Just Bring It

Many of our recent posts on the blog have been about nutrition. Today we will shift gears and discuss a crucial aspect of training, the mental aspect. I was inspired by a statement from Jason Khalpia who finished second in the 2013 crossfit games. The hosts of the Barbell shrugged podcast asked Jason about this new website nccflab.com. For some background the website documents the program that Jason and his team do each day. The question was if Jason was worried about other competitors knowing his workout and possibly copying it. To paraphrase his answer he said he was not worried because he feels like no one brings it as hard and as intense as he brings it. This statement was inspirational but also very relevant to each of us that works out. 

When I am a client at Unite Fitness the coach designs a program and gives motivation to get through it. My only obligation or worry is to bring my best to that workout. Many times people go to the gym, fitness class, spin or crossfit and walk through the motions. What we owe ourselves is to give our best effort each time we step into the gym. If you are going to do Olympic movements on your own then hit it as hard as you can. It sounds simplistic but to achieve maximum results you need to put in maximum effort. Maximum effort does not mean you need to PR every time in the gym. What it does mean is that you do each workout with intensity and focus.To achieve maximum effort you need focus and this is where the mental aspect is important. Once you walk into the gym put the phone down, put your worries in your pocket and save the gossip. Prepare yourself mentally by remembering why you walked into the gym today. Remind yourself of your goals (dress size, abs, growth, etc).Once the workout is over you can go back to worrying about all the other ills or problems in your daily life.The Rocks sums it up best with his catchphrase "Just Bring It"