Be Like Water

   
    When it comes to both training and life, many obstacles will plant themselves within your path towards your ultimate destination. For many, these barricades seem insurmountable and prevent the individual from growing and improving. The affected person will continue to use the same habits as before, and many times, push those same habits even further. Not only does this not help or encourage improvement, it actually serves to build the obstacle to even greater heights.
    When this situation arises, a quote by the late great Bruce Lee, serves to give you a mental plan to master the obstacle in your path.


"Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way round or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."

    Recently I was battling a minor illness in which I was constantly nauseous and was ready to fall asleep by 3pm. I was having to force feed myself to get any bit of nutrition in, but I was nowhere near my needed caloric number. While I felt well enough to train, I knew that because of the lack of adequate nutrient intake I did not have the capacity to recover from a high volume of intensive exercise. In a lot of similar situations, some individuals would continue with the plan, hampering their recovery from the training sessions, and most importantly from the illness itself.
    My plan however, was to play it by ear. My only goal was to at least get in my first key exercise and attempt to set a personal record (PR). After that, I went based on feel. On Monday I went in, performed my first lift (Box Squat) in which I PR'ed, and decided to call it a day. I felt I had some energy for supplemental work, but decided the energy would be better served for recovery. Wednesday, already feeling better, but not great, I hit my main lift (Bench Press) where I PR'ed again, decided I had a little more energy than before, and hit 3 sets of heavy chins and ended it there. Come Friday, feeling almost 100%, I decided to undergo the full planned session, but reduced the volume by 1 set on every lift.
     Soon after, I was fully recovered and ready to get after it again full-bore. The bottom line is, I adjusted to the situation. I didn't push through the planned workouts, and instead went for promoted recovery. In the process I was able to set 2 PR's, and recovery from the illness quickly. 
    I believe that in all aspects of life, everyone could stand to "Be like water." It allows for further growth in the face of adversity, and promotes mental and physical well-being. Now, while the case I presented about my recent experience is a rather small obstacle, it still gives an example of how to adapt your life to your surroundings. Whether it be a stressful day or week, an illness, or a plateau in your training, adjusting to the situation WILL ALWAYS be the best choice.


No Nonsense Adaptation,


Kyle Bohannon, CSCS
Owner/Head Trainer
kyle@trainstrive.com
www.trainstrive.com