it makes me a better doctor by improving my overall well-being.
Building Discipline and Resilience
One of the greatest lessons weightlifting has taught me is the importance of discipline and resilience. Strength training isn’t something that provides instant results—it requires consistency, effort, and the willingness to push through discomfort. Some days, the weights feel heavier than usual. Some days, progress feels slow. But showing up, even when motivation is low, builds resilience.
That same mindset applies in medicine. There are days when the ER feels overwhelming, when the cases are emotionally draining, or when things don’t go as planned. But just like in weightlifting, perseverance is key. Training has taught me how to embrace challenges, push through fatigue, and trust that consistent effort leads to long-term success.
Strength as a Lifestyle
For me, weightlifting isn’t just about improving my performance in the ER—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of strength. As a doctor, I encourage my patients to prioritize their health, and I believe in leading by example. Strength training has reinforced the importance of movement, nutrition, and recovery, not just for peak performance but for long-term well-being.
Lifting weights has also deepened my appreciation for what the body is capable of. In the ER, I see firsthand how injury, illness, and neglect can impact health. Strength training has given me a renewed sense of gratitude for my own physical ability and a motivation to maintain it for as long as possible.
A Stronger Doctor, A Better Physician
The lessons I’ve learned through weightlifting—discipline, resilience, stress management, and physical endurance—have made me a better emergency physician. Medicine is a demanding field, but I firmly believe that prioritizing personal health makes us more effective, compassionate, and sustainable in our roles.
Strength isn’t just about lifting heavy weights; it’s about having the endurance to face challenges head-on, both in and out of the ER. For me, weightlifting isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about building the strength to heal, to lead, and to thrive in a career that demands so much.
By taking care of myself, I’m better equipped to take care of others. And at the end of the day, that’s what truly matters.