What it Means to be Strong

Hey Guys!

     There are many misconceptions regarding what it means to be strong. Many people believe that strength lies in lifting heavy weight or having a healthy body. Those are only two factors in overall strength. To truly be strong, one must be strong physically, physiologically, and mentally.

     Being physically strong requires a well-rounded, strong body, free of muscle imbalances. In other words, to be strong, you must not have any weak areas. Any undeveloped area can lead to poor posture, and that will affect you in becoming the strongest version of yourself. Having weak areas will hold you back in many compound exercises, most noticeably the dead-lift. After all, you are only as strong as your weakest link. Also, what is the point of being strong if you are hunched over or your range of motion is limited?

     Being physically strong is meaningless if you are not strong physiologically. There is no point in being physically strong if you are sick all the time or over-trained. Your strength will fail you if you do not take care of your body. To be physiologically strong, you must eat a well-balanced, healthy diet, and get enough rest. Rest is just as, if not more important than exercise. Eating well and getting enough rest will boost your immune system, increase your vitality, and help your body in myriad ways that allow your body to function properly.

     Finally, being strong requires certain mental characteristics. These include courage and confidence. Courage and confidence are both required to keep an open mind. You are less likely to change if you are scared and insecure. Having an open mind is necessary in every aspect of life, but also in the gym. You cannot stick to certain exercises and routines. To grow stronger, you must be willing to try different exercises, disciplines, and other health and fitness related activities. You must experiment to find the exercises, foods, and routines that work for you. There are many variables that affect how effectively we can work out. We must learn what we need to incorporate into our routines that work best for us.

     There are other mental characteristics required for becoming strong, which I will go more in depth in a future post.

     Until then, Get Stronger!
          -Nas