The Value of Physical Mastery: Strength Training as a Path to Self Actualization
•Posted on June 29 2022
Strength Training.
Mindful Eating.
Philosophy.
Self Development.
Honest Interactions.
Real Connections.
Family.
This is my Rebellion.
Mastering our physical form is a means of strength training not just the body but strengthening your self-control, discipline, and your confidence. When you stick to your word, when you consistently do the things you commit to doing, it builds your confidence in self. It trains the mind to believe that whatever you want is within your sphere of influence.
Cee's Truth -
When I work out, if I say I'm going to do 100 pull ups, I do 100 pull ups. Even though I only said it to myself, in the confidence of my thoughts, I value my word. I value what I commit to. If I can't keep my word to myself then it means nothing.
In strength training there are many lanes you can take to achieve physical mastery. One of the best forms of strength training is Calisthenics. It is a holistic approach to working out that involves using your body weight and gravity as resistance to build strength and improve your physical fitness. It provides a balanced approach that incorporates mobility and body awareness. Through calisthenics you can:
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Master your body as a way to achieve self-control discipline, and to develop mental strength and resilience.
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Master your body as a way to achieve physical and mental balance and to create a sense of harmony and well-being.
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Master your body as a way to achieve self-actualization and to fulfill your full potential as a human being.
Some key tenets of calisthenics include:
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Using natural movements: Calisthenics exercises often involve using your body in natural, functional ways, such as pushing, pulling, bending, and twisting. This can help you improve your overall coordination.
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Improving overall physical fitness: Calisthenics exercises are designed to challenge your entire body, rather than just one muscle group. You work your body out in a way that you use multiple muscle groups in conjunction. This decreases imbalances in strength and also works out smaller muscle groups and connecting tendons, increasing overall physical form.
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Adaptability: Calisthenics exercises can be modified to suit your individual fitness level and goals. You can make an exercise easier or more challenging by adjusting your body position or using additional equipment, such as bands or weights.
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Versatility: Calisthenics can be performed anywhere, with little or no equipment. This makes it an ideal form of exercise for people who travel frequently or don't have access to a gym.
Here is a sample Intermediate calisthenics work out:
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Warm up with some light cardio (e.g., jogging in place, jumping jacks) for 5-10 minutes.
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Complete 3 sets of the following exercises, resting for 30 seconds between sets:
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Decline push-ups: Place your feet on an elevated surface (e.g., a bench or step) and perform push-ups with your hands on the ground.
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Jumping squats: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms extended in front of you. Lower your body down as if you were sitting back into a chair, then push back up and jump into the air.
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Bulgarian split squats: Step back with one leg and lower your body down until your thigh is parallel to the ground. Push back up to the starting position, then repeat on the other side.
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Leg raises: Lie on your back with your hands under your butt and your legs extended out in front of you. Lift your legs up off the ground, then lower them back down.
- Complete 3 sets of the following exercises, resting for 30 seconds between sets:
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Dips: Find a pair of parallel bars or other sturdy object. Grip the bars with your hands and lower your body down until your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle, then push back up to the starting position.
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Box jumps: Stand in front of a box or other sturdy object. Lower your body down into a squat, then jump up onto the box. Step or jump back down to the starting position.
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Tricep dips: Find a bench or other sturdy object. Place your hands behind you on the bench, with your fingers facing towards your body. Lower your body down until your arms are bent at a 90-degree angle, then push back up to the starting position.
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Plank with alternating leg lifts: Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together. Lift one leg up off the ground, then lower it back down. Repeat on the other side.
- Cool down with some light stretching (e.g., forward folds, downward facing dog) for 5-10 minutes.
Here is an advanced calisthenics workout:
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Warm up with some light cardio (e.g., jogging in place, jumping jacks) for 5-10 minutes.
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Complete 3 sets of the following exercises, resting for 30 seconds between sets:
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Handstand push-ups: Start in a handstand position against a wall, with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet against the wall. Lower your body down towards the ground by bending your elbows, then push back up to the starting position.
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Pistol squats: Stand on one leg, with the other leg extended out in front of you. Lower your body down as if you were sitting back into a chair, then push back up to the starting position.
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Spiderman push-ups: Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together. Lower your body down towards the ground by bending your elbows, then bring one knee in towards the opposite elbow as you push back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
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Human flag: Find a vertical pole or other sturdy object. Grip the pole with one hand and extend your body out to the side, parallel to the ground. Engage your core and hold this position for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
- Complete 3 sets of the following exercises, resting for 30 seconds between sets:
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Muscle-ups: Grab a bar with an overhand grip, with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Pull yourself up until your chest touches the bar, then lower back down to the starting position.
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Handstand walks: Start in a handstand position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together. Walk your hands forward or backwards, keeping your body in a straight line.
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L-sit: Grab a pair of parallel bars or other sturdy object. Sit on the ground with your hands gripping the bars, then lift your legs up off the ground and extend them out in front of you. Engage your core and hold this position for 30 seconds.
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One-arm push-ups: Start in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your feet together. Lower your body down towards the ground by bending one elbow, then push back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
- Cool down with some light stretching (e.g., forward folds, downward facing dog) for 5-10 minutes.
Mastering your body is the end goal, and whatever you form of strength training you choose, the most important step is sticking with it.
Thats All I Got!
Cee