Strength Is Not About Ego, It’s About Survival!
I have served in the US Army for almost 19 years as an Infantryman. I have served in airborne, air assault and Stryker units as well as a Drill Sergeant. During this time, I have seen the skinny runner constantly praised due to being able to blow away an APFT. This test consists of two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit ups and a two-mile run conducted as fast as one can in shorts and a t-shirt. I myself have never been a “runner”, I pass the run in under 15 minutes, but I by no means am a speedster. The amazing difference between myself and the skinny runners is this, longevity. I’m still serving and am relatively healthy (I am 40 years old, there are some aches), I have lasted. Those skinny runners break down due to a lack of strength training and the lack of “body armor”. When I say body armor, this isn’t show muscle, do not picture a body builder or model but don’t picture “dad bod” either. The body I’m talking about lies somewhere in between. This body can move weight in the weight room, run distance at a decent speed and move weight a long distance. In other words, a trained body. Trained for the worst possible scenario and trained to last.
Studies on the benefits of strength training have shown that one’s body improves in more than just appearance. The body burns fat more efficiently when an external load is placed on it, blood sugars are balanced, balance is improved, the risk of injury decreases, and heart health improves. The obvious benefit is that one becomes stronger and more capable of either defending or saving others around them in dangerous situations. The greatest benefit of strength training is often invisible, self-confidence. The more physical strength one gains, the more confident one becomes.
My goal is to help my clients become stronger of course. but also more confident and create a body that can last during the harshest of times. My body has taken a beating over the years spent in the Army, but I can honestly say that through the favor of God and strength and conditioning, I can still outperform the majority of 20-year old’s and not be broken the next day.
If you’re a dad or a mom, don’t you want to have the strength and endurance to physically grab your family and get them quickly out of a burning house? Don’t you want to set the example of doing hard things and letting your children see that there is joy in challenges? If this is you, let us guide you in your journey in preparing for the war called life!
