Body composition is an interesting process and that's mostly dealing with the pain from an intense strength training regimen. Previously, we went over restorative post workout habits and now it's time to talk about attitude in active movement.
The main thing to accept is that discomfort and pain will always be apart of the process. Acceptance in this case brings purpose. Redefining the sensations perceived as painful require intimate knowledge about the area where said pain is felt. Certain movements can trigger a trauma response from the last time was done and therefore prevent movement being done.
When the body develops a pattern of movement the muscles build accordingly. In this instance we are not discussing the Michael B Jordan look a-likes, but rather every day humans not fluctuating in weight ranges for roles. Humans feel pain to alert the mind that some where in the body needs assistance. Even in childbirth the contractions should be a wave and not a constant as sustained tension can harm the child attempting to be born.
The second thing to accept is that applying technique to increase one's tolerance for pain is the idea behind strength training. Testing limits of strength motivates consistency but also prevents injury from every day movements like a twisting motion or raising hands above ones head. All of these movements are supported by force couples of large and small muscles.
Dealing with discomfort during a strength work out should feel like a wave with adequate recovery time. Pyramid sets are a great way to test this theory. A Pyramid set begins at a low weight with high reps, peaks at high weight with 1 rep max, and finishes with low weight high reps. The design is masterful because the first half is quite intense as the body warms up and recruits more muscles to increase weight. Only to finish with top notch form on the way down from a completely warmed up body. Finishing the second half of a pyramid set is more a matter of integrity than ability or stamina. I stand by that statement.
Mindset with a strength work out is everything. Getting past the pain and focusing on numerical goals requires journaling data from the work out. The act of writing down the data is an affirmation. "I did 30 lateral raises and 30 bicep curls and 30 push ups" Later in the week we repeat this to explain why the arms shoulders and back are sore. The 3 weeks later however becomes, " I used 5lb dumbells and did 30 lateral raises and 30 bicep curls and 40 push ups". it is important to allow each work out to stand on its own and be a new experience of the area being worked. We have to accept that sometimes there are limitations we can't work around and allowing ourselves to drop weight or modify.
Growth with journaling about strength training helps with low motivational days for some do not like to break streaks. Some are the type that need to see the numbers have increase to remind them that they are becoming stronger. Others need the numbers to award themselves patience with their body's transition. We all need the numbers and the ritual of recording the numbers to work through the discomfort.
It's funny because most will say that they do not enjoy working out. Selfie culture has been the wave on keeping tabs on consistency. Nothing wrong with that, but before we could stunt on IG we had to be seen doing the work. Seen multiple times to show consistency. Hey even the folks at home know that a friend or two has stepped over work out gear and then we got a bit too excited showing what we've learned. That excitement of the share is another reason to journal.
Meditation can be done seated or standing. Meditation can be silent or aided by sequenced sounds. Meditation can have both a breath focus and a body focus. Meditation is all of these things and more. Movement can be used as a meditation practice and it is encouraged here at LegitFit LLC to embody movement as a tool against anxiety. Being rooted mentally in the movements allows growth to happen in the physical body, not the other way around.
A body regimented to test its limits looks much different than one that doesn't. The human muscular and skeletal structure proves how that we are an active and dynamic species. Meditating on strength from those before us is another practice to maintain regimen. All of our ancestors have toiled the earth and carried heavy loads. Humans adapted and innovated ways to decrease the work load on our bodies that was required for survival. Yet we have not lost the ability to do labor. Remember those who created civilizations and find connection to them. Find connection to their power to create and problem solve.
Release anxiety through strength training by gathering confidence in wielding heavier weight than the monkey that is lingering on the back. Remember that worse times personally and globally have been had. "I got this."
Use these tips and perhaps enjoy some of the exercises shown here. Let the mindset change about pressure and discomfort. Embrace discomfort like a dear friend who needs a hug and a pep talk.
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