For EC, 3 PAX alternated between pull-ups and KB swings, and most got in at least 75 of the former and 125 or so of the latter.
Arnold Schwarzenegger once said, “”The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion.”
This is true not simply in workouts, but in many facets of life – our relationships, our work, and most endeavors that matter. It is easy to commit, and it”s even easier to do the first few reps and get started. The hard part comes when things get complicated, when things do not go as planned, when the voices in your head start to speak of doubt and quitting, when even the rational part of your mind tries to take over to tell you, “you”ve done enough, just stop there, maybe no one will see or remember that you have stopped, maybe you have already shown up enough for this event, this relationship, or this workout.”
In reality, the only thing that matters in life is those last few reps. Can you do them even if they are not expected? Can you go the extra mile for the M even when it does not seem appreciated? It is in these dark and ephemeral spaces where growth takes place. This is when you prove what you are made of, that you are better than yesterday. This is when you prove that the people around you made the right choices to spend time or money with you. This is the only time that really matters because everyone is capable of the first few reps. Finish them all and you will go to places that most people never visit. Most people do not want to go there, because the first thing that greets you is pain and it does not leave you until you are finished. Then, only after you have finished the last few reps and then some, only then is when you realize that you have won, and then that is where the momentum kicks in – self-belief, confidence, determination, and hell, even a attitude that you”ll be damned if you don”t win again the next time you dance. It has been YHC”s experience that in the absence of extraordinary talent, intelligence, and experience, it is the courage and willingness to finish the final few reps, consistently and without complaint, time and time again, that defines success in so many things.
But if you never show up for these reps, the horrible thing is that as you get older in life there are fewer people who will call you out on it, so it is up to you. Staying in one place is easy, and many folks are just fine with you staying where you are while they go someplace better. So we should all think about what we are doing, why are are doing it, where we are going and if we are doing the reps that matter. Just announcing what you are doing means nothing. In fact, you should probably just keep your mouth shut. Finish the job and teach others how you did it. Then you might be worth listening to.
Most people give up before they have a chance to better themselves, before they realize the progress they have made. And then they start over a few steps behind where they fought so hard to get to. It”s a shame. Do not give up before the fun part begins!
All this said, and for those of you who made it this far, here is what we did today and why I am reminded of the last few reps:
Standard warm-up, though most complained that it was too fast and too furious. Then we used the peanut as our course, starting with lunge walks with KBs in goblet position to the first light. Then we took a lap, and did 10 burpees.
We then walked with weights held overhead for two more lights, took another lap, and ate 15 burpees.
Then we walked 5-10 paces with weights held overhead, took 5 KB swings, and continued until we reached 50 swings. Take another lap, 20 burpees.
Then we walked 5-10 paces, devoured 5 squats with weights held overhead or in goblet position, and continued until we reached 50. Another lap. 25 burpees.
Finally, we combined lunge walks, followed by a squat, with weights held overhead or in goblet position, until we reached the light. We dropped the KBs, then did 60 WWIIs for Mary.
For CoT, we discussed the importance of marriage and how what YHC took from the conversation is that what separates good and bad marriages is those who are willing to fight through those last few tough reps. Cherish the relationship, put it on a pedestal, and invest in it time and time again without expecting anything in return. See what happens. It should not take a fabricated holiday to remind you to do something for your M. Undoubtedly, she does a lot to make your life go, to make your life better. Make sure she knows that she is appreciated.
And for heaven”s sake, finish strong.