Strength

A New Perspective on an Old Word

Did you know that both your muscles and brain rely on the same chemical, L-acetylcholine? This fascinating molecule plays a crucial role in two very different yet interconnected processes. In the body, it triggers muscle contractions by stimulating nerve cells. In the brain, it supports functions like memory, learning, and critical thinking. Interestingly, learning happens while we sleep, in much the same way muscles recover after exercise. It turns out the brain and the body have more in common than we think.

In exercise science, strength goes beyond just physical power—it's about the quality of the neurological connections that link your mind to your muscles. The stronger these connections, the more potential you unlock. This is why phrases like "find your true strength" are more than just catchy slogans. They're rooted in the truth that if you don't use your abilities, they fade away. But the opposite is also true: the more you engage with your strength, the better and more refined it becomes. Like any other skill, the more you practice, the more nuanced and sophisticated your understanding grows.

For some reason, the fitness world has long separated strength training from flexibility training, but let's think about this differently. At the most basic level, muscles have one job: to pull. That’s it. If pulling requires strength, then why do we label a lack of pulling ability in a certain direction as "inflexibility"? It’s simple—flexibility is strength. They are one and the same, and should be trained in the same way. If you can do a chest fly and its opposite, the reverse fly, you possess the strength to move your shoulders in both directions. When you can’t achieve a position that should be physically accessible, it isn’t because you’re “inflexible,” but because you lack strength in that area. Without strength, you become rigid and prone to injury, which is the real opposite of being strong.

When it comes to mental strength, or what we often call "mental fortitude," the phrase “thank you for being flexible” frequently comes up in polite settings. But does that phrase really capture the essence of resilience? To me, it conjures the image of someone "bending over backwards," which we often use negatively. A word that implies both a negative and a positive doesn’t seem very strong. What if we swapped it out for strength? Imagine saying, “Thank you for being strong enough to adapt to changing plans with ease and grace.” Now that sounds empowering!

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” This quote perfectly illustrates strength without even using the word. If we did use it, the phrase would simply read, “Nothing is stronger than water.” Because true strength implies the ability to adapt, flow, and even overwhelm obstacles when necessary.

So, how can you apply this in your life? Start by redefining strength for yourself. View your flexibility—not just in body, but in mind—as a form of power. The next time you stretch, don’t think of it as just increasing your range of motion. Think of it as expanding your strength. When life throws you a curveball, don’t just “bend” to accommodate—embrace the opportunity to grow stronger. Every time you practice resilience, both physically and mentally, you’re strengthening your ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Strength isn’t about being rigid or unyielding; it's about being powerful enough to adapt, to move in any direction, and to rise above. It's time to unlock your true potential by training your body and mind in unison. Remember, the more you embrace your strength, the more it will transform every aspect of your life.