"My first lesson in mind over matter dealing with strength happened when I was about 9 years old and changed my life."
Part of a fitness test we had in Elementary School was chinning yourself (holding yourself in the top/contracted position of a chin up) for time.
At first I could only do about 10 to 15 seconds. We had about 3 weeks to practice before the fitness test so, my parents bought a chin up bar that could set up in a doorway for me to train on.
Here's the catch:
Chinning yourself for 54 seconds was the Fitness Test level of Excellence. If I could chin myself for 60 seconds(!) at the fitness test my parents would buy me the 12 inch Darth Vader action figure I really wanted!Well, in 3 weeks at the final test I went from a 15 second chin (needs improvement) to an official 60 seconds (Excellence)! Improvement like that is definitely Mind over Matter.
I am now 45 years old and have been a competitive Powerlifter/Strength Athlete for over 20 years which has led to my career as a Personal Trainer and current Fitness Center Owner and Investor. That first "Mind over Matter" strength lesson had a lot to do with this.
"Thanks Mom and Dad!"
( Connection Corporate / Workout ).
( Jody Cranston / Getting Sentimental ).
