Motivation, Intensity and Results
Wednesday, 01 June 2011
Intensity: the quality or an instance of being intense. The measurable amount of some quality, e.g. force.
Intensity is possibly the most direct precursor to results you will find in health and fitness. This word in itself, if used correctly is a road map to success in all facets of life. Intensity, as powerful and effective as it is, unfortunately is nothing without motivation, so that is where I will start.
Motivation is something that comes from deep within. As a trainer I am always being asked formulas for motivation or being asked for quick solutions to get people going again. Unfortunately, even the smartest or most effective motivators in the world will only be able to deliver a quick injection of motivation, because the truth is that motivation is something only YOU can produce, no-one else.
One needs to remember why he/she started exercising, dieting or trying to get fit. What was it that first spurred you to get into the gym, or start running through the streets? This beginning will always be the primary source of motivation or inspiration because it is the original reason or motive for your entry into health and fitness.
Even the most dedicated athlete has extended moments of lost motivation, it is part of being human, and one should not feel that it is a sign of weakness, or that “Im not an exercise person” because of it. Quite the contrary, it is these moments that if negotiated, lead us to feelings of strength and personal greatness. If you have had the will to exercise before, then you are an exercise person. The body was made to move, to be mobile, it is human nature.
Surely we can all remember times when we really didn’t want to go to the gym or go for a run, but we did it. Can you remember the way you felt afterwards???? It is always a great feeling because you have achieved something while under pressure.
Most people believe that exercise is a purely physical thing. The truth is it is almost a purely mental thing….. 95% mental. Now before you say, “He’s lost the plot”, hear me out. Sure, if your having a bench press competition, the 95% mental stat may need some slight adjusting, but for the vast majority of us, exercise is a you against yourself battle.
Now, you all have an exercise program, routine or something that you call exercise. For arguments sake, it’s running. Now you know you can run, you’ve run before, the only possible reason you aren’t going for a run, or you cant run as hard or as far, or further than before is a mental one. It is all mental (the remaining 5% takes into account injury or times of imprisonment).
The mind always fails before the body; there is seldom a case whereby the body gives out before the brain. We feel the pain, and we tell the body to stop. It is a safety mechanism, similar to placing your hand on an open flame; the instinct is to pull away.
Can you all see what I mean when I say it’s mental? Everything we do and do not do in life is controlled by our mind. For many, the motive for physical improvement can be good memories of triumph, or memories of being teased at school, either good or bad this primary source of inspiration needs to be remembered in times of low motivation. Once we have realized and remembered what gets our motors started, we can throw on the turbo kit…. INTENSITY.
Once again, intensity is the deciding factor as to the kind of results we get from our exercise. My definition of intensity in relation to exercise is basically taking the extra step. Do you want to do the extra half-rep on the bench press or stop now? Do you want to sprint the last 150 metres or just jog? Do you want to swim that last lap or relax in the spa?
If you answered yes to the latter part of each question, here is a question you probably wont be answering yes to:
Are you happy with the results you have achieved from your exercise thus far?
The truth is, that last half-rep or the extra 150metre sprint is what makes the difference. It defines a part of your character. You don’t honestly believe that if you can lift harder but you don’t, that your numbers will keep increasing? The body needs to be challenged, without a challenge it has no need to change. Muscles grow as a direct response to muscular overload. The muscles don’t want to be placed under that level of stress again, so they grow bigger and stronger so they can deal with it if it happens again. To keep improving (growing) we need to increase intensity.
Intensity could well be a genetic predisposition that some are born with, but I do know that it can be learned. I know people who have developed unbelievable levels of intensity over time. My own personal levels of intensity, and those of my clients have also developed, so no one is without opportunities.
The fact that you are reading this article tells me that you have desires to achieve physical changes. The simple fact is that in life nothing comes easy, the same applies to exercise, if you want to put in the little bit extra you will be astounded at your results. Why not give it a try???
I will finish by using a quote that I have always remembered as it is possibly the truest saying I have ever heard:
“Human will is Indefensible”
Karl Von Clausewitz
“Pursue one great decisive aim with force and determination”
Karl Von Clausewitz
References
http://www.military-quotes.com/Clausewitz.htm