What Is Strength Really? It’s More Than Just Lifting Heavy

June 27, 2025
Posted by RitKeep Fitness

A perspective shift on what “heavy” really means

What Is Strength Really? It’s More Than Just Lifting Heavy

Let's Get This Straight First:

What's heavy for one person might not be heavy for another.

Granted, "heavy" is used for both relative and absolute terms so it can be confusing. When someone tells you to go "lift heavy", they mean relatively. What is heavy for you will help you put on muscle. When someone says they're a "heavy lifter" they probably mean in absolute terms. It's all about context.

That being said, your numbers are still in the beginner range and are not considered heavy in absolute terms. However, that is irrelevant because you are in fact a beginner, so it is relatively heavy which is all that matters outside of competition.

For example:

100kg on the bench press.

To a beginner, that sounds like a distant dream.
To a powerlifting pro? Just a second warm-up.

But here's the truth: "heavy" is always personal.

What matters isn't the number on the weight stack — it's what that number means to you, in this moment, with your current body and experience.

Strength Is Relative. But the Respect for It Should Be Universal.

Whether you're lifting:

20kg for your first-ever Romanian deadlift, or
180kg as part of a PR attempt,

You are training strength.

And you deserve the same level of respect, focus, and self-credit.

So, What Does "Strength" Actually Mean?

Instead of seeing strength as a number, try seeing it as a system:

Type	Definition	Real-World Example
Max Strength	Move the heaviest thing you can, once.	Lifting your couch solo.
Explosive Strength	Move weight quickly.	Jumping to catch something mid-air.
Muscular Endurance	Handle a lighter load for a long time.	Holding a toddler while walking.

In each case, "heavy" feels different. But it's still true strength.

Leg Machine

Olympic Barbell

Olympic Weight plates

Weight Bench

Lat Pulldown Bar Set

Rubber Gym Mats

How to Train It at Home – Without Obsessing Over Numbers

Using the RitKeep 5600 M10, you can tailor your weight to your level — without comparing yourself to the guy on Instagram benching 2x your bodyweight.

Here's how:

For Max Strength

Use higher weight, low reps (3–5)
Focus on technique and controlled effort

Example: slow squats（3ct down, 1ct pause）, bench presses (not foot support 1ct pause at bottom) conventional deadlifts (pause at top)

For Explosive Power

Moderate resistance, fast tempo

The goal here isn't grinding through heavy reps — it's about moving quickly with intention. Explosive power is trained by applying force fast.

Recommended Exercises with RitKeep 4750 / 5600:

Jump Squats on the Smith Machine
With the built-in Smith system, you get vertical safety and controlled movement — ideal for explosive jump squats without risking poor landings.
Push Presses Using the Cable System
Use moderate resistance with an upward explosive drive. The smooth multi-angle cable pulleys on the 4750/5600 allow a natural overhead pressing motion — fast, fluid, and functional.
Speed db row
Set lighter resistance and pull explosively. Great for developing back, biceps, and core engagement in one dynamic move.

Focus on Intent and Speed

Explosive training is about how fast you can apply force — not how heavy the load is. Focus on accelerating the concentric (lifting) part of the movement, and keep the motion crisp and controlled.

For Muscular Endurance (Build stamina, stay strong longer)

Lighter weight, more reps (12–20+)
This isn't about maximum force — it's about maintaining good form and output over time. Think burn, not brute.

Try time-based sets

Example:
30 seconds work / 15 seconds rest — repeat for multiple rounds.

It keeps your heart rate up and muscles under tension for longer durations — key for endurance adaptations.

Strength Is Built. Not Compared.

If you're moving something that challenges you — you're lifting heavy. No one else gets to define your strength but you. So next time you train, remember: You're not chasing a number. You're building your own version of power.

Finally

Post your current "heavy lift" — even if it's just your first proper push-up — and tag us. We'll celebrate every rep with you. Because progress isn't measured by kilos. It's measured by effort and consistency.

Best Home Gym Gear in RitKeep

These are our most popular home gym machines — combining Smith Machine and Power Rack in one. Perfect for both guided and free weight training to support your everyday fitness goals.