Philippians 3:12-14 (The Message Bible)

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Monday, June 15, 2009

The hardest muscle to train?

Your BRAIN!
I proved this point today as I pushed Play (P90X style) for the first time in weeks (other than Cardiox). Oh. My. Gosh! I picked Chest, Shoulders & Triceps since that is (was) one of my favorite work outs and since my schedule is all messed up since I took about a month off. I cannot believe how hard it was to convince myself to keep going! Yes...my body was definitely struggling (haven't done that many push ups in a looooong time) but it was nothing like the battle going on in my head! I was literally having a FIGHT with my own self about this work out! ha ha...
The tired, exhausted me was saying "push stop. you are exhausted. you are weak. you can't do anymore. you've done enough for today."
The tougher-than-nails me was saying "no way baybee--you're in this to win this. you keep going and when you can't go anymore, drop down and give me 10 more!"
Sheeeesh!
All I can say now that I'm done is: Somebody show me the recovery drink!! My triceps are throbbing so Lord KNOWS I'm gonna need every ounce of that recovery drink today!
How about you guys? Do you agree that the brain can be the hardest muscle to train?

7 comments:

Faith | Family | Fitness said...

Absolutely!! I tell everyone that mental toughness will make or break you and you have got to stay focused!!! It's the hardest thing people have to overcome but once they get their minds right... THERE'S NOT STOPPING 'EM!!!

Faith | Family | Fitness said...

Ok... that didn't sound right! There's NO stopping 'em!

Michelle said...

I love this - "The tougher-than-nails me was saying "no way baybee--you're in this to win this. you keep going and when you can't go anymore, drop down and give me 10 more!"

You are such a wonderful inspiration and motivator!!

Kim said...

Look at those guns! I like the new pic.

KC said...

Absolutely, 100%! Just like during my long runs..if I can keep my brain occupied, the miles fly by. But sometimes it's a total battle to get my mind convinced that I CAN keep going. If I push through those moments, I feel so much better and stronger once I reach the finish line.

Kate said...

that . . . .and my tongue! lol

Yes, physical fitness I have to say is about 70-80% mental. Our bodies are capable of incredible works, if we only give ourselves the opportunity to do them! I credit a lot of my mental stamina to BL. I always look at "tough" workouts or runs now and think "they did it w/ all that weight attached to them. I CAN do this. I WILL do this." It's all a matter of will. And a whole lotta talkin' to myself! lol

Jay Garbarino said...

The Guy's Brains say the same thing. Today after a week of sinus sickness that is still working through the household, I pushed play to Interval X Plus. My mind started off wimping out even last night trying to negotiate that I should just do the first half. What sabotage, you all know that Bringing it only pays dividends in energy for the rest of the day. So through the Workout (like to call it training now) I just keep telling my mind “ I’ll be with you in a minute.” Workout got done and mind body and spirit were all better for it.