Here we are getting ready to eat at this steakhouse and as soon as I sit down, the seat sinks about 12 inches.

There was something wrong with my seat. I think it was broken or something, it just didn't feel good being so low. So we asked to change places.

A couple comes in and they sit where we were sitting. The guy sits in my spot, he's all smiles. He doesn't think anything of it. He actually seems to enjoy the feel of the seat. He seems happy as can be.

It's funny how one man's junk is another man's treasure.

Which is exactly why you need variety when training. You're all different, you feel differently, your treshold for pain is different, your goals are different.

When you're strength training and especially stretching, you should be very aware of how something FEELS. You must develop body awareness.

At first, do what feels good. That might not be much when you're starting. Almost everything is gonna feel tough. You're gonna feel more pain than pleasure. But that's ok. It's part of the process.

You must first train your mind. And starting with Stretching is actually a very wise choice. By stretching you're gonna get to know yourself pretty quickly. Pay attention to your thoughts.

If there are other people in the room you might catch yourself comparing yourself to others.

Or you might quit very easily as soon as you feel some pain.

You might even start complaining about how "you can't do this" or "this is too hard for me."

The goal is to stick with it. Everything will get easier gradually. You didn't become good at eating or walking by doing it once a month, did ya? It takes repetition.

Stretching is also a good time to think of goals, to breathe, to visualize and strengthen your mind. Stretching should become something you can't live without. It's your way of naturally re-aligning yourself, to release stiffness and stress, as well as increasing flexibility.

Flexibility isn't just physical it's actually very mental. To have mental flexibility means that you BELIEVE you can touch your forehead to your knees or do a full split to the floor. You have to first visualize, then it'll manifest itself over time.

If the first thing you say to yourself when you see someone do a split is: "I'll never be able to do that" then you're right it'll never happen.

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe he can achieve.

Do you believe?

Double your flexibility now, you too can reach a level of flexibility that leaves you feeling loose and relaxed, helps avoid injuries, and makes everything you do smoother, faster and more efficient.

Aim Higher (litterally),

Sifu Martin

Labels: Body Awareness, flexibility, Stretching