Blog post 2

 Best piece of advice

The best piece of advice I ever received was from my friend, who taught me how to do a bench 

press correctly. Before that, I had been lifting weights without paying much attention to my 

form. I assumed that bench pressing was simply about lowering the bar to my chest and 

pushing it back up. However, as I started lifting heavier weights, I began experiencing 

shoulder discomfort and inconsistent progress. That’s when my friend stepped in and gave 

me some crucial advice that completely changed my approach to weightlifting. 

He watched me perform a few reps and immediately pointed out some mistakes. First, I was 

flaring my elbows out too much, which put unnecessary strain on my shoulders. Second, I 

wasn’t maintaining a stable position on the bench, which made my lifts feel unbalanced. 

Lastly, I was lowering the bar too quickly, rather than in a controlled manner. My friend 

explained that proper technique was not only important for avoiding injuries but also for 

maximizing strength gains. 

He showed me the right way to do a bench press: keeping my shoulder blades tight, 

maintaining a slight but natural arch in my back, and making sure my elbows stayed at a safe 

angle. He also emphasized the importance of controlled movement lowering the bar slowly 

and pushing up explosively while keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground. 

Applying his advice made an immediate difference. My lifts felt smoother, and I noticed I 

could push heavier weights without discomfort. Within just a few weeks, I was able to 

increase my bench press by 10 kg, something I had struggled to do before. More importantly, I 

no longer felt pain in my shoulders, which had been a growing concern. 

This experience taught me a valuable lesson beyond weightlifting: small corrections can lead 

to significant improvements. Whether in the gym or other areas of life, proper technique and 

learning from experienced people can make all the difference. If I had ignored my friend’s 

advice, I might have continued lifting with poor form, risking injury and slow progress. Instead, 

by listening and applying his tips, I was able to improve quickly and safely. 

Since then, I’ve carried this mindset into other aspects of my life. Whether it’s studying, 

working, or gaming, I try to stay open to advice and make small adjustments that lead to 

better results. Sometimes, a simple correction from someone more experienced can make all 

the difference.

English learning

I have continued improving my English as before by using my phone and PC, interacting with 

friends, watching TV series and movies, playing games, and attending English lessons.