Strength shows itself in many different ways.  The most obvious display of strength is physical, and it’s typically the form that gets the most attention in my profession...understandably so.  Lift more weights, do more reps, add more sets, etc. In this way, strength is easy to quantify. After all strong IS strong.

What’s not as easy to identify is the strength of character and mind that is cultivated through the act of maintaining a physical discipline. 

This strength is probably more apparent in a physical practice that has a history such as martial arts, where the development of character and spirit is also of paramount importance.  In fact, it is often the case that your skill as a martial artist is the physical manifestation of your character development. Meaning you become a better martial artist in step with becoming a better person.

Now strength training, while not rooted with the same ideals, it CAN serve you in the same way.  And it has for me.

Strength training, eating well, resting soundly, etc. all take practice. 

It is a daily practice in taking care of yourself so that you have the fortitude withstand the ups and downs of life.

It’s a practice in patience, discipline, planning, problem-solving, self-assessment, being open, skill development, etc.  Because anyone that has tried to sustain an active lifestyle, and learn about nutrition and eating well, and what really feeds your person, your soul, knows these things do not happen overnight.  They happen over faults, mishaps, and missteps. Learning from those mistakes, and having the resolve to apply what you have learned moving forward.

Getting “strong” is much more than a physical display, it’s a display of the person you want to be, and having the courage to live in that space.