Get Into Your Comfort Zone Before Stepping Out Of It

Most of the people I help are disciplined with their workouts and aware that they have to work out to get stronger, stretch to become more flexible. They are not lazy, nor shy to do the work. A common "side effect" of that discipline is that they go beyond their comfort zone. Of course, we've heard it said a million times, that the magic happens outside our comfort zone. That's true, but in order to know where my comfort zone ends, I need to know how big that duvet around me is.

The truth is most people don't know. And they push themselves so hard, that they are basically NEVER IN their comfort zone. Which is where the body - with the help of our nervous system - is happy to adapt new patterns of movement. It’s where we’re in control. Outside of the comfort zone, the body is struggling. But too much struggle over an extended period of time is unhealthy. Injury is bound to happen. Because of the loss of control.

Next time you work out, ask yourself: Am I in control of this movement? Could I change direction anytime? Am I using momentum to lift, throw, pull? Or am I using strength instead?

A good test for control is to slow the movement down. The slower you move, the more control you need to have. I bet your muscles will get tired much sooner. You need fewer repetitions to feel the burn. Because you're actually recruiting more muscles.

We're not going to call you lazy, we'll call you smart.

Try it and let me know how it goes in the comment section!