Pushing Past The Pain

There’s a saying in this sport: train past the pain. The idea is to bite your lip, grit your teeth, and push past your body’s physical limits. Muhammad Ali once said “I do not count my sit-ups, I only start counting when it starts hurting. That is when I start counting because they’re the only ones that count. That’s what makes you a champion.” This is physical and mental toughness. You can be the biggest, strongest motherfucker on earth, but if you don’t have grit and unwavering persistence, then you’re going to quit when the pain becomes too great. That’s a fact.

According to Animal athlete Roman Fritz, most people run when the pain finds them. They run to make things easier. Instead, he says, “you have to bring the pain. You have to embrace it, like holding your hand over a burning candle. In this case, do not move your hand. Keep it there. That’s how you have to handle the pain.” This is a rare mindset in a person. In fact, it’s probably present in only about 1% of bodybuilders and powerlifters. You need to have a certain level of irrationality to be this way. If you think this is you, good. Use it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbddeZCsf8w

For everyone else who needs a kick in the ass, there are strategies. First, man up. Have a sense of urgency for progress. Living life as a quitter is no way to live. No one has ever accomplished anything great by half-assing something. If you’re not here to do something great, leave because you’re using up everyone’s oxygen. Couple this sense of urgency with a powerful stimulant like Animal Fury and we’re going to be looking at a new you. Not only will you be driving mentally, but you’ll be pushing physically as well.

Lifting and training is physical—there’s no doubt about that—but your mental edge is what will make the difference between being good and being great. We never hear much about some gifted athletes because they fade out from lack of mental fortitude. They can’t hack it. Having your mind and body firing on all cylinders is a way to bring the pain, and will help you push past it. If you want to be remembered as one of the greats, then you better get your shit in line because this is the way you do it.