Unleashing Athletic Rebellion: Embrace the Discomfort

I thoroughly enjoyed playing soccer throughout high school, college, and even as a professional for eight years. Soccer demands a blend of speed, agility, and endurance, requiring strength, quickness, and fitness. Each player possesses unique skills – some excel at passing, others at scoring goals. My superpower? Endurance. I could push myself longer and harder than anyone on the field. Whether that's a skill or not, it worked for me, at least temporarily.

It wasn't until after my soccer days, delving into gym workouts, that I realized growth meant stepping out of my comfort zone. To evolve as an athlete, I had to tackle things I wasn't initially good at until I improved or, at the very least, became better. I discovered countless weaknesses and incorporated them into my training. Not only did this enhance my athletic performance, but it also engaged me in learning new skills and problem-solving.

I believe two crucial elements contribute to a successful fitness journey: the ability to tackle difficult challenges and a program that introduces new skills.

Your capacity to endure and face difficult challenges isn't about being inherently skilled or strong; it's simply the ability to confront adversity. For many, this ability isn't cultivated in the gym or through sports. Starting is hard, staying committed is harder, and progressing or challenging oneself is the hardest. It's easy to follow a routine, but true growth comes from embracing challenges where failure is a possibility. This ability sets you up for progression and success in fitness.

In the gym, I often observe individuals stuck in a system that lacks learning, growth, or room for acquiring new skills. Any movement practice should involve learning new skills. Fitness offers a plethora of practices – from yoga to Olympic weightlifting – providing opportunities to learn and grow. Beyond keeping us engaged, science shows that learning new things through movement has cognitive benefits. Introducing new movement skills forces the brain to use different pathways and the body to engage new muscle groups, promoting adaptation. I personally like to incorporate new skills into my program regularly, ensuring constant growth.

Growing your ability to face challenges takes time, but it's a skill that can be honed. Progress deliberately, make discomfort somewhat predictable at first, and relish the satisfaction afterward.

Evaluate your movement practice to ensure you are constantly learning and facing challenges with different skills beyond your comfort zone.

See you in the gym, Aaron Leventhal CSCS, PN1